Issue - meetings

To consider a report on the proposed closure of Riseley Street Respite Service.

Background information on this issue was provided to the committee by Mike O’Regan and Fiona Field. It was explained that a level 2 consultation had been carried out in November, in which some issues have been raised with regards to the Respite Centre in Winsford, which had been flooded.

Currently there was a proposal to close the facility at Primrose Avenue. The proposal was made as the three sites that were operating were running at around 40-45% occupancy. After consultation with legal advisors the decision was made to have a further 4 week consultation on the proposed closures at both Riseley Street and Primrose Avenue.

A change of wording in the report was noted by committee as it should have read; “discussed” rather than “accepted in principle” on page 12 of the Agenda. 

The committee was asked to note the reasons for the further consultation on the proposals, which once completed will be taken back to the CECPCT Board for consideration.

After consideration of the issues, the following points were raised:

      Whether Cheshire West and Chester Council had commented on the proposals, given that service users from their area were also affected. It was understood that the relevant Overview and Scrutiny Committee would consider the issues at a meeting in the next week.

      It was explained that work was being carried out to ensure the best possible outcome and that there would be the capacity within the system for everyone who currently requires care, however the level of future referrals was expected to be low.

      Primrose Avenue is viewed as not being fit for purpose and would have been closed as originally planned if it were not kept open as a necessity due to the flood at Crook Lane that prevented its closure.

RESOLVED: That the Report be received and the position with regard to further consultations noted.