A Report by the Head of Commissioning for Learning Disabilities and Autism, Wirral Health and Care Commissioning (WHCC) advised how Thorn Heys is a health service provided by Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (CWP) for short breaks for adults with a learning disability.

The report informed Members how the model of care was established over 20 years ago and how due consideration was required to ensue that people’s needs continue to be appropriately met. It was explained how the service is currently commissioned by NHS Wirral Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), funding is part of a block contract with CWP. Members were then advised how the service is located on a site known as ‘ Ashton House’, located in Oxton Ward and owned and managed by CWP. The report provided an update on work to date including details of the consultation process that would begin in June 2022.

The report was presented by Simon Banks, Chief Officer, NHS Wirral CCG and Wirral Health and Care Commissioning (WHCC) who advised how during the last few years the WHCC, CCG and Wirral Local Authority had seen a reduction in the number of people and their families accessing the short breaks provision at Thorn Heys. He further advised how the service had been temporarily closed for an extended period during the Covid-19 pandemic where families were supported with alternative arrangements as required.

Members heard how Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (CWP) had undertaken a joint needs assessment of the 13 families who use the service and the assessments resulted in the following outcomes:

 · The majority of users of the existing short break service at CWP could access appropriate care and support through other existing social care provision (10 out of 13 families).

· There remain 3 individuals who would need oversight of, or interventions, by a trained nurse during the course of short break provision. These needs could be met by another short break service provided by another health care provider, subject to assessment of need and discussion with families.

The Chief Officer, NHS Wirral CCG and WHCC summarised how the needs of the 13 families could be met as follows:

· Service with a qualified nurse on site by another health care provider – 3 families

· Adult Social Care Short Break Service – provided by individually commissioned complex care respite services with the independent sector from a community care framework– 4 families

· Adult Social Care Short Break Service – Provided by commissioned adult disability short break services at Tollemache Road, Birkenhead. – 6 families.

In response to questions raised by Members the Chief Officer advised how it was currently unknown as to whether there would be a transferred cost to either parents or the service user and outcomes of the consultation will firstly be considered. Furthermore, Members were then advised how means testing is a local authority policy, NHS services are free from the start of delivery, it would depend on the outcomes of the consultation how this service  ...  view the full minutes text for item 41