To consider a report of the Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (CWP) in relation to the redesigning of the Learning Disability Service.

The Committee considered the report and presentation of the Deputy Director of Operations, Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust providing an outline of the forthcoming consultation on the proposed changes to trustwide learning disabilities services provided by Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.

The changes were proposed as part of the NHS efficiency saving requirements, of which the Trust had to achieve over 13m of savings over the next three years. The learning disability service redesign was part of that process.

Ms McGee indicated that following the review findings and recommendations, the following options were considered.

Option 1 - Make no changes to Learning Disability Services

Option 2 - Introduce a care pathway model which promotes supporting people in the community, with access to enhanced community services and access to impatient services for those who need it

Ms McGee indicated that the CWP think option 2 was the best option to improve outcomes for service users. Proposed changes to trustwide learning disability services would go through consultation, running for three months starting Monday 14th January 2013. The public consultation would seek feedback from service users, carers, staff, foundation trust membership and partner organisations.

The public consultation on the proposed changes would take several forms. This would include an easy read paper based document and questionnaire, an online questionnaire, and a series of public meetings held locally. Invitations to these would be extended to anyone with an interest in the developments. The meetings would be hosted and attended by senior officers from the Trust who would present an overview of the proposed changes, and

would answer any arising questions and queries. 

In relation to Kent House, the report indicated that following a CQC inspection, it was reported that the environment needed to be improved and that the Kent House was the smallest commissioned Unit and was not on a hospital site with access to 24 hour emergency support if required, which meant people cannot get help quickly in an emergency. Kent House was not in a building which met the needs of all people with a learning disability.

Members indicated that this issue needed scrutinising further, possibly along side Children’s Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee and raised concerns regarding the relocation of services to Chester in relation to transport issues.

In relation to residents in some cases having to access services outside the Borough, Ms McGee indicated that Chester would be furthest place they would have to travel, although detainees under the Mental Act may need to travel further to meet their specific needs, but this was something the CWP was not planning for. In response to Members queries in relation to the use of Clatterbridge, Ms McGee indicated that use of the mental health unit was a possibility but assurances were needed that this would not result in taking up beds where needed.

The Chair indicated and suggested that due to the complexity of the proposals and concerns raised by Members, a task and finish group be arranged to discuss this further.

Resolved – That

(1)  Ms McGee be thanked for her report and presentation:

(2)  the Chair be requested to liaise with the Spokespersons to arrange a task and finish group.