Decision details

Proposed decision: Subject to the outcome of consultation, to agree that the County Council:

1.      Identify and work with suitable partners to develop alternative services on the Isle of Sheppey

2.      Transfer residents to alternative provision

3.      Close Blackburn Lodge

The proposed decision relates to Corporate Objectives and there are a number of strategies and frameworks that need to be considered:

·         Increasing Opportunities, Improving Outcomes: Kent County Council’s Strategic Statement 2015 – 2020

·         The Care Act 2014

·         KCC Adult Social Care Transformation Programme

·         Facing the Challenge: Delivering Better Outcomes

·         The Kent Accommodation Strategy which is the over-riding Market Position Statement for Kent

Financial Implications:

The associated costs and financial implications of the proposal to re-provide services from Blackburn Lodge into new services will need to be fully worked up.  It is not yet known how the market will formally respond. There will need to be a continued maintenance programme to meet health and safety requirements while the home is open and continued operational budgets to support the running of the home.

Legal Implications:

The County Council has a statutory responsibility to accommodate people assessed as requiring residential care services. There is a duty to make sure that all care home provision in which the Council places residents is safeguarding individuals and that effective contract management is in place.

Equality Implications:

An Equalities Impact Assessment has been completed for the overall project. Individual EqIAs will be completed to accompany the recommendation report and proposed decision.

The matter is referred to in the Directorate Business Plan/Medium Term Capital Programme.

As Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health, I agree to:-

    a) work with the market to develop alternative services with a final outcome of closure of the registered care home, Blackburn Lodge, Sheerness, once alternative provision is provided on the Isle of Sheppey; and

    b) delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Social Care, Health and Wellbeing, or other nominated officer, to undertake the necessary actions to implement the decision.