A further round of consultation is set be held on plans to transfer respite care services away from Westminster House in Newport.
The Isle of Wight Council’s cabinet last week decided to recommend to Full Council that the near 40-year-old Westminster House be closed and its services relocated, along with staff, to the Gouldings at Freshwater and the Adelaide in Ryde.
However in response to a number of representations received over recent days, Full Council will now be urged to agree to a further formal consultation process taking place with service users and the wider community.
There are 47 registered users of Westminster House. Full council will debate the issue at its meeting at County Hall on 22 September at 6pm.
Roger Mazillius IW Council cabinet member for adult social care, said:
“I remain firmly of the view that the service to these clients will be enhanced by moving from Westminster House – which is no longer fit for purpose – to refurbished and improved premises at the Gouldings and Adelaide.
“A further consultation period will give us the opportunity to explain these proposals and their benefits in greater detail to service users, their carers and staff. We will also use this time to listen to remaining concerns and look for ways, where possible, at how these can be addressed.
“This council has a track record of holding meaningful consultations and of taking on board sensible suggestions where we can. We look forward to positive discussions with those with an interest in improving the respite care facilities that are offered to Island residents.”
Under the proposals, the services at Westminster House would be re-located, after redecoration and improvements, to the ground floor of The Gouldings and utilise the flat at the Adelaide on a full-time basis.
The Gouldings also has outside facilities that provide opportunities to enjoy gardening and leisure activities such as barbecues. Indoors there are kitchen facilities, a small quiet room and scope to hold parties and celebrations. The Gouldings also has its own minibus, making trips out easier for service users.
The new facility at the Gouldings would be totally separate from the space used by existing clients.
The move of services from Westminster House to The Gouldings would yield savings of approximately £215,000.
Should the move take place the new facilities would have to meet the national standards required by the Care Quality Commission.
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