Issue - meetings

(Report of the Chair of Overview & Scrutiny Committee)  To consider and comment on proposals by Haringey Learning Disabilities Partnership.

The Committee received a report that set out proposals from the Learning Disabilities Partnership in relation to changes to the Services currently provided for adults with learning disabilities.

It was proposed that a model of enhanced support should be developed that would enable people to remain in their local community and minimise the need for hospital based provision.

The Committee was reminded that there was a statutory requirement upon the NHS to consult with the public and patients and the Overview and Scrutiny Committee on ‘substantial developments’ to Services. However, the Partnership did not consider that the proposals constituted a substantial variation and therefore the Committee did not have the right of referral, which was within its gift when a substantial variation was proposed.

The Committee was advised that the new model would provide additional services such as psychology, occupational therapy and community nursing. Five additional rehabilitation and respite services would also be provided as part of the new model.

Concern was expressed at the proposed closure of Mulberry House and it was contended that the proposals formed a substantial variation to Services.

The Committee was reminded that the closure of Mulberry House formed one element of the overall package of proposals. Given that the building did not have the appropriate facilities required it was considered that it was appropriate, as part of the overall package of proposals, to close this facility. It was noted that the new model had been driven by clinical need and the type of services delivered by Mulberry House were not found in other Boroughs.

In response to concerns raised with the future of current residents of Mulberry House, the Committee was advised that ‘Move On’ Plans were in place for each resident and their needs would be assessed on a clinical basis and addressed appropriately.

The Chair noted that there would be a separate Overview and Scrutiny meeting where the redevelopment of the St Ann’s site would be discussed. There would be an opportunity for members of the public to participate in discussion at this meeting.

The Committee discussed the proposals further and concern was raised that the Committee had not been made aware of plans to close Mulberry House prior to the meeting. The Board was advised that there had been consultation with stakeholders had taken place.

There was further discussion as to whether the proposals put forward constituted a substantial variation and there was agreement that there needed to be specific criteria in place before the Committee was presented with any further reports.

There was a general consensus that the proposals constituted a substantial variation to local health services, as specified under Section 7 of the Health and Social Care Act 2001. As such the Committee considered whether the proposals should be subject to a twelve week consultation programme.

RESOLVED:

That the proposals should be subject to a full twelve week consultation period.