Issue - meetings

This report provides Members with the results of the consultation undertaken with the residents, relatives and staff of Willow House residential care home to explore the option to close the home with current residents moving to alternative accommodation.

Resolved:  That the Executive agree to:

(i)           Note that the Older Persons’ Accommodation Programme aimed to address the needs and aspirations of older people who required accommodation and care, both now and in the future, equipping York to meet their needs by delivering new Extra Care accommodation and good quality residential and nursing provision which met modern day standards.

(ii)          Note the outcome of the consultation undertaken with residents, family, carers and staff of Willow House to explore the option to close the home with current residents moving to alternative accommodation.

(iii)        Close Willow House residential care home and, require that residents’ moves to their new homes were carefully planned and managed in line with the Moving Homes Safely protocol.

(iv)        Sell the Willow House site and adjacent land, in total 3,092 m2, in order to generate a capital receipt to support the wider Older Persons’ Accommodation Programme.

Reason:     In order to increase the supply of good quality accommodation with care for independent living together with new residential and nursing home provision to address the changing needs and aspirations amongst York’s older population and ensuring that more could choose to live independently at home.

Consideration was given to a report which provided the Executive with the results of consultation undertaken with residents, relatives and staff of Willow House residential care home to explore the options to close the home, with current residents moving to alternative accommodation.

Members noted the criteria used in selecting Willow House for potential closure. It was also noted that the same approach to consultation had been undertaken as had been followed for other homes using ‘Moving Home Safely’ protocol.

Officers confirmed that consultation had also been undertaken with users of a learning disability ‘drop in’ resource and their carers who would also be relocated if approval were granted. In answer to earlier speakers comments Officers also confirmed that the area of land adjacent to Walmgate Bar was in the ownership of the local authority and part of the Willow House site.

Members expressed their support for the level of consultation  undertaken and improved provision for residents and staff.

Resolved:  That the Executive agree to:

(i)           Note that the Older Persons’ Accommodation Programme aimed to address the needs and aspirations of older people who required accommodation and care, both now and in the future, equipping York to meet their needs by delivering new Extra Care accommodation and good quality residential and nursing provision which met modern day standards.

(ii)          Note the outcome of the consultation undertaken with residents, family, carers and staff of Willow House to explore the option to close the home with current residents moving to alternative accommodation.

(iii)        Close Willow House residential care home and, require that residents’ moves to their new homes were carefully planned and managed in line with the Moving Homes Safely protocol.

(iv)        Sell the Willow House site and adjacent land, in total 3,092 m2, in order to generate a capital receipt to support the wider Older Persons’ Accommodation Programme. ^1.

Reason:     In order to increase the supply of good quality accommodation with care for independent living together with new residential and nursing home provision to address the changing needs and aspirations amongst York’s older population and ensuring that more could choose to live independently at home.