Decision details

(i)  To consider the responses received during a public consultation into the future of Woodside Lodge conducted between 24 July and 23 October 2014, outlined in Appendix 1.

(ii)  To close Woodside Lodge when all of its current residents have been supported to move to suitable alternative care settings.

(iii)  To note that the needs of current residents will be thoroughly reviewed prior to and following their moves to ensure that these needs continue to be met and to minimise any impact on their wellbeing.

(iv)  If the proposals are agreed to undertake a 45 day consultation with affected staff with a view to minimising or avoiding compulsory redundancies.

(v)  To note that a full appraisal of the buildings and site will be commissioned to inform options for their future use or disposal.

(vi)  To delegate authority to the Director, People following consultation with the Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care to do anything necessary to give effect to the proposals in this report.

1.  The Council would like to develop a wider range of options for supporting individuals with dementia, such as supported living and extra care housing, instead of directly providing residential care itself.

2.  For individuals with dementia who require residential care to meet their needs, this can be provided more cost effectively for the same quality in care homes provided by private and third sector providers.

3.  There is sufficient alternative provision of residential care of the required type and quality in Southampton to meet current and forecast demands.

4.  With tailored one to one support, it is considered that Woodside Lodge’s 13 permanent residents can be safely moved to suitable alternative care settings without detriment to their long-term health and wellbeing.

5.  The statutory requirement to consult with residents, their families and other stakeholders has been fulfilled and, although the overwhelming response from families was to keep Woodside Lodge open, their comments have helped to ensure that all relevant factors have been taken into consideration.

6.  It is now necessary and appropriate to consult with staff with a view to minimising or avoiding compulsory redundancies and to carry out an appraisal of the buildings and site to inform a decision about their future use or disposal.

1.  The alternative option of keeping Woodside Lodge open was considered and rejected for the reasons set out above. The council held two meetings for its partners, including care providers and the voluntary sector, and has received no expressions of interest from these or anyone else to take over the running of Woodside Lodge.