Respite Unit could be closed down

A respite unit for patients with learning disabilities could be closed down, as costs escalate and user numbers dwindle.

A report before a health committee this week argues Oak House, Shrewsbury, would cost £400,000 to refurbish and £350,000 a year to run.

If the Mytton Oak Road facility is closed, the author adds, “the released funds would be reinvested in community services to provide an intensive physical health outreach team.”

In her report, Telford and Wrekin CCG learning disability head Frances Sutherland writes: “Oak House provides respite for 18 people with profound and multiple learning disabilities across both Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin.

“No new patients have accessed respite at this unit for at least six years. The local authorities have offered local alternative provision for any recent applications.

“The cost per patient in this unit is £58,000 per year.”

A Care Quality Commission report from 2014 – when Oak House was run by the South Staffordshire and Shropshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust – said: “The premises were suitable though a little dated in terms of room sizes and availability of en suite facilities.”

Ms Sutherland’s report says its condition has deteriorated since.

“The unit has been in place for many years and would require significant refurbishment if it were to be used in the future,” she writes.

“One of the two bathrooms has now been condemned and, therefore, the unit is functioning with one bedroom.

“If the service remains in-situ, the building will require extensive refurbishment to meet modern standards.”

She adds that leaving it in use would require a £400,000 refit and £250,000 annually for staff salaries and £100,000 for rent.

“This service is not equitable as only a small cohort has access to it.

“This option would not increase the numbers of staff supporting more individuals in the community.”

Ms Frances’ report describes a review of learning disability services that Telford and Wrekin and Shropshire Clinical Commissioning Groups carried out.

Surveys and open days were held during February, April and June last year.

The commissioners found users wanted, among other things, clear and easily-accessible information about support, flexibility and continuity of staff.

Her report states people with learning disabilities take up the annual GP health checks they are entitled to at a relatively low rate: 42% in Telford and Wrekin and 36% in Shropshire.

The Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee – which consists of councillors from the Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin boroughs – will consider Ms Sutherland’s report when it meets at Shirehall, Shrewsbury, on Monday, December 3.