A Biggleswade care home rated ‘outstanding’ remains on course to close, after a public consultation process by the local authority.
The plan is for Abbotsbury Residential Home at Mead End to shut as part of a programme to modernise and improve facilities for older people locally.
A new care home nearby, operated by Quantum Care, would replace the current 32-place premises in the town.
The outcome of the consultation with residents and their families and carers, was presented to Central Bedfordshire Council’s social care, health and housing overview and scrutiny committee.
“The care homes don’t all meet the physical and environmental standards expected today, so the council is following this new approach,” explained Conservative Dunstable Central councillor Carole Hegley.
“I’m keen we don’t just rubber stamp these closures because everyone is different.
“And I’m aware that for residents living in these premises it’s their home and the prospect of a move can be very disruptive.
“So I won’t make any apology for the amount of work which has been done or the volume of report writing included in this agenda.
“We’ve closed some homes already and I would say that’s been successful.”
Not-for-profit operator Quantum Care is planning to open a new 76-bedroom care home in Biggleswade at Mantles Court.
“Quantum Care has presented us with an offer to replace the capacity at Abbotsbury,” said councillor Hegley, who’s the executive member for adult social care.
“Enough places will be provided at the local authority rate to allow current residents to move there, subject to the home meeting their care and support needs.
“This has the potential to provide the better environment we would want for our residents and is the council’s preferred option.
“The majority of responses to the consultation process were in agreement with that preference.”
Abbotsbury was given an ‘outstanding’ rating after an inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
Based on the consultation outcome, “the council recommends transferring residents to alternative accommodation and closing Abbotsbury”, according to councillor Hegley.
“I’m mindful this home has an outstanding rating, which was a high feature in some of their concerns,” she added.
“There were 36 responses, with some of those comments from residents confirming a lack of en suite facilities put their personal dignity at risk.
“That’s one of the drivers behind us considering this approach, so the lack of modern design also hampers infection control.”
Independent Biggleswade South councillor Hayley Whitaker said: “This is a care home in my ward and I’m more than satisfied with the work you’ve put in.
“It’s the best it could be for those residents.”
Conservative Ampthill councillor Paul Duckett wondered whether the staff would be willing to move from Abbotsbury to the new site.
“Will there be any fallout because that would be a real tragedy because they have those personal relations with those residents and that’s why we get the outstanding result from the CQC?” he asked.
MANOP (meeting the accommodation needs of older people) head of service Tobin Stephenson replied: “The staff will be offered the opportunity to be redeployed, should the decision be taken to close Abbotsbury.
“That would include conversations with the new provider.”
The closure decision will be considered by CBC’s executive on April 13th.
