Proposal to keep open three council-run care centres
In a boost for service users and their families, Birmingham's three council-run care centres will remain open, if recommendations to cabinet are approved next week.
Following a detailed three-month consultation earlier this year, cabinet will be asked to approve the recommendation to continue providing residential and respite care at the Kenrick centre, while the Ann Marie Howes and Perry Tree centres will offer integrated and intermediate care. The latter would support improved hospital discharge and enable people to regain their independence before going home.
The proposals will support delivery of the Government's recently announced NHS Plan For Change and NHS England's national vision for delivering health and social care services closer to communities.
Cllr Mariam Khan, Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care, said: “We have listened and responded to people’s concerns and looked at how we can best support people in both residential care and those regaining independence at home.
“This is great news for residents and for our staff who do such a great job looking after those that need support and I’m really please this revised proposal, if approved, will see all three centres remain open. It shows what is possible when we work alongside our health partners to really integrate health and social care for the benefit of our residents. Well done to everyone who worked hard on this solution.
“I know this proposal will mean changes for those living at Ann Marie Howes and Perry Tree, but no changes would be made to residents’ care until appropriate alternatives are found.”
If agreed, residents currently living long-term at Ann Marie Howes and Perry Tree centres would relocate from their existing care homes to either the Kenrick centre or other independent sector care homes, based on individual and or family choice.
The report will go to cabinet on 9 September.
