Bath & North East Somerset Council has “paused” the proposed ending of respite care at Newton House in Twerton after the outcry that followed the announcement.
Newton House on Tanners Walk in Twerton, Bath
A cabinet member has also apologised for the “distress” caused to families.
Yesterday we reported that Bath and North East Somerset’s only short-stay respite service for adults and children with serious disabilities, severe medical needs, and those who require 24-hour care was due to be axed at the end of January because it is “unaffordable”.
Social care charity Dimensions and the council had told families that the short breaks service at Newton House in Tanners Walk would be ending due to financial difficulties and instead it would become a residential home.
The letter said they would be supported to find a suitable alternative service.
A petition started on Saturday has so far been signed by more than 1,300 people and Independent councillor for Keynsham South ward, Alan Hale, contacted cabinet members to protest at the “total lack of consideration for those service users who are already disadvantaged”.
The council’s cabinet member for adult services and public health Councillor Alison Born (Lib Dem, Widcombe & Lyncombe) has now stepped in, saying she became aware of the decision to use Newton House for residential care for people with learning disabilities, rather than respite care, at the end of last week and has since discussed the matter in detail with council officers.
She said: “It has been agreed that the closure will be paused to allow time for the needs of all current users of the service to be reviewed and for alternative services to be identified in advance of any change to the provision at Newton House.
“I have also requested an up-to-date report on our respite offer across Bath and North East Somerset and have asked that all families currently using Newton House are advised that the planned closure has been paused while this work takes place.
“Once this communication has been made, a letter will be sent to each of the families, confirming the change to the original plan and our intention that they will have access to the appropriate respite services to meet their needs.”
“The respite services offered at Newton House have been operating at approximately 60% occupancy, which led the operators to consider their best options for financial stability going forwards.
“The proposed change was intended to make the best use of this important facility and to ensure that it was meeting local needs, but I understand the lack of clarity about alternative provision for each of the existing users has created uncertainty and I am sorry about the distress caused.
“I hope this provides reassurance that we understand how vitally important respite care is and that service users and their families will be involved fully in the revised process.”
Councillor Hale said he was pleased the closure has been paused to understand the needs of service users, adding: “It is a great shame that that understanding was not sought before sending a letter to users telling them of the closure.”
