A closure threatened Spalding respite home designed to provide care for adults with specialist needs has been given a temporary reprieve.
Lincolnshire County Council wants to close Cedar House on Pinchbeck Road in Spalding as well as a similar site in North Hykeham to save £343,324 proposing instead to book them spaces elsewhere.
But the move has outraged users who have described it a ‘lifesaver’ and who worried about the suitability of the non-specialist accommodation the authority was proposing to use instead.
Today (Friday, May 8) the county council has released a statement saying it will renew the contract with the charity that operates the centres, Making Spaces, so it can listen to more views from users.
The statement entitled ‘We’re listening’ states: “Lincolnshire County Council will offer people a further opportunity to share their thoughts on the best way forward for its short breaks service.
“We recently announced proposed changes to our short breaks and emergency respite service for working-age adults with learning disabilities, autism and physical disabilities, and their families and carers.
“This would see services moved from their current location – Swallow Lodge in North Hykeham and Cedar Lodge in Spalding – and instead delivered in homes across the county that already provide residential and nursing care for working age adults.
“Following feedback from some of the people using the service, and staff from the current provider, we have now decided to carry out further public engagement before making a decision.
“We will look to extend the current contract to allow that to take place.”
Coun Steve Clegg, executive member for adult care and health, said: “The proposals that have been put forward are designed to provide a better experience for families and would offer them greater choice, flexibility and care nearer to home. I would like to stress that this is not, and has never been, about reducing access to services nor is it driven by a need to save money.
“The proposals have been developed following extensive feedback not only from those using Swallow Lodge and Cedar House, but also people who need this type of respite care but find the current set-up can’t meet their needs.
“However, it’s become clear to me that some of the people using the service don’t have confidence in the current proposals. In addition, they feel they haven’t had sufficient chance to share their views with us, and I want to address that.
“In light of this, I’ve asked officers to speak to people again before we make a decision about the best way forward. This will give everyone a further opportunity to learn more about what changes we are proposing and help shape them, so that whatever is taken forward really does best meet people’s needs.
“Once the necessary arrangements have been made, we’ll share further details on how people can take part, and we’ll ensure everyone using the service is contacted to make them aware.
“Officers will then review their proposals, taking into account that additional feedback. This will hopefully reassure people that any suggested changes have been carefully considered and will be of real benefit to those using the service.”
