Issue - meetings

Report for Decision

ORDERED the Executive:

1.    Approve the provision of health respite services at Levick Court, subject to the closure of the Most Suitable Provider (MSP) process being conducted by the Integrated Care Board (ICB).

2.    Approve the revised fees and charges schedule for Adult Social Care, as outlined in Appendix one of the report.

The Executive Member for Adult Social Care submitted a report for Executive’s consideration. The purpose of the report sought Executive approval to reprofile Levick Court that would ensure that a high-quality respite/short breaks service would be provided for residents and would ensure sustainability within the workplace.

In 2010, discussions began with the Tees, Esk and Wear Valley Mental Health Trust (TEWV) and the Levick Trust regarding the relocation of existing respite services from the Council’s provision at 4 St. Paul’s Road and TEWV’s Bankfields Court, Eston, to a new site of the former Levick House Care Home on land owned by the Levick Trust.

Construction commenced in 2011 to develop a 16-bed respite unit for adults aged 18 - 64, alongside 20 Older Person’s Housing apartments. These apartments, intended to replace the previous care home on the site, were designed to meet the housing needs of older people in Middlesbrough. North Star Housing took on responsibility for managing the apartments as well as the building’s repairs and maintenance.

However, in 2012, as the site neared completion, TEWV withdrew from the project, citing concerns about the ongoing revenue funding required to operate their element of the service. Their withdrawal also resulted in the loss of a £500,000 capital contribution, even though the building had been designed to meet clinical standards in line with their requirements. Following TEWV’s withdrawal, the Council proceeded to move its respite service from St. Paul’s Road and repurposed the remaining capacity at Levick Court to provide residential care. This facilitated the relocation of permanent residents from St. Paul’s Road, and the service opened later in 2012.

Levick Court, operated directly by Middlesbrough Council, offered both residential and respite facilities for adults with learning disabilities aged 18 to 65. Historically the unit comprised of eight residential and eight respite beds. It had been operational for over a decade. During that time, the age profile of residents had increased, with the average age being around 60 years and some residents nearing 65. The facility was originally developed for a younger, working-age group, with a staffing model based on residents spending much of the day accessing community services. Staffing was therefore modelled on staff presence in mornings and evenings. As such the staffing model had not been able to accommodate individuals with increased daytime needs.

Respite care was vital for adults with learning disabilities and their families. It provided essential breaks, reduced carer stress, and improved the wellbeing of both carers and those receiving care. Respite services could help maintain family relationships, promote independence, and reduced the likelihood of long-term or permanent care placements.

However, demand for the service had declined in recent years, and the unit currently operated at around 37% occupancy. In some cases, Continuing Health Care (CHC) funding had supported the service to sustain capacity for individuals with complex needs, ensuring that appropriate placements remained available when required.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the service was temporarily closed, leading to a loss of income from both user contributions  ...  view the full minutes text for item 47