Residential Short Breaks – consultation extended
The Residential Short Breaks consultation has been extended by a further two weeks.
The decision was taken today [26 February] by lead Cabinet Member Lin Hazell following an interim review of consultation activity.
Lin Hazell, who is Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: “You cannot rush these things. From the high level of interest shown by some parents and carers it is clear that more time would be helpful. We want to show that we are listening and make sure everyone affected by these proposals has been able to give their views. For this reason we have decided to extend the consultation period for a further two weeks.
“Although we appreciate that moving the service [if agreed] will cause a degree of disruption and anxiety to existing service users. It is important to remember that this is a countywide service and, in the long term, we will be improving and increasing the current level of service”.
The Residential Short Breaks Service is currently located at Seeley’s House in Beaconsfield and offers overnight breaks for up to eight vulnerable adults at any one time.
Lin continues: “The building in Beaconsfield has a limited life span, is not suitable for renovation and is too expensive to maintain. Whereas the building in Aylesbury is under-used and offers an affordable opportunity to improve the service. If agreed, our proposal is to move the Residential Short Breaks service to the Aylesbury Opportunities Centre site and commission a new service in partnership with health.”
The consultation will now close at midnight on 13 March. All submissions before that time will be considered. Views of services users, parents and carers are being sought on the proposed plans for the residential short breaks service. Which in summary are:
• To transfer residential short break services from the Beaconsfield site to Aylesbury
• A partial new build on the Aylesbury Opportunities Centre site (including a 12 month closure while a building takes place)
• An integrated service jointly commissioned with Buckinghamshire CCG to be based at Aylesbury Opportunities Centre.
• The reduction in day service capacity at Aylesbury Opportunities Centre
For more information, including how to give your views and FAQs go to www.buckscc.gov.uk/shortbreaksforadults