Minutes:
Alex Slade, head of disability and independent services, in the children and adult and social care department of the council. Alex talked about developing a rehabilitation service for people with learning disabilities at 46 Half Moon Lane, SE24.
Why is the council developing this service?
Alex explained that a BBC programme on Panorama which exposed the shocking abuse, (physical, emotional and mental) that took place in an assessment and treatment hospital for people with learning disabilities. This was called the Winterbourne View and eleven members of staff at Winterbourne were given lengthy prison sentences as a result.
Alex advised that although no Southwark residents were living at winterbourne view at the time, there were implications for Southwark residents. The government held an extensive national enquiry into the care of people with learning disabilities and those with autism that were placed at assessment and treatment hospitals. It published a formal response called transforming care in 2012.
The transforming care report set out a number of key elements for national care providers in order to ensure that Southwark residents with learning and disabilities and autism should only be placed in an assessment treatment centre unless it was absolutely necessary and was the best option for them.
Alex mentioned that the key issues was to make sure that Southwark residents with learning disabilities and autism are not placed in treatment or assessment centres for long periods in order to help them live in a non restrictive environment. The disability and independent services work closely with the clinical commissioning group and Guy’s and St Thomas’ hospitals and South London Maudsley hospital which makes it a multi agency approach.
This had been considered a high profile initiative that was monitored closely by NHS England and the joint improvement board which reports to the Minister of State for care and support.
Local response and initiatives
The council has developed an innovative local service which consists of psychological, speech and language therapy and occupational therapy. Working together in a model for positive behaviour support which had been success for the support it provided local residents that moved from a restrictive setting like the assessment and treatment units back into the local community. The key is for them to be part of their community particularly as Herne Hill has a community environment which would help this social integration.
The property at 46 Half Moon Lane is owned by the council which was previously used as a day centre for older people and for office accommodation that was used by the health and social care staff. After refurbishment it would house up to 10 residents. The residents referred to have a learning disability or autism and some had mental health problems. The area was considered ideal because the property was close to local shops, leisure facilities, with open spaces and had good transport links. The project would promote the local green policy – walking, cycling, and public transport which should minimise car park spaces. Some of the vulnerable adults were already involved in this kind of setting elsewhere - outside the borough.
The proposal is the residents at 46 Half Moon Lane would be supported by highly trained staff at home and when they are out. The rehabilitation service would work in partnership with optimum care that would help develop this service. The rehabilitation service hosted a number of community conversations with local residents in the area that were held on the days: 15 April, 18 April and 25 April 2015. Leaflets which publicised the dates were distributed to residents.
Alex said they welcomed people’s views and recommendations regarding the development. Links to their website and information on frequent asked questions were available at the meeting. The representatives said they welcomed views and recommendations about this development.
Richard McKenzie, chief operating officer for optimum care spoke about the operating model and explained they were delighted to be in partnership with Southwark on this project. Richard said he would be present at the open days and community conversations.
The speakers said the rehabilitation centre was a stepping stone into the community it was not a permanent arrangement for those adults living at the centre.