Healthwatch Redbridge raises concerns at the decision to withdraw funding for CCG-funded patients at Meadow Court

A number of members of the public attended the meeting and made their feelings known, with many stating their concerns that the CCG were not listening to the concerns of residents’ families.

Cathy Turland, Healthwatch Redbridge (HWR) Chief Executive Officer, challenged a number of proposals stating:

• HWR were concerned that the Nursing Home was not on the approved provider list within the borough and therefore would not be an option for families seeking places for their loved ones
• Care UK have stated the home will not be viable if the contract is withdrawn; HWR is therefore concerned that there will be an additional impact on other patients living in the home. There are already concerns that there are not enough specialist beds locally for those that require them.
• Equality impact assessments appear to show there will be little impact on moving frail elderly people who are profoundly confused and the CCG appears to dismiss the levels of concern relatives have shared with HWR and other local organisations (One Place East, Age UK and Redbridge Carers Support Service).
• Although it was agreed that Meadow Court had ‘better staffing ratios’, no direct comparison had been made to other homes and therefore HWR were concerned this may lead to additional safety concerns for patients and their relatives.

HWR was also concerned that the level of consultation responses did not reflect the level of concern raised through local organisations Cathy Turland said:

‘Whilst we understand the need to ensure public money is spent wisely, we consider that this is a financial decision and are concerned for the wellbeing of patients.  We urge the CCG to ensure appropriate support systems are in place and are effective’.

We will continue to monitor the situation and would encourage relatives to contact us for support.’

FURTHER INFORMATION:

• Redbridge Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) commissions 48 beds from Care UK at Meadow Court nursing home under a block contract arrangement and the current contract value is £2,993,192 per annum. The beds have historically been used for NHS continuing healthcare (CHC) patients with dementia and those with physical disabilities.
• At the time the consultation launched, only 14 of the 48 beds commissioned by the CCG were occupied, meaning the CCG has been paying for 34 empty beds under the block contract.
• The governing body unanimously approved the recommendation to stop funding the beds and to move the remaining patients to other facilities.