We have been talking to the families that this will affect and we are working closely with the North East North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB), the organisation that commissions this service.
Why do things need to change?
We appreciate that change can feel worrying. However, this is an opportunity to bring about necessary change and improvements to respite services.
The changes are about quality of care and making sure we have the right facilities to care for patients. Families who use the service told us overwhelmingly that they were happy with the care their loved ones received. However, we know that the buildings are old and are not working as we need them to anymore. For example, the rooms are not big enough to comfortably use equipment such as hoists and some wheelchairs which makes it difficult for staff to do their job properly. We also need more bathroom facilities and handwashing areas to maintain high standards of infection prevention and control.
It’s also important that we consider that there will be more families in the future who would benefit from respite care and our current buildings limit us on how many patients we can care for.
What will happen?
To make the necessary changes we gave notice to the ICB in September 2024, which will allow us to work with them, as commissioners, to start looking at the best option for future respite care.
Will the service stay open?
Respite care will continue for families however the way it is delivered will change. The ICB are keen to ensure that families, carers and partners are involved in making the necessary improvements to this important service. They will make sure families voices are heard and that feedback is used to inform any decisions made about the future of the service.
Will families still get the same number of days? Will there be a gap if a new service hasn’t been commissioned in the next 12 months?
Our trust is committed to providing respite care until the new service is up and running, even if this is longer than the 12 month notice period, as long as it’s safe to do so.
Is there any change to funding for the service?
No. There will be the same amount of money to deliver this service.
Where will respite care be delivered?
We do not know where respite care will be based in the future but it will not be from either Bankfields Court or Aysgarth. The ICB will look at this as part of the process to commission the service. They would like to work closely with families to understand what you need.
Will it be NHS staff caring for patients?
Families said it was important that the right people cared for their loved ones. They needed to be employed by the NHS with the right clinical skills. The ICB heard this too and will use it to inform what happens next to respite care.
Are parents going to have to pay for their own respite?
No, NHS commissioned services, like this will continue to be free at the point of access – just like respite care is now for families.
How can I be involved?
Families and carers of the people who are cared for by this service, colleagues and partners will all be involved in conversations with the ICB about improvements to this important service.
Updated 16 October 2024
