Sheffield Local Involvement Network

Yesterday, Sheffield LINk issued a formal 'request for information' to NHS Sheffield about its proposal to withdrawal its current 'top-up' funding arrangements to the Birch Avenue and Woodland View care homes that provide long term care for people with dementia. The removal of this funding would almost definitely lead to the closure of these homes.

The request for information, which must be answered within 20 working days, asks 12 questions including where some of NHS Sheffield's financial statements come from, a breakdown of where the current residents were before coming to the homes and how many are self funders.

As part of the preparation for this request, authorised representatives of the LINk carried out an 'enter and view' visit to Birch Avenue to talk to residents and staff about the likely impact of closure on the residents.

NHS Sheffield is holding a four-month consultation on this which is due to end on 22 May 2011, click here for more information or to take part in the consultation. The consultation asks for views on the arguments for and against the withdrawal of the extra funding NHS Sheffield provides, and if funding were to be withdrawn, on the steps  that should be taken to ensure the safety, health and well being of the residents.

Sheffield LINk currently has an Action Group looking into the quality of care for older people in care homes and would be interested in hearing from you if you have examples of good or bad care in Sheffield homes. Please contact us to share a story or add it on our Have Your Say page.