Sheffield Local Involvement Network

Sheffield LINk is opposed to NHS Sheffield's plans to withdraw ‘top-up’ funding to Birch Avenue and Woodland View care homes for people with dementia, which would almost definitely lead to their being forced to close. Its formal response was sent to NHS Sheffield  before the closing date of the consultation on May 22.

Over the last months, the LINk has investigated this issue thoroughly. Authorised representatives visited both homes to review the services provided and talk to relatives and staff. Other LINk members have had observer status at the board meetings of NHS Sheffield and the Council’s Health Overview and Scrutiny Board when this has been discussed. LINk has also issued a ‘request for information’ to NHS Sheffield to clarify a number of areas and the issue has been discussed by several LINk committees.

In its response, LINk “commends both the ‘Save My Home’ campaign and NHS Sheffield for the respectful and mature way in which public discussions have been conducted on this very emotive and controversial issue”. Overall, however, Sheffield LINk opposes the proposal for a number of reasons:

1. It is not convinced that the stated savings of £2.8 million per year will be achieved and that the cost per resident has been robustly compared to that of similar residents in other homes. 
2. The lack of alternative places within the city is a very significant factor both now and in the future. Sheffield will need more places providing high-quality care for those with dementia in the future and closing these homes will be a big loss.
3. In LINk’s view, the analysis of potential alternative services was not reliable. Instead it suggests holding a comprehensive review of how the role of these homes could be expanded within the context of the overall care for dementia sufferers. This could include maximising the asset of qualified and experienced NHS staff perhaps for sharing best-practice with other care home staff; as assessment centres for those presenting with severe dementia or for short-term respite care for those with dementia.