A decision to close a north Cumbrian care home has been upheld by Cumberland Council’s watchdog.
The authority’s executive met last month and agreed to shut Moot Lodge in Brampton because it was no longer fit for purpose.
The executive said that the home, in Market Place, had a reduced occupancy and a limited capacity to meet diverse and evolving needs of residents as well limitations relating to facilities on multiple levels and access to safe outside space which could not be resolved through capital investment.
However, a public consultation saw almost 90% of residents in favour of keeping the facility open.
The executive’s decision was called in for scrutiny by councillors Mike Mitchelson (Brampton, Conservative), Helen Davison (Belah, Green Party), Mike Johnson (Thursby, Conservative), Andy Pratt (Millom Without, Conservative), Geoff Mitchell (Wetheral, Conservative), Roger Dobson (Corby and Hayton, Lib Dems), and John Mallinson (Houghton and Irthington, Conservative).
Cumberland Council’s overview and scrutiny committee meeting took place today, August 14, at the Civic Centre in Carlisle and was attended by a number of members of the public, including Brampton residents.
The committee has recommended that the executive develop a plan for future care provision in Brampton for older adults, to be provided by Cumberland Council.
This recommendation will be discussed by the executive at their next meeting, due to take place on September 17.
The authority said: “Cumberland Council recognises the importance of family on individual care and wellbeing. Each Moot Lodge resident and their family will have individual considerations in place to support their preferences. These will meet their care and support needs as well as enhance their overall wellbeing.
“The executive is committed to ensuring a smooth transition for all residents affected by this decision. Cumberland Council understands the concerns raised during the consultation and is dedicated to considering these factors carefully to prioritise the wellbeing and quality of life for all Brampton residents.”
Cllr Lisa Brown, Cumberland Council executive member for adults and community health, said: “The overview and scrutiny committee has chosen to uphold the decision to close Moot Lodge Care Home.
“Despite this being a very difficult decision, we believe that closing Moot Lodge Care Home remains in the best interest of the residents and their families to continue to meet ongoing and evolving needs.
“We would like to emphasise that the high quality of the care offered at Moot Lodge has never been called into question. The limitations of the building prevent us from meeting the evolving needs of existing and future residents.
“The priority for Cumberland Council now is to ensure that every resident affected by the closure of Moot Lodge will receive the support and care they need during this transition.
“We want to provide environments that enhance the quality of life, dignity, and independence of our residents, and we are keen to work with the residents of Brampton to ensure the community have care facilities that fulfil these outcomes.
“We are committed to also ensuring that our staff are supported and their needs and preferences for alternative employment within the organisation are heard.”
