Meeting documents

Consultation meeting with staff at Woodside - 21 November 2003

Present: David Smallacombe, Yvonne Case, Ainslie Saunders

Staff members: Sue Cook, Una Davis-Dixon, Rita Hampton, Helen Boyton, Jean Moggridge, Ketrine Cooper and Ann Twidale

David Smallacombe explained that the purpose of the meeting was to start a consultation process regarding the possible closure of Woodside and Tyndale. Although this had not been the original plan there had been significant changes since then; vacancy levels for residents in the homes were high, and there had been excessive use of agency staff. These had combined to make a considerable overspend of the budget, and it was anticipated that this would worsen in future years without some action being taken.

He explained that the Executive Committee of the Council required information regarding the needs of residents and staff in order to make a decision. Staff would be consulted regarding their wishes should closure go ahead, and residents would be given full assessments in order to determine their needs. When this process was completed, a report would be made to the Executive so that they could decide on future action.

David Smallacombe asked if there were any questions. One member of staff said they were too shocked to ask anything. The only question that was asked by staff was what would happen to the residents.