Issue - meetings

Background:

This report provided details on the outcome of discussions with Medway Community Healthcare (MCH), which had indicated an expression of interest in the service, as reported to Cabinet on 14 February 2012. Officers had subsequently met with MCH senior managers to explore their expression of interest which had resulted in a proposal as outlined in the report.

The proposal was for co-production, engaging service users, carers, staff and other stakeholders, particularly the voluntary sector, to create a community resource centre offering health and social care services and support to adults with physical disabilities. MCH currently provided a health care service at the Walter Brice Centre and Medway Council provided the social care service at the Balfour Day Centre. Under this proposal the provisions would be developed together to create a sustainable service and enhanced offer to service users and carers.  The proposal had been shared with service users, carers and staff and the initial response had been very positive.

Reasons:

To ensure compliance with employment legislation and Council HR policy; and to gain the constructive engagement and participation of staff in creating the future service provision.

To ensure that MCH and Medway Council have a shared understanding of the expectations and arrangements for use of the building and to protect the council’s interests.