Overdale Hospital - Meeting with Mr. J. Corbet - Submission - 20 September 2006

Social Affairs Sub-Panel (Overdale Review) Notes – Meeting with Mr. J. Corbet

Date: 20th September 2006 Location: Blampied Room, Morier House

Present Deputy A.E. Pryke, Chairman

Deputy R.G. Le Hérissier, Vice-Chairman Deputy S.C. Ferguson

Deputy D.W. Mezbourian

Mr. J. Corbet

In attendance Mr. W. Millow , Scrutiny Officer

1. Mr. Corbet asked what powers the Sub-Panel had given that the transfer of patients from Leoville and McKinstry Ward s was due to continue regardless of the Scrutiny Review. The Sub- Panel advised Mr. Corbet that it would consider the broad issues, including how the transfer fitted into the long-term strategy of the Department of Health and Social Services. It was noted that Scrutiny Panels were able to lodge propositions in their own right.
2. Mr. Corbet highlighted that little supporting evidence for the decision to close Leoville and McKinstry Ward s had been placed in the public domain. As a consequence, it appeared that the decision had not been given due consideration. The Sub-Panel indicated that it had not yet received documents containing the evidence to which Mr. Corbet referred. Mr. Corbet asked whether the Department of Health and Social Services had considered what it would do upon the closure of a private home (with which it had signed a contract).
3. Mr. Corbet distributed copies of his written submission to the Sub-Panel and outlined his thoughts on what he considered to be the key issues concerning this matter:

1. Long term provision of residential care to the Island's rapidly growing elderly population
2. Long term economic consequences of reliance to care places within the private sector
3. Social and economic benefits in the redevelopment of Overdale hospital's nursing care units
4. Social and financial implications resulting from the closure of respite wards at Overdale Hospital
5. Environmental restraints relating to the Overdale (Le Val André) site

During the course of the meeting, Mr. Corbet referred to his written submission (which can be found at www.statesassembly.gov.je/scrutiny/frame.asp). Mr. Corbet indicated he was happy for the submission to be put into the public domain.

4. It was noted that Mr. Corbet had received information relating to the nursing fees at Silver Springs Care Home. Mr. Corbet questioned whether the Department of Health and Social Services had sufficient funds to pay the fees necessary for the placement of patients in the private sector.
5. It was noted that Mr. Corbet had provided an estimate of the cost of building a new nursing home. It was noted that Mr. Corbet had not included the cost of equipment in this sum. Mr. Corbet advised the Sub-Panel that it would not be necessary for the Department to purchase new equipment as equipment could potentially be transferred from other buildings.
6. It was noted that there were problems with the design of the Westmount Assessment and Rehabilitation Unit in that the lifts were too small to accommodate patients on trolleys.

7. It was noted that the Minister for Health and Social Services, Senator S. Syvret, had indicated the Overdale Hospital site would not be sold. Mr. Corbet asked what use would ultimately be made of the site. Mr. Corbet considered that it would be preferable for a new nursing home to be built on the site.
8. Mr. Corbet acknowledged that the conditions on Leoville and McKinstry Ward s were unsuitable. However, he indicated that there was a high standard of care on the Ward s and that the level of care was more important than the physical environment. Mr. Corbet asked whether the same standard of care would be available in the private sector. He highlighted that private care homes might not wish to accept high dependency patients.