Council proposes to ditch intermediate care beds

Rochdale Council's Adult Care Service is proposing to re-provide its Intermediate Care beds and decommission any surplus beds.

There currently 44 IC beds across the Rochdale Borough, which the Council jointly funds at a cost of £1,362 per bed per week. The service costs the Council's Adult Care department approximately £3.613 million a year.

The Council now says that the beds do not provide value for money and is seeking to re-commission them from the private sector. It will now consult with key stakeholders about re-providing the beds.

The Council’s director of adult care, Jim Wilson said: “As part of its efficiency programme the Council is looking to get the best possible value for the money it spends and at the same time protect and improve service standards for vulnerable people.

“Under the programme the Council has agreed to begin consultation on alternative ways of providing its intermediate care services.

“Consultation will take place over the next 90 days and discussions will begin immediately with service users, staff, residents and health partners.

“The results of the consultation will be reported back to the Council in January 2010.”

The Council has begun consultation with its Health Partners, the eight long term residents who occupy IC beds and 159 members of staff who would be affected.