New learning disability inpatient unit in limbo

Monday 04 December 2023

Work to create a new inpatient unit for people with complex learning disabilities has been put on hold – with the long-term plan for the facility unclear.

Deputy Karen Wilson, responding to questions from the Health and Social Services Scrutiny Panel, committed to re-providing a learning disabilities inpatient centre following the closure of Aviemore, but she was unable to confirm where this will be located.

Aviemore, a five-unit specialist accommodation facility in St Martin operated by the Special Needs Service, was previously used to house individuals "with learning disabilities who have the most complex needs and are in crisis".

The Chief Minister confirmed in February that proceeds from the sale of the site, which is currently vacant, would form a fund dedicated to improving outcomes for care-experienced Islanders.

And it was decided in 2021 that part of the over-65s mental health facility Rosewood House would be converted to replace Aviemore.

However, Deputy Wilson has now revealed that the capital project has been delayed by Health and Community Services.

Pictured: Deputy Wilson outlined the reasons for the "pause".

In a letter addressed to Deputy Rob Ward, Chair of the Health and Social Services Scrutiny Panel, Deputy Wilson wrote: "HCS postponed the Aviemore reprovision project at Rosewood House due to delays with the relocation of Beech Ward and associated environmental works to facilitate this move.

"The planned learning disability accommodation project – that was at planning submission stage – was paused until either the availability of the Rosewood House space was confirmed, or an alternative site was found."

She continued: "We are intending to re-provide the learning disability inpatient provision, but unable to confirm where this will be located at this present time."

Deputy Ward further asked if there was a delivery timeframe for new specialist accommodation to ease pressures on the service.

She responded: "HCS are currently exploring several options for different specialist accommodation within the learning disability service.

"As this includes discussions with housing providers, partner organisations and others, we are unable to provide a single clear timeframe by which this could be achieved – it is possible that some potential schemes could be achieved more quickly than others.

"Definitive timeframes will be known once we have determined the exact nature of the accommodation scheme(s) and how these are being operationalised."

The facility has experienced a spate of problems over the years.

In 2019, the home was issued with three orders by the Health and Safety Inspectorate relating to a substantial lack of written policy or procedure in protecting employees from "violent or aggressive incidents" from clients.

Finally it was acknowledged in the 2021 Government Plan that the facility itself was proving a barrier against providing "appropriate and safe care, as well as providing a safe working environment for the staff."

Pictured top: the current vacant Aviemore site.