Wirral Carers Association
Minutes of Meeting, 29th June 2016
Wallasey Town Hall, 10.00am
Present: Joan Stanley (JS) J Ebbs (JE) Heather Stowell-Smith (HSS)
Peter Linnane (PL) Angela Harrison (AH) Richard Harrison (RH)
Mia McLaughlin (MM) Carol Fairbrother (CF) Meriel Bolshaw (MB)
In Attendance: Karen Crampton Community Action Wirral
/ Minute /1. / Welcome & Introductions
Joan Stanley chaired the meeting and welcomed all present.
2. / Apologies
Gaynor Rowlands, Edwin Stanley, Pam Sexton, Peter Sampson, Brian Donaldson, Jenny England, Mike England
3. / Minutes of previous Meeting
Agreed as a true record.
4. / Matters Arising
5. / Guest Speaker Jayne Marshall
5.1 / Jayne Marshall – WBC Update on Girtrell Court
JM thanked WCA for their help and input into finding alternative provision for respite care, following the decision to close Girtrell Court. The choice from the 3 options put forward, is owned by Sanctuary Housing and is located in a central Birkenhead location and will be revealed once staff at Girtrell has been informed. The new premises have ample parking, pleasant gardens and will provide 8-10 beds. All rooms are ensuite and there is a bedsit for training purposes. This bedsit can also be used for respite care. Further adaptations are required including a lift. This work is expected to be completed by Oct 2016. In the meantime Girtrell Court facilities will remain open until November 2016. The new Sanctuary building will offer flexibility and a high quality service. Staff provision and the possibility of TUPE (transport undertaking personal employment) are still under discussion.
Various questions were asked by members and answered by JM. It was agreed that both patients and staff will face upheaval with the move. However Sanctuary Housing have been sympathetic and anxious to help in any way they can, and had asked for pen profiles on patients to ensure their full needs would be met.
(MB) asked how long the contract could be expected to run. (JM) replied that due to the Brexit situation EU law may now change and she was unable to say. Sanctuary has welcomed the setting up of a user group.
Joan Stanley thanked Jayne Marshall.
Philip Kelly
The members unexpectedly welcomed Philip Kelly- Independent travel trainer for Wirral Council. Phil gave members a brief over view of his role as a travel trainer. He can offer his services to accompany any person aged (14-93) with travel issues; he supports and helps the individual gain the confidence needed to undertake the journey alone. Phil offers advice to combat the ‘What if’ situation. Phil can also offer free monthly travel passes for up to 3 months to clients under his instruction.
6 / Group Business
6.1 / Peter Linanne- Timeline of visits by selected parent user group
· 10.6.16 given details of 4 proposed properties
· 13.6.16 visited Potens (not suitable) & Wirral Mind (building sold).
· 16.6.16 visited Building behind VCH Wallasey & Sanctuary Birkenhead
· 22.6.16 meeting to discuss findings and inform JM.
The Sanctuary building was deemed most suitable. With a capacity of 8-10 beds. The booking process will remain the same.
Further discussion by members followed, items included;
· Name of new Sanctuary building
· Cut backs to transport services
· Encouragement of clients to engage in activities within supported living.
· Will Girtrell Court continue for the purpose of supported living?
7. / Any Other Business
Add new member HSS to mailing list.
JS asked for suggestions for future guest speakers.
PL put forward Space Creation as a guest speaker (JS to follow up)
Date & Time of Next Meeting
Weds 27th July, 2016, 10.00am, Wallasey Town Hall
Minutes of the Wirral Carers Association –29/6/2016 Page 1 of 2