By Andrew Clarke

Last updated at 13:25, Thursday, 03 May 2012

WOODLANDS care home has been thrown a lifeline.

The controversial decision to close the Distington home, which specialises in dementia care, has been challenged and will now be revisited at a special Cumbria County Council scrutiny meeting next week.

The decision was “called in” by three local county councillors – Cam Ross, Frank Morgan and Mike Hawkins – and the matter will go before the council’s Scrutiny Advisory Board for Adults.

Couns Ross, Morgan and Hawkins will fight the care home’s case at the meeting on May 11, after which the scrutiny committee can refer the matter back to the council’s decision-making Cabinet. It could, however, rule that last month’s original decision will stand and the care home will close.

A county council spokesperson said: “The meeting enables those members calling-in the decision to put forward their case. The corporate director and Cabinet member for adult social care will attend to answer questions and provide further clarification.

“Ultimately, the advisory board has two options – to refer the matter back to the Cabinet for further consideration or decide to take no further action, at which point the decision is confirmed.

“The advisory board has no power to overturn the decision and Cabinet is not obliged to take on board any recommendations that may come its way.

“If the matter does get referred back to Cabinet, its subsequent decision on the matter is final and cannot be called in again.”

The council decided to close Woodlands because “the building is dated and there are a number of alternative services already available that support people with high-level needs”.

After the closure decision, William Gray, chair of Woodlands Care and Support Group, said: “Cumbria County Council has ditched Woodlands. For the people who live there and their families, and for those who work there, the decision is a disgrace and we will carry on the fight.”

The lifeline for Woodlands has been welcomed by John Bowman, a Distington borough and parish councillor.

“My view is quite simple – Woodlands should not be closed,” said Coun Bowman.

“I have spent time talking to staff and the families of residents and it’s an excuse to say that the home is not adequate. The care residents receive at Woodlands is second to none.

“The county council is putting a lot of emphasis on the alternative care homes that are available if Woodlands goes, but where are they?”

Woodlands has 19 residents (out of a 40 maximum) and 47 staff on permanent hours plus 23 providing relief hours to cover as required. This equates to around 29 full-time equivalents.

First published at 11:10, Thursday, 03 May 2012
Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk