Care home closure to be reviewed amid new information

West Sussex County Council previously announced plans to shut the New Tyne care home in Worthing

The decision to close a care home for elderly people with dementia due to financial concerns will be reviewed again after new information came to light.

Last month, West Sussex County Council (WSCC) confirmed mooted plans to shut the New Tyne care home in Worthing, which is home to 12 residents.

A review had found it would cost the council significantly more to operate the home than to commission care externally. The extent of work required to bring the building up to code was also a factor.

The decision, made by cabinet member for adults services, Amanda Jupp, will be called in because certain information was not available when it was first reviewed.

A WSCC spokesperson said: "We understand this period of uncertainty is difficult for all concerned and our priority, whilst ensuring that all democratic processes are followed, is to continue to support the residents and staff impacted by this decision."

According to the council, feedback gathered during a recent period of engagement is among the new information which was not available when the decision was initially reviewed in September.

Therefore the health and adult social care scrutiny committee (HASC) will review the decision again on 21 November, at which point it will also review a petition submitted by UNISON.

The petition has gained 2,245 signatures, meaning it has successfully met the required threshold for committee consideration.

Dan Sartin, branch secretary of UNISON West Sussex, which represents the home's 35 staff, previously described the decision as a "massive kick in the teeth".

If the HASC supports the original decision, implementation will begin from 24 November.

If the committee recommends changes or withdrawal, these will be considered by the cabinet member whose subsequent decision will be final.

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