KCC decision to recommend closure of Blackburn Lodge care home in Sheerness dubbed ‘shameful’ by opponents

A decision to recommend closure of a residential care home has been described as “shameful and disappointing” by opponents of the proposal.

Blackburn Lodge on the Isle of Sheppey has been under threat since it was shut after ferrous metals were found to have contaminated its water supply.

Residents were relocated last November and Kent County Council (KCC) proposed to shut the home as the £4 million cost of refurbishment was considered too costly at a time when its finances are under extreme stress.

But campaigners have been battling to keep the 34-bed facility open, afraid the Island’s old and vulnerable people would be under-served without it.

The issue was raised during a KCC debate, triggered by a petition signed by more than 2,800 people, at County Hall yesterday (September 19).

KCC-owned Blackburn Lodge in Sheerness has provided residential, respite and day care services since it was opened in 1982.

The decision by the KCC Adult Social Care (ASC) cabinet committee to recommend closure did not come as a shock to opponents.

The cabinet member for adult social care, Cllr Dan Watkins, will make the final decision.

Cllr Elliot Jayes (Swale Inds), who represents Sheppey Central on Swale council, said later: "The decision is shameful and disappointing but it does not come as a surprise.

"Of course, it's not just the residents who lost out but also 33 people who lost their jobs as well.

"The staff went beyond and above for the elderly people who wished to live the rest of their days on the Island but were forced to move out.

"They went to visit the residents in their own time as they had become like a family.

"We also want to alleviate issues with getting people out of hospitals and back into the community but closing care homes stops this from happening."

A KCC spokesman said: “I can confirm this remains a proposal until the cabinet member takes an executive decision.”

Swale councillor Dolley Wooster, who opened the debate, was critical at KCC’s alleged lack of engagement with campaigners.

She also asked why opponents had not been allowed access to Blackburn Lodge to independently assess its condition.

Cllr Wooster said: “It must stay where it is.”

Members of the ASC committee voiced concerns about the closure.

Independent Sheppey KCC member Cllr Mike Whiting argued a condition of closure should be that an alternative facility be found first.

Liberal Democrat Sevenoaks member Richard Streatfeild said: “I don’t want to find that Blackburn Lodge has in a year’s time been sold for a stack of money.”

He also questioned the £4m price tag for refurbishment.

Cllr Dan Watkins explained that aside from the issues over iron being found in the water supply, Blackburn Lodge may also have a subsidence problem as well as having to meet higher Care Quality Commission (CQC) standards to reopen.

He said KCC, the borough council and others were working to find alternatives to serve the community.

In a statement, Cllr Watkins added: “We are committed to ensuring the Isle of Sheppey has the right mix of care services to meet residents’ needs.

“We have been working hard with partners, including the local borough Council, to find solutions, including to develop local Extra-Care Housing for older people. I can also report that, following the emergency closure of Blackburn Lodge, alternative and additional daycare services are now available on the Island.

“A new residential care home has also recently opened that can provide care for up to 50 older people. Meanwhile our Community Catalyst team continues exploring with residents and businesses the potential for further local support and care.

“With this new care provision and further projects in the pipeline, I'm confident that the Island will soon have an improved range of care services to meet the needs of residents.

“Despite this, I am very aware the proposal to close Blackburn Lodge will be a disappointment to some and I want to reassure that it was not put forward without detailed consideration. A lot of time was spent assessing consultation feedback and the options available.

“However, in the face of KCC needing to make £118million savings this financial year to balance the budget and protect statutory services in the future, it is sadly our conclusion that permanent closure is the only feasible outcome.

“Works to bring Blackburn Lodge up to current Care Quality Commission Standards (CQC), tackle subsidence and replace the building’s entire water pipe system, would cost in excess of £4million and take at least 13 months to complete.

“The CQC has also confirmed the layout of Blackburn Lodge, which provided ‘medium-level’ needs care, would not meet the current standards for registration as a care home if it were to be built now.

"It means that aside from the major structural works, the building would require significant reconfiguration and upgrade to provide ‘high needs’ dementia and nursing care – which is the level of care that today’s Sheppey residents require and we are working, with partners, to provide

“I would like to thank local residents who participated in the public consultation, as well as KCC staff, Sheppey stakeholders and care providers who have been working hard to deliver the enhanced care services on the Island.”