Hafod y Gest residential home closure takes another step forward

The closure of a residential home for the elderly has taken a step forward with the publication of a consultation with residents, staff and families.
Controversial plans to close Hafod y Gest, a council-run care home at Porthmadog, and replace it with a £6.5m extra care housing complex were put on hold in December 2011 after councillors heard the previous consultation was “flawed”.

 A year ago Gwynedd Council set up a working group to consider the views of local people. During this period, council officers met individually with the residents and their families to discover their views and to offer support.

 Now, in a report to the Council Cabinet due to meet in early November, councillors are recommending to approve bringing the use of Hafod y Gest as a residential home to an end.

 Cllr R H Wyn Williams, portfolio holder for care services, said: “Whilst the condition of the Hafod y Gest building has deteriorated substantially, the recent inspections carried out by the Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales testify that the quality of the care provided by the staff at the home has been excellent. Given this background, we have carefully considered the best way forward in arriving at this position.

 “The fact is that the home was built as a temporary building and it has already stood for far longer than intended. Carrying on with the status quo is no longer an option and we must come to a decision on the way forward.

He added: “Unfortunately, any decision – either closing the home and replacing it with extra care housing, or renovating the current facility – would probably involve the current 10 residents having to relocate to an alternative residential home. Ensuring the welfare and safety of the current residents will remain at the core of any plans and at the top of our list of priorities.”

 Should a decision be taken to close Hafod y Gest, the first step would be a full discussion with each of the residents and their families to determine their wishes. This would be followed by a full assessment of the individual’s needs in order to provide a safe and suitable service for them for the future.

 The council would also hold further discussions with the staff and make every effort to identify opportunities to relocate the effected individuals to other suitable posts within the authority.

 Morwena Edwards, Gwynedd Council Corporate Director said: “I fully appreciate that the possibility of closing Hafod y Gest is a matter of great sadness, as it has provided a loving and caring home for many older people.  I also recognise that for the current residents, their families and the staff, that this is an extremely difficult time.

 “Our focus as a service, regardless of the decision, will be to support the residents and their families through this difficult time.”

 The council has proposed to establish a community hub on the site for the area’s older people, with a number of extra care units within a new development for the provision of specialist support such as dementia care and respite care.

 Cllr Selwyn Griffiths, who represents Porthmadog on Gwynedd Council, said: “What I, and a number of the local residents, would like to see is a small home like Hafod y Gest included as part of the new development. I have not been fully convinced that this is impossible.”