Local councillors and a trade union have expressed concerns over the potential closure of Ferndale House care home in Rhondda before a new residential care facility is operational. The proposals by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council include the permanent closure of care homes in Ferndale (Ferndale House) and Hawthorn (Cae Glas) to save £2 million annually due to falling demand for traditional care homes. The council aims to replace these homes with a new residential dementia care facility at the former Chubb Factory site in Ferndale.
Councillors Susan Morgans and Jayne Smith have criticised the plan, highlighting assurances that Ferndale House would not close until the new facility was ready. The GMB union representative, Craig Jones, claimed that staff felt betrayed by promises made 18 months ago by the director of social services. Despite challenges, the council remains confident that the new site can meet the required standards.
Acknowledging the emotional impact, Director of Adult Services, Sian Nowell, emphasized that the decision was not taken lightly. Councillor Maureen Webber noted the need to address the current vacancies across care homes regardless of financial pressures. The proposed closure would reduce residential care beds by 65 with 84 vacancies remaining if approved.
Recent reports show a significant number of vacant beds across current care homes, impacting operational sustainability. Plans to open new facilities in various locations aim to address increasing demands for dementia care and other services. The council plans to explore opportunities for staff redeployment in light of these changes.
Work is underway to develop the Chubb factory site for the new care facility, subject to planning approval. Residents of Ferndale House will have the option to relocate to the new care home upon its completion. The closure decision is based on the outdated infrastructure of Ferndale House and its prolonged low occupancy levels, rendering it financially unsustainable.
As consultations continue, stakeholders are urged to engage in meaningful dialogue to address the concerns raised. The evolving landscape of care provision in Rhondda reflects broader shifts in the sector towards more modern and sustainable models. Residents, families, and staff are essential considerations in navigating these changes to ensure continuity of care and service provision in the community.