Putting People First
Older People's Residential Care Externalisation
Latest Update - 13.1.2011 Our advertisement of the opportunity to tender for the residential care homes resulted in expressions of interest from a range of potential providers. Nineteen of those organisations who expressed an interest went on to meet the criteria laid out in our Pre-Qualifying Questionnaire and were sent the tender documents. There were a range of different types and size of organisation, and interest ranged from single homes to all of the establishments. However, by the end of the tender deadline no formal bids for the homes were received.
We then held a feedback event where all of these organisations were invited to explain in more detail why they decided not to bid. This event was well-attended and the discussions held highlighted a number of issues and concerns that have informed the next phase of our planning. We are now preparing a report for Devon County Council's Cabinet to consider in March. This report will contain a number of options and will take account of the information we have received from the process so far.
Our prime consideration is the welfare of the residents and it will remain a condition of the transfer that existing residents will continue to receive care in their existing home. We will maintain the level of care currently provided and remain committed to the transfer of existing staff with the homes.
We will update this website whenever we have any news to share with all interested parties.
Why are we transferring ownership of our residential homes?*
·To re-organise our care provision to meet the needs of our ageing population;
·To move from being a provider of services to a commissioner of services;
·To encourage the use of our existing facilities and continued employment of our staff.
In brief, we cannot afford to sustain our own homes and the only way we can maintain that provision of residential care is by transferring it to independent providers, which we are doing in a way which will give local companies the best chance of taking on this business.
We are committed to maintaining the level of care currently provided and we will be transferring our existing staff to the new owners. It will be a condition of the transfer that existing residents continue their care in their existing home. We will be working closely with the chosen providers to ensure the transfer will be a smooth and seamless process. Those members of staff who currently provide care and support within the home will continue in those roles.
*Please note that we are not actually selling the homes but offering a 125 year lease.
Of our 24 Homes, 19 are included in the transfer
| Alphin House, Exeter | Harewood House, Tavistock |
| Arthur Roberts, Exeter | Kenwyn, Newton Abbot |
| Barnhaven, Bampton | Lydiate Lodge, Lynton |
| Beech House, South Molton | Mapleton, Newton Abbot |
| Burrow House, Ilfracombe | Orchard Lea, Cullompton |
| Butterpark, Ivybridge | St Lawrence, Crediton |
| Charlton Lodge, Tiverton | Tracey Vale, Bovey Tracey |
| Davey Court, Exmouth | Whipton Barton House, Exeter |
| Daw Vale, Dawlish | Woodland Vale, Torrington |
| Fairlea, Bideford |
Five homes will NOT be included within this tender exercise because they contain a significant number of ‘Intermediate Care’ beds, which we operate in conjunction with our NHS colleagues. The NHS is currently consulting on the future direction of intermediate care and will not be in a position to conclude before we tender
·Wardhayes, Okehampton
·Exebank, Exmouth
·Oakwell, Barnstaple
·Green Close, Sidmouth
·Bodley House, Exeter
Further information
Details can be found on Transferring the Ownership of our Residential Care Home webpages including:
- what about residents?
- the impact on staff
- what consultation was undertaken?
- the official announcement/advertisement.
Previous Updates
14 October 2010 - Care homes tender to be extended
Strong provisional private and voluntary sector interest earlier in the year has not so far delivered concrete bids, as several key players have requested further information and clarification.
The Council is reviewing the tender process in order to clarify the areas bidders have been uncertain about, and to ensure all the interested bidders receive the same updated information.This is expected to be completed by mid January.
Whilst we want these homes to be transferred as quickly as possible we will only do so if we get assurances about the continuation of care for existing residents and the best deal for council tax payers of Devon. Any new extension will be aimed at achieving this.
This delay will not affect the care of residents in these homes and delivery of services which meet the needs of our clients will continue to be provided fully by the County Council until any transfer is resolved.
11.8.2010 - Bidders conference
A meeting was held on August 11 2010 for providers who had expressed an interest in tendering. Attendees saw an explanatory presentation and a demonstration of the tendering portal. These questions from the floor 
(22KB - pdf help) were answered by a panel of ACS senior managers.
13.7.2010
Notes of an update meeting of focus group members - 13 July 2010 (18KB - pdf help)
Briefing Summary 13 July 2010 (9KB - pdf help)
Jan 2010
Archived reports and press releases from January 2010 onwards.
