These FAQ's were written for people using our residential and day care services, and their families – in relation to a recommendation to Devon County Council’s Executive on the 29^th May that Shaw Healthcare (Group) Ltd become the preferred provider for residential care services in Devon that are currently operated by the Council.

What will change?

Services will be managed by Shaw Healthcare (Group) Ltd and not the County Council. The managers and staff will be employed by Shaw Healthcare (Group) Ltd and not the County Council. From a service user perspective the transfer will not be detrimental to the quality of care that residents receive. Shaw is committed to improving service standards.

What are Shaw’s proposals for residential care?

Shaw Healthcare (Group) Ltd has bid for all 24 residential units currently operated by Devon County Council.

What will happen next?

If the recommendation is approved, the County Council will hold a number of meetings with Shaw Healthcare (Group) Ltd to plan the next stages. As soon as a clearer plan is agreed this will be communicated with all stakeholders.

Have Shaw Healthcare (Group) Ltd got previous experience of residential provision?

Shaw Healthcare (Group) Ltd is a company of which the parent charity retains a 30% interest and the remaining 70% is owned by staff and management.

The organisation specialises in the provision of Residential/Nursing and Extra care Housing schemes throughout the country, with a broad spectrum of clients, not only those over 65.

Over the last 15 years they have experienced several transfers of Primary Care Trust services and Local Authority Homes, including in some similar Shire county environments such as West Sussex, Kent, Northamptonshire, Bath and NE Somerset, Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

In the past 2 years transfers took place of 1,430 residents and 1,200 staff

They have a large portfolio of homes 3000 beds in 37 residential homes and 14 Nursing Homes.

The redevelopment and modernisation of the entire portfolio of homes over an 8/10 year period, (starting in year 2), to provide full spectrum of services that are fit for the future.

What does this potential transfer mean for our residential home?

The Shaw Healthcare (Group) Ltd proposals for Devon involve the transfer of all the current residential homes to their management. They intend to review delivery of services over the next two – three year period in partnership with DCC, to ensure that the very best care is being delivered

What will this mean for people currently using these residential homes?

They will continue to receive care from their current residential establishment. If in the future Shaw Healthcare (Group) Ltd proposals affect their care they would consult with them about that.  Continuity of care is a requirement in all circumstances.

Will the staff working in these homes stay the same?

Yes. Staff will transfer to any new provider and their employment is protected.

Will the costs go up?

They will remain the same in this financial year, as long as the service user’s care or personal circumstances don’t change.

Has a decision been made to close any homes?

No. Shaw’s proposals involve the transfer of all the current homes that DCC currently operates.

Will Shaw be able to sell off the residential homes to developers?

During the life of the contract Shaw Healthcare (Group) Ltd could sell off sites and re-provide the same or an enhanced service elsewhere within the Locality.

What does this mean for day care provision that is currently provided from the residential homes?

This will continue – though as part of the negotiations if Shaw Healthcare (Group) Ltd is accepted as the preferred provider we will want to talk to Shaw about opportunities and options.

Will intermediate care services continue to be provided from some of the residential homes across the county?

Yes. as part of the contract negotiations this will be discussed in more detail and will need to involve the Devon Primary Care Trust (PCT) and North Devon Heathcare Trust (NDHCT)