Talks continue on trial to replace night carers with technology

TALKS will continue on whether to press on with an Elgin trial to replace night-time carers for the learning disabled with technology.

The Moray Integration Joint Board (IJB) met on Thursday, January 30, to discuss the overnight responder service proposal as part of the wider learning disability transformation programme.

Outraged families and carers have expressed serious concerns about the 12-week trial to gradually withdraw overnight staff and replace them with "tried and tested" telecare equipment, such as sensors, and one office-based overnight responder at three shared properties run by Cornerstone.

Relatives of the vulnerable residents put across their unanimous opposition to the pilot during a public meeting earlier this month.

IJB chair Jonathan Passmore has now called for a paper to be submitted to the next meeting in eight weeks' time where the board can ensure a final decision is made clear.

Moray Conservative Councillor Tim Eagle (Buckie), a member of the IJB, said after the meeting: "Significant concern has been raised by families about the proposed trial to introduce an overnight responder service and the impact this trial would have on their loved ones.

"There was a wide consensus among parents that this trial needed to be stopped – yet despite their upset there was a strong commitment by parents and carers to be involved in discussions about the wider transformation plans.

"With this in mind, I suggested the IJB consider stopping this trial and instead arrange a workshop where members of the IJB, officers, users, parents and carers can come together to rebuild trust and work together sharing and exploring ideas so that any move forward can be done with the full support of everyone."

Mr Eagle said it was important to look at transforming services given the growing demand and limited financial resources, but added: "Vital for me, even beyond that, is that we ensure those service users and their families are a truly intrinsic part of any decisions we take.

"I was concerned that while some conversations had taken place it was not to the level I would have hoped or expected and this was something that needed to be recognised and changed.

"I am pleased that there was a wide-ranging discussion at the IJB meeting today where these thoughts were considered and the views of parents taken into consideration."

Mr Eagle added: "I am delighted that meetings will be arranged between parents/carers and officers and IJB board members to discuss these issues in an open environment so that we can ensure we move forward."

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