New approach to long-term rehabilitation care proposed

This project will provide Falkirk with a new rehabilitation facility providing support currently not available elsewhere – offering physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and other specialist support from Allied Health Professions.

The change will help relieve pressure on local hospitals and support people to live as independently as possible following a stay in care.

By adapting an existing facility, Cunningham House, we can meet the needs of local people quicker – compared to a lengthy and expensive construction project.

Any changes to the building, and the services offered, will ensure the homely environment and high-quality of care is protected for current residents for as long as they need.

The proposed changes will also retain the existing staff knowledge and expertise at Cunningham House, while creating additional jobs. New colleagues will join Cunningham House from a range of Allied Health Professions. This new staff group will integrate into the existing team and offer new support and expertise.

To provide new rehabilitation services, some physical changes to Cunningham House will be required. This includes the creation of a new gym and installation of equipment. These will be available for use by all residents.

To meet future demand for residential dementia support, additional investment in care homes across the Falkirk area will be made. This will increase the overall capacity of residential older adult support.

Cunningham House will remain ‘home’ for its current residents for as long as they need it, offering the same specialist support from the existing team.

As the project gradually progresses, residents and colleagues will benefit from co-located services – providing more support options, staff, knowledge, and expertise for current and future residents.

This is your home – we will work with staff, residents, and family to ensure any changes retain the homely environment of Cunningham House. Discuss changes as proposed, minimising disruption

We understand that a familiar home environment is paramount to the high-quality of care for those currently at Cunningham House. Any changes will be proposed, discussed, and (if required) adapted in advance to meet the needs of residents.

We expect changes to be minimal, with proposed changes focused within communal areas to introduce new gym facilities and equipment. This work will not affect resident’s private space.

Any building adaptations will be planned to minimise disruption as much as possible.  Staff and residents will have the opportunity to shape the changes to the building.

Anyone who needs care should receive it at the right time and the right place.

The project team and staff at Cunningham House will work together to develop admission criteria for future rehabilitation service users, ensuring that placements are suitable for current residents and those receiving rehab care.

This admission process will safeguard the homely environment and high-quality of care that residents receive at Cunningham House.

Rehabilitation equipment and support will also be available for current residents should they wish or need to access it.

While admission criteria is yet to be developed and finalised, we expect individuals receiving rehabilitation care to stay within Cunningham House for a period of between 6 – 12 months, complementing the existing resource at Summerford House, which provides a short-term 6 week rehabilitation care programme.

For Cunningham’s existing residents, it will remain ‘home’ for as long as they need it.

Falkirk Health and Social Care Partnership has reassured colleagues that the proposed changes do not affect their employment, contractual terms and conditions with Falkirk Council, or their valued role at Cunningham House.

The proposed changes will retain the existing staff knowledge and expertise at Cunningham House, while also creating additional jobs.

New colleagues will join Cunningham House from a range of Allied Health Professions. This new staff group will integrate into the existing team and offer new support and expertise.

Existing staff will also be able to share their knowledge and skills with their new colleagues, helping to shape the rehabilitation services.

Colleagues will receive additional training to help understand the role and support offered by rehabilitation staff, highlighting how new support can be integrated into the existing home.

There is no expectation that any of the current team will be required to transfer to a nursing role. Visiting nursing support will be provided through the recruitment of additional District Nursing colleagues.

The project will progress on a gradual basis, as Cunningham House is adapted to meet the needs of people requiring rehabilitation support – usually after leaving hospital care.

Initial changes will include the recruitment of new Allied Health Professional staff, who will begin to offer new support to existing residents.

Some physical changes to the building will be required, installing new gym equipment and facilities.

Cunningham House will then be ready to offer rehabilitation support to individuals, who will be placed within the home based on availability and suitability for the both the existing residents and new service users.

Cunningham will remain ‘home’ for current residents as long as they need it, offering the same specialist support from the existing team.

Colleagues will receive additional training to help understand the role and support offered by new rehabilitation staff, highlighting how this new support can be integrated into the existing home.

Any training will be in addition to the current package provided by Falkirk Council, and staff will have the opportunity to help identify training needs and development opportunities.

A proposal will be considered by Falkirk’s Integration Joint Board (IJB) during the next meeting on 18 November 2022.  An agenda will be available on the IJB meeting page in advance.

Regular staff meetings will be held at Cunningham House, ensuring that all colleagues can help shape and understand the project and upcoming changes. This will enable staff to discuss changes with residents and families as the project progresses.

We will also keep everyone up to date with regular meeting opportunities and a new project information board inside Cunningham House, where everyone can read the latest updates and submit comments, questions, and ideas to the submission box.

Updated information, an FAQ and the online feedback box will be available on this webpage.

At any point, your key contact to discuss this project will be Kerrie Masterson, Cunningham House Manager or Irene Martin, Project Manager and Clinical Nurse Manager.