Learning Disability Respite Service Secures Future with Move to New Middlesbrough Premises
A crucial learning disability respite service, which had faced years of uncertainty, has now secured its future through a move to new, modern premises in Middlesbrough. This development ensures that approximately 70 families and carers, who support loved ones with often complex learning disabilities, will continue to have access to essential respite services.
Partnership and Planning
The agreement between the NHS and Middlesbrough Council to relocate the service to Levick Court marks a significant achievement. Previously, the service operated from two NHS buildings: Aysgarth in Stockton and Bankfields in Middlesbrough. However, these older facilities could no longer support safe service delivery due to their age, high repair costs, and the need to comply with Care Quality Commission (CQC) regulations.
Partners from the NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB), Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys (TEWV) NHS Foundation Trust, and Middlesbrough Council collaborated closely with parents, families, and carers to design the new service and identify the ideal location at Levick Court.
New Facilities at Levick Court
Built in 2012, Levick Court features a 16-bed respite unit for adults alongside 20 apartments for older people, making it a perfect home for the learning disability respite service. The modern infrastructure addresses previous safety concerns and provides a comfortable environment for service users.
Families and carers celebrated the move at an opening event on Friday, March 6, expressing relief and optimism for the future.
Voices from the Community
Judith Brown, who cares for her 47-year-old daughter at home and represents the families supported by the service, shared her enthusiasm: "This is the best news we’ve had in eight years, and we now have hope ahead. Nursing care will be delivered by the NHS, who have the expertise to deliver it, with a great partner in Middlesbrough Council and wonderful premises at Levick Court. We have fought for this because there is nothing else that provides this level of care for patients with such high need and high levels of risk to give their families and loved ones the breaks they need."
Martin Short, director of delivery at the ICB, highlighted the collaborative effort: "The move to Levick Court is testament to the hard work and dedication of all our partners and the passion and commitment of the parent/carer group who have contributed so much to ensure that the service meets the needs of their loved ones and is provided in fantastic, modern facilities."
Official Support and Future Outlook
Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke, who attended the launch event, emphasized the importance of the service: "This new partnership has secured the future of a service that means so much to adults with learning disabilities and their families. Respite care of the highest quality promotes independence, reduces reliance on long-term or permanent care placements and helps to maintain family relationships. The families have been central to the development of the new model, ensuring Levick Court will be able to meet the needs of all those it supports for many years to come."
Lisa Taylor, care group director for operations and transformation at TEWV, added: "The families have been such an important part of the future plans for their loved ones’ care and we’re so pleased that our teams will continue to be part of that. We will work closely with Middlesbrough Council to support respite services, making sure those who access them and their carers are at the very centre of how care is delivered."
This move not only resolves long-standing uncertainties but also enhances the quality and safety of respite care for vulnerable individuals and their families in the Middlesbrough area.
