Brighton & Hove’s Health & Wellbeing Board has decided that Knoll House in Hove will be used as a supported living service for people with physical disabilities and acquired brain injury.
Changing health and care needs
Until October, Knoll House delivered respite care and rehabilitation services for older people coming out of hospital with lower level needs. Due to reducing demand, a decision was made at September’s Health & Wellbeing Board to consolidate the services provided at Knoll House with the service at Craven Vale, which is much nearer to the Royal Sussex County Hospital.
Options for supported accommodation
Three options for the use of the now-empty Knoll House in Hove were put forward for decision by the Health & Wellbeing Board on Tuesday 28 January.
- Lower level supported accommodation for adults with mental health needs to help them live more independently.
- Intensive 24/7 support for adults with higher levels of mental health needs but who do not require hospital treatment.
- Medium to high level supported accommodation providing rehabilitation, assessment and respite for people with physical disabilities.
Each of these proposals would require an initial investment from the council but would help many of the most vulnerable in the city to live more independent lives. All had previously been shared with residents at public meetings.
Full details of each of these options can be found in the Health & Wellbeing Board report.
Supported living for people with physical disabilities
The board agreed to move forward with the proposal for 18 supported living flats providing medium to high support, rehabilitation, assessment and respite for people with physical disabilities or acquired brain injury.
Members of the board also agreed to put in place a Guardian Scheme at the property while improvements are carried out to make it suitable for the final use.
Councillor Clare Moonan, Chair of the Health & Wellbeing Board said:
“The merger of the services at Knoll House and Craven Vale has provided an opportunity to explore the provision of alternative supported accommodation for people with a mental or physical disability to live more independently.
“While there is an urgent need for accommodation for people with mental health needs, purpose built, fully accessible accommodation is not essential for these people.
“Each of these options will be delivered within the city but our decision for Knoll House is based on what will be the best use of this particular building and for the people living in the area.
“We will continue to engage with partners and local residents as we move things forward.”
A report exploring this option will be shared with the Health & Wellbeing Board in June once further detailed work has taken place. The chosen option is likely to be in place by early 2021.