Under-threat mental health unit Crowlin House in Calmore may be saved as Southern Health confirms a review of its plans
A NEW Forest mental health unit threatened with closure may be saved after Southern Health reviewed its plans.
As reported by the A&T, Crowlin House in Calmore was found “not fit for purpose” by Southern Health NHS Trust, which runs the facility, after a review.
A petition was launched by the site’s then assistant manager Arzu Bilgen who said Crowlin House – which supports those who have left secure in-patient accommodation – offered a “unique and valuable service”.
A recent report indicates the trust and the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board (ICB), which oversees NHS services, have been consulting with residents, staff and other stakeholders. This will inform an appraisal for the future of Crowlin House.
The updated report presented at the Health and Adult Social Care (HASC) Select Committee, stated: “We will continue to engage with stakeholders and will be developing the options in partnership with the ICB and will aim to present the recommended option to HASC in late May 2024. At this stage, the options appraisal is still being developed.”
Increasing the number of referrals to maximise the amount of residents is one option under consideration, since only seven users are currently living there.
At the meeting, the Southern Health officer said they would try to move away from it being an “institutionalised” place, effectively meaning residents aren’t always discharged.
They said: “We are looking now to re-establish the referrals into Crowlin House to maximise the use of the setting. We need to make sure those placed there are the most appropriate people.
“There are a number of exciting opportunities in the future vision around Crowlin House we are looking to engage and evolve.
“Certainly, we have a wide range of conversations with current residents and social care partners about future use.
“They are still under review, but there are really exciting opportunities to make a difference for residents and move away from a more institutionalised place. We are looking at something that combines more opportunities for people to live independently outside of the residential setting when appropriate.
Cllr David Harrison, who represents Totton, highlighted the importance of Crowlin House’s type of care home.
He said: “The house provides an opportunity for a mixture of services. It is not directly near to any other houses, and for particular users, it is an ideal facility.
“It is worth maintaining and investing in order to provide opportunities for everybody’s needs.”
