Concerns have emerged over the significant cost of securing the now-closed Great Western Court care facility in Gloucester. The short-term reablement unit, located on Millbrook Street, has been empty since its closure in March, yet maintaining its security is estimated to cost around £520,000 annually.
Gloucestershire County Council decided to shut Great Western Court last month, deeming it surplus to current health and social care requirements. The unit previously provided short-term residential care for individuals transitioning from hospital to home, but changes in care models have rendered it less suitable.
At the May 12 adult social care and communities committee meeting, Councillor Rebecca Trimnell, chair of the committee, highlighted the “hefty” security price tag. She noted that 24-hour surveillance costs amount to roughly £10,000 per week, raising questions about the budget source. Officials clarified the security expenses do not come from the adult social care budget.
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Councillor Sajid Patel sought clarification on the future of the Great Western Court site, questioning whether proceeds from a potential sale would be reinvested into new reablement services. Sarah Scott, the council’s adult social care executive director, explained that the facility was originally commissioned by the NHS for residential support post-hospital discharge but was limited because it was not registered to provide nursing care, restricting the type of patients it could serve.
Scott added that occupancy rates had declined, making the facility expensive to maintain. The council now faces decisions about whether to repurpose or sell the property, balancing community needs and financial responsibilities.