People with a learning disability are being invited to have their say over the way NHS short breaks services are provided in Derbyshire.

A series of workshops, events and meetings will take place between 10 September and 29 November.

Families, carers, and people who speak on behalf of service users are also being invited to take part.

They are being asked whether the NHS resources being used to provide short breaks services for people with a learning disability could and should be used in a different way. These resources include funding, staff, and buildings.

The short breaks services are intended to provide a homely and enjoyable experience, while giving carers and the person cared for a break. They are provided at:

  • Orchard Cottage in Darley Dale – This is a detached bungalow, offering short-term respite, in adapted rooms with accessible baths and showers. It has been closed since November 2023 due to flooding.
  • Rockley Core Units in Shirebrook, Bolsover – These are two separate bungalows, offering short-term respite, in adapted rooms with accessible baths and showers. Rockley’s capacity has been reduced by 50% since May 2023 because of the need to use half of the service for another purpose.
  • Robertson Road Core Unit in Buxton – This is a semi-detached house, with one ground floor ensuite.
  • Amberley, Eckington, North Eastern Derbyshire – closed prior to the pandemic due to staffing shortage.
  • Valley View in Ashgreen, Chesterfield – closed prior to the pandemic due to staffing shortage.

Currently around 60 people a year are using the service, all of whom live in the north of Derbyshire. There are no equivalent NHS services in the south of Derbyshire, meaning those people who are eligible for respite typically use a local council or private provided service.

Furthermore, national guidance has changed over the best way to provide this service and many people now receive this respite care in their own home in familiar surroundings.

Michelle Arrowsmith, Chief Strategy and Delivery Officer for NHS Derby and Derbyshire Integrated Care Board, said: “The local NHS has provided these services for over 30 years, and we know how important they are to families and staff.

“However, national guidance on the best way to provide this care has changed and we know we can provide more personalised care closer to people’s homes.

“If you have learning disabilities or support someone who does then you are an expert with lived experience and we want your views to shape this programme – please come along to our events and have your say.”

Events taking place to listen to people’s views include:

  • Workshops for service users, their families, and advocates. These are being held in locations close to the respite centres.
  • Drop-in information and discussion sessions for anyone else, held face to face in Belper, Erewash, Ashover, Chapel-en-le-Frith, Chesterfield, Bolsover, Derby and Swadlincote. Online sessions will also be available.

Details of all the sessions and further information is available on the Derbyshire Involvement website.