Derbyshire County Council has announced a consultation on the future of seven care homes, including Goyt Valley House, a residential care home in New Mills. 

As part of the new consultation, the Council proposes refurbishing the care home (which would require a 40-week closure), or permanently closing the care home and providing alternative local provision by autumn 2022.

The seven care homes are under review following a report that found the buildings are not fit for purpose due to the previous Council administration’s lack of investment and cavalier attitude to buildings maintenance. 

This mismanagement spanned three decades.

Local MP, Robert Largan, who successfully campaigned on a cross-party basis to keep Goyt Valley House open, is urging residents to respond to the consultation. 

Robert has already met with officials from Derbyshire County Council to press the Council to refurbish Goyt Valley House or provide new world-class local provision in its place. 

The formal public consultation is open and will run until 4 March 2022. You can respond to the consultation online at derbyshire.gov.uk/care-home-review.

Members of the public can find out more or request a paper copy of the questionnaire by emailing [email protected], or by contacting the Council’s Stakeholder Engagement and Consultation Team on 01629 531307.

Direct consultation, including meetings, will be held with residents, relatives, and staff.

Robert Largan, MP for High Peak, commented: 

“Adult social care is an issue I feel very strongly about. When the future of the home was under threat last year, I successfully campaigned on a cross-party basis to keep Goyt Valley House open. 

“I’ve visited the care home on several occasions—including attending the 100th birthday of a resident! —and met with staff, residents and relatives. 

“I have seen first-hand the fantastic care that residents receive from its incredibly dedicated team, and I know just how important the care home is to the local community.

“As I’ve always said, this issue is about more than party politics. I will be campaigning to ensure the Council keep their commitment that no Derbyshire care home would close without a new local provision to replace it. 

“In my view, the Council needs to refurbish Goyt Valley House or provide new world-class local provision in its place. No other options are acceptable. 

“I strongly urge everyone to respond to the consultation. Please encourage friends, families, or neighbours to do so as well, and make sure your views are heard.”