The day service will also be extended to run from 6am to 12pm (instead of 7am to 10pm).

Agreement to hold the consultation was given at the council meeting held on 15 December 2022.

The proposals are the result of a recent review of the service which included a month long pathfinder pilot held with service users in the Tweeddale locality.

As part of this, all service users in Tweeddale received a reassessment of their care package and were offered alternative support by way of differently timed visits, for example late evening and early morning. The use of Assistive Technology/TEC solutions such as alarms, movement sensors, bed sensors and door activation monitors was also made available.

The evaluation showed that service users experienced no adverse impact or increased risk as a result of the changes. They also reported that they benefited from not being disturbed throughout the night. Families were supportive and raised no concerns.

The council is now looking to consult on the proposals across the entire Night Support Service through a public consultation that is open from Monday 16 January to Sunday 12 February 2023.

The survey can accessed online at: www.scotborders.gov.uk/nssconsultation. Paper copies are available by emailing: sbc.surveys@scotborders.gov.uk.

A letter is being sent to all existing service users to ask for their feedback on the proposals and to explain what the changes could potentially mean for them.

Engagement is also being held be with staff likely to be affected. They will be offered suitable alternative working arrangements if required, as there are no plans to lose any staff through this process.

Councillor David Parker, executive member for Health and Wellbeing, said: “As is explained as part of the consultation, the pressure on care services nationally is being felt across the Borders and this is likely to increase. More than ever we need to be thinking creatively about new approaches and service delivery models that will enable us to provide more efficient and effective care, whilst maintaining safe and good quality services.

“The proposals to reprovision the Night Support Service are ones we need to consider carefully, particularly with the outcome of the Tweeddale pilot having shown that the changes worked well for service users with the alternatives proving equally effective in providing them with the support and reassurance required. Families and carers were also supportive with no complaints or concerns raised.

“I would therefore encourage anyone with an interest in the proposals to take part in the consultation before the closing date. It is important that we get as much feedback as possible so we can make a well informed decision as to the next steps for this service.”

A report on the findings of the consultation will be taken back to council prior to any further reprovisioning work being undertaken. Integrated Impact Assessments have also been completed.