Agreement to undertake the pathfinder was given by the Integration Joint Board at their meeting on 17 May 2023.

The proposals are part of an ongoing review of the Night Support Service across the Borders, and follow on from an initial pathfinder held with service users in Tweeddale.

This concluded that while the Night Support Service was provided by five staff teams, one in each locality across the Borders, the provision of Assistive Technology/TEC solutions such as alarms, movement sensors, bed sensors and door activation monitors meant that in many cases a physical visit was not required.

In others, support could be provided by the introduction of dawn (6am–noon) and twilight (6pm–midnight) shifts, which also prevented unnecessary disturbance through the night. A Rapid Response team was available locally to respond to any alarm activations.

The overall 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.

As a result, agreement was given at the Council meeting on 15 December to undertake a consultation asking for feedback on proposals to reprovision the Night Support Service across the Borders. The consultation took place between 6 January and 12 February this year.

A total of 240 people responded but a review of the comments received highlighted that there may have been a lack of information provided around the proposal and the alternative provision that would be offered.

The Integration Joint Board has therefore directed that a second pathfinder is undertaken in another area to enable further evaluation of the proposals.

Councillor Tom Weatherston, executive member for Social Work and Community Enhancement, said: “While the outcome of our initial pilot in Tweeddale confirmed that the changes worked well for service users, who found that the alternatives were equally effective in providing them with the support and reassurance required, we have listened to the feedback received as a result of the consultation.

“The Duns pathfinder gives us another opportunity to assess how service users and family carers from a different locality respond to the proposals for reprovisioning our overnight care service.

“As was the case in Tweeddale, all service users will receive a detailed reassessment of their suitability to take part in the pilot. Any changes will be undertaken following full consultation and agreement with them and their family carers, and those who are assessed as not being suitable for the pathfinder will continue to receive the Night Support Service as per their existing care package.”

He added: “Upon conclusion of the additional pathfinder, a further consultation including good information, communication and engagement involving service users, family carers and staff will be undertaken. Lessons learned from the initial consultation will also be taken into account. Once the outcome is known, this will be shared with the Integration Joint Board to determine the next steps.

“We will ensure that service users and family carers are kept fully informed throughout the process, but would ask that they contact their care manager should they have any questions or concerns. Staff will also be kept up to date and can speak with their line manager should they have any queries.”

There will be no change to the service provided to anyone receiving the Night Support Service in other localities while the Duns pathfinder is undertaken.