DECIDING the future of a York sheltered housing complex will be one of the first tasks of the city's new council leaders.

Proposals to alter Clarendon Court, in Rose Street, to try to cut bed blocking at York Hospital, will be looked at on June 3, as part of a raft of plans for improvement and investment in older people's care services by City of York Council.

A report, looking at how the needs of older people in York can be met in the future, will be presented to the council's new executive, and will confirm the need to implement major changes.

The report has highlighted the need to provide:

- A new intermediate care service in York

- Increased provision for people with mental health needs

- Increased amounts of "extra care housing".

Also up for discussion will be changes to existing sheltered housing at Clarendon Court, Marjorie Waite Court and Gale Farm Court and at Morrell House.

It is recommended that the complexes be used to increase the number of intermediate care beds - reducing incidences of bed blocking at the hospital. The intermediate care facilities will provide up to six weeks of ongoing care when people are well enough to leave hospital, but not well enough to go home. Under the proposals, the current sheltered housing complex at Clarendon Court would be modernised to provide 30-32 intermediate care beds.

Bill Hodson, senior assistant director for community services at the council, said: "The proposals for Clarendon Court will increase the number of intermediate care beds in the city by 30, based on findings from an independent consultant.

"Clarendon Court has been suggested for conversion to intermediate care because the building is very suitable for that purpose and its locality to York Hospital. If the executive agree to the proposal we will continue to work closely with existing tenants to ensure that they are offered suitable alternative housing and to provide support and assistance to help people move."

Updated: 09:43 Saturday, May 24, 2003