Cecilia Motley

Members were reminded that they must not participate in the discussion or voting on any matter in which they had a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest and should leave the room prior to the commencement of the debate. 

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 22 July 2015, attached marked:  3

Mrs Kidd stated that minute 12 should state that her daughter works at Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital, rather than worked at.

With this amendment the minutes were approved as a correct record.

To receive any questions, statements or petitions of which Members of the Council have given notice.  Deadline for notification is 4.00 pm on Wednesday 28 October 2015.

There were no public questions.

To receive any questions, statements or petitions of which Members of the Council have given notice.  Deadline for notification is 4.00 pm on Wednesday 28 October 2015.

There were no member questions.

To receive a report (to follow) presenting the dashboard of measures for the Adult Social Care New Operating Model identified by the Member Working Group of this Committee. The report will also include information on Complaints for Adult Social Care for Quarter 1 2015/16.

The Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care explained that the dashboard had been developed as a result of helpful support and challenge from the Committee in identifying appropriate measures.  

The Performance Manager and Head of Social Care Operations introduced a presentation (copy  attached to signed minutes) and answered questions about the information presented.

Requests for Support

Members noted a general increase in demand compared with the previous year, which matched a UK trend and the demand for NHS services.  It was concerning that the summer months were at winter pressure levels and it was important to understand the reasons for this which were not only likely to be related to demographics but also to the prevention agenda which encouraged people to make contact earlier on, to help reduce the need for services further down the line.

Requests for Support/Frequency by Individual

This was a critical measure of success of the First Point of Contact and the percentage dealt with by one contact showed that it was working well for the majority of people.  It was confirmed that the two week call back was built into the figures.  A Member asked if the closure of a ward at Ludlow Hospital had any bearing on the figures but Officers explained that that level of information was not currently available.

Presenting Issue

Members considered possible reasons for a significant increase in substance misuse and personal care needs presenting categories. A Member commented on the carers needs category which was lower, and officers reported a disparity in figures around carers within the whole report with unexpected variations showing that some felt well supported and others did not.  Work was underway to understand the reasons for this and it was suggested that some carers might be self directing to sources of support.

With regard to substance misuse, the Committee questioned whether the increase in demand was the result of cutbacks in local teams and mental health support.  The Portfolio Holder identified that Public Health Commissioned these services and commissioning decisions may need to be reviewed if there was a rising need. 

Routes of Access

Members noted that the likely reason discharge from hospital figures felt low from an operational perspective was due to the Integrated Care Service (ICS) and a positive relationship with community social work.

Assessments Completed by Month

In response to questions it was confirmed that the chart related to formal community care assessments and that all assessments were being made within the target 28 days. 

Service Delivery following assessment

Members noted that the chart showed that the strategy was taking effect and it was expected to see a downward trend in demand for long term support.  Focus would remain on the short term maximising independence team and there had been a significant increase in numbers in the ICS system.

Admissions per month by Service Type

The Committee noted that between April to September there had been 13 fewer admissions to residential or nursing care than the previous year.  Officers confirmed that they  ...  view the full minutes text for item 25.

To consider a letter from Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital Trust and Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin CCGs regarding Future Fit, attached marked:  7

The Director of Public Health referred to the correspondence received from the Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) and Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital Trust (SATH) which stated that there were categorically no plans in place to close an A&E department as part of winter planning.

In response to questions, the Director of Public Health provided an update on consultant cover and specialist nursing cover, recruitment issues, use of locum staff, the nature of a cap placed on the use of temporary staff, and impact of immigration restrictions on nursing staff.  The Committee went on to discuss the role of Scrutiny, Joint Scrutiny and the Health and Wellbeing Board in these issues.  The Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care referred to pressure being exerted on CCGs and Future Fit Board to arrive at a rapid conclusion, particularly around urgent care provision. 

The Portfolio Holder also referred to the work of the Health and Wellbeing Board Communications and Engagement Group in encouraging people to ‘choose well’ when seeking medical help.  He felt that Councillors could do a lot within the community to support and encourage appropriate choices.

The Chairman thanked the Director of Public Health for seeking clarification from SATH and the CCGs regarding winter and future plans. 

To consider draft updated terms of reference attached and endorse the proposed changes, report attached marked:  8

The Committee felt it needed more time to discuss and understand the proposals for amendments to the terms of reference for the Joint HOSC and it was agreed to defer this item to the next meeting.

The Committee’s current work programme is attached for comment, marked 7.  The Cabinet Forward Plan is available from the link below:

http://shropshire.gov.uk/committee-services

A Member suggested that support provided for Carers by the Council be added to the Committee’s Work Programme, in the light of the earlier discussions and survey results on satisfaction of carers.