To consider dashboards regarding Delayed Transfers of Care and wider performance.  Report attached marked:  7.  A presentation will be also be made at the meeting.

The Head of Adult Social Care, provided a report and presentation to the Committee explaining how the council had taken measures to address Delayed Transfers of Care.

The report and presentation covered:

·         Definition of a Delayed Transfer of Care

·         The responsibilities of the NHS and Council in relation to discharge

·         Targets set to reduce delays

·         How performance is monitored

·         Brokerage

·         Hospital discharge and Admission Avoidance Initiatives

·         Shropshire Council’s performance to date and future target

Members observed the report and presentation were clear and helpful and asked questions relating to:

What was the main factor behind the improved performance, was this as a direct result of extra funding and brokerage, what would happen if funds ran out.

What was the difference between the BCF and iBCF

If funding was to come to an end, would progress reverse or good work continue.

Whether discussion was taking place with Housing Trusts 

Where were the step down units, how long people stayed in them and which organisation funded them

If the Council was feeding into the review on community hospital beds and the need for a bed to be available close to the home of the patient.

In response officers reported that extra funding had made a big difference, and there was now a much better understanding between social care and health around what a delay was and working together was more effective.   Daily scrutiny of every delay took place

It was confirmed that the new iBCF was only secure for three years and would reduce year by year, the future beyond that being uncertain.   It was also confirmed that the Council was feeding into the Community bed review and it was felt that there was a lot of capacity but that beds were not currently in the right place. Members referred to a project at Bishops Castle which had worked well and felt that community beds could be made available in residential or nursing homes. 

Discussion also covered roll out of the two carers in a car scheme and a number of members emphasised that something was needed for the very rural areas.  Members were pleased to hear that discussions had been started on a number of ideas, including a nursing home providing outreach work in a local community. 

Discussion also covered location of Neurological bed provision in rehabilitation units and the Committee asked that more detail on these be obtained from Shropshire CCG.   

The Step Down units were located in Shrewsbury, most having two bedrooms and overnight warden support.  It was confirmed that Shropshire Council funded care and support needed in the night time and some rental costs.  Occupational Therapists made an assessment of equipment that would be needed in the home. 

It was agreed that Delayed discharge be revisited at the March 2018 meeting and that SATH should be asked to report on what they were putting in place to improve situation and increase achievement of their target from 36% to the required 80%.  It was also agreed that information from the CCG around neurological bed provision be considered at this meeting.  Members also asked for more detail around the different pilots and initiatives.

Members thanked the Head of Adult Social Care for the helpful and positive report and looked forward to revisiting progress in March.