Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Sean Gibbons and Lorna Foster.

There were no declarations of interest made.

The minutes of the Health and Adult Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Panel meeting held on the 21st September were agreed as a true record.

[A period not exceeding 20 minutes for

Statements from up to 5 members of the public on

matters within the Panel’s remit, proposing action(s)

which may be considered or contribute towards the

future development of the Panel’s work programme].

There were no public statements made.

The Panel was presented with the Doncaster Safeguarding Adults Board’s annual report detailing what the Safeguarding Adult Board has accomplished during the year to achieve its main objective and implement the strategy.  The annual report also sets out the findings of any Safeguarding Adults Reviews completed and the subsequent actions arising from those reviews.

Members were informed how the Care Act 2014 had placed the Safeguarding Adult Boards on a statutory footing and brought a significant change for safeguarding adults practice.  From the 1^st April 2014, the Board had been implementing requirements of the Care Act including developing a strategic plan, publishing an annual report and undertaking safeguarding reports.  It was explained that much of the 2015/16 resources was used to revise a new framework, new terminology and shift to an outcome focused approach.

It was outlined that some of the positive work undertaken included;

·         A positive engagement strategy.

·         Continuation to support forums, in that abuse will not be tolerated.

·         Creation of leaflets and posters.

·         Production of a safeguarding film (created for both public and professionals).

·         Shared lessons with agencies and the board received 2 action plans received for final sign off and approval.

·         All concerns to go through the newly appointed Chair John Woodhouse.

The Panel was informed following a peer review for the Board and operational safeguarding arrangements, that a multi-agency action plan had been agreed with 80% completed with further work to be carried out.  It was added that positive feedback had been received when evaluating the peer review ensuring that it was having the right impact and that the actions were right.

It was acknowledged that some actions required a longer term approach with some areas needing further assurances.  This had resulted in further work being undertaken as strengthening the team had taken longer than expected.

During a further debate the following areas were discussed:

Training

It was recognised that training provided was very good and it was questioned how confident the board was in getting the message out to communities.  Members were informed that statistics of safeguarding concerns were monitored.  Members were also told that figures and concerns regarding safeguarding that came through the adult’s hub had increased year on year as more reports were coming through.  It was reported that there was a confidence that the relevant agencies were getting on the agenda.

In respect of e-learning courses, concern was raised regarding the attendance figures presented by partners such as RDASH and St Leger Homes, which were felt to be poor.  Members were assured that agencies undertake their own single agency training.

Actions: That single agency training figures are highlighted in future reports.

Section 42 enquiries – Neglect or acts of omission

Concern was raised that these figures were too high.  Members were informed that Social Care and Support Workers were addressing such areas through preventative measures, reviewing training and awareness raising as well as taking relevant action when it arises. It was acknowledged that there was now a robust process in place.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 16.

A series of presentations were received by the Panel regarding the three individual items.  A discussion took place which is outlined below.

Sustainability Transformation Plan

It was discussed that some local Councils had not been consulted with in respect of the Sustainability Transformation Plan although other Councils within the South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw had.  It was clarified that some areas were looking at the Place Plan.  An acknowledgement was made that in upcoming years there would be some difficult decisions and challenges to be faced especially with 25 different organisations involved.  Members were informed that the next stage would be to consult with the public.  It was recognised that both Emergency and Planned Care were the right things to be doing and also presented the biggest opportunity to start working together.

Place Plan

In respect of the Place Plan, it was explained that the plan was about the ‘integration’ staff on the front line and having the right quality of care once patients reached the right place.  It was recognised that getting frontline staff together to ensure that duplication was being reduced was a key challenge.  It was shared that the plan was about enabling partners to come together and the vision was about building on documentation and strategies tailoring to community strengths and keeping patients well in their communities whilst providing excellent quality care.

Members were informed how the Intermediate Social Care addressed the gap of what was being done to ensure that it meets the needs and demands of the population whilst removing unnecessary complexity and duplication.  It was recognised that prevention was a way of decreasing demand.  Members were informed that Doncaster leaders have had conversations and were clear on the vision for providers to work together and respond collectively on what was being commissioned.  It was explained that the work merges well with that of Team Doncaster as there was a need to include other elements such as housing. It was added that enablement and recovery draws heavily on what was already been undertaken by the authority.

In respect of engagement, Members were informed that the Implementation and Framework plan was going to take at least two years and build upon momentum of Doncaster organisations.

Intermediate Care

It was recognised that this would be a significant piece of work and a real opportunity for a new model of provision.  .

Finances and Monitoring Arrangements

It was explained that in respect of health, work was being undertaken to renegotiate the process with providers and identify where money can be saved to address the gap.  It was recognised that at present, this was a question colleagues both within health and social care felt was challenging with the constraints that exist.  It was recognised that if it doesn’t work nationally then there would be a different conversation with the Government and the public. It was added that it was believed to be the right plan and that there was presently too much of a focus on hospital services when  ...  view the full minutes text for item 17.

Members received a report updating them on the Panels work plan for 2016/17.  A copy of the work plan was attached at Appendix A to the report which took account of the issues considered at the informal Health and Adult Social Care Overview and Scrutiny planning meeting held on the 6^th June, 2016.

Members were also presented with an update on the workplan and of the Joint Regional Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee.  Members were informed about the impact of proposed changes locally in comparison to other local authority areas.

RESOLVED that the Panel;

i.      Note the Health and Adult Social Care Overview and Scrutiny work plan for 2016/17; and

ii.     Note that the work plan is a living document which is subject to change and will be reviewed and updated at each meeting of the Panel to include any relevant correspondence, updates, new issues and resources available to meet additional requests;