Agenda item

The Panel received a presentation from the Deputy Director, Strategy and Delivery, NHS Doncaster CCG, and the Assistant Director of Adults, Health and Wellbeing.

The presentation covered the following areas;

·         Current Context

·         Other Demand Pressures

·         What Have We Done So Far?

·         Stress Testing the Plan

·         System Escalation

·         Investment

·         The Covid Vaccination Programme

·         Mandatory Vaccination Programme

·         Current Covid Staff Booster Vac Position

There was a discussion held and the following areas were highlighted;

Support/Care Package For Supporting Social Care Staff - It was explained that staff had a range of measures available that included occupational health and access to counselling services.  Members were informed that the main difference was that the workforce was spread across a range of providers and it was important to communicate effectively across them all to see how they was supporting their staff, making sure that they have access to support.  Members heard that regular meetings had been set up with providers to discuss with them direct any concerns that they have about their workforce, any support the Council can provide or what other support was needed.  It was continued that £3M had been invested into the sector to try and ensure that the workforce was as robust as possible, and efforts were being made to raise the profile of social care using the Council’s and NHS communications mechanisms.  It was considered that it was about how we ensure the workforce is looked after, with a hope that providers set incentives, apply the national living wage, offer childcare vouchers and support working mums.

Catch Up Work/Waiting times

Waiting Times For The Provision Of Assessments -  It was explained that this would fluctuate according to need and across all assessments with the current average number of working days for an assessment at 59.48 (from start of the assessment all the way through).  It was acknowledged that this would be based on what the level of need and the complexity was.  It was recognised that there had been an increase in demand and consideration was being given as to how this figure could be reduced.

Financial Assessment – Concern was raised regarding how many individuals were waiting to undertake a financial assessment in relation to the costs of their care, the time it was taking to complete this and the number of assessments in progress.  Members were informed that there was 371 assessments, with the longest waiting referral dating back to 1^st October 2021, 39 referrals booked in for next week (face-to-face support with financial assessments) and 50–60 requests for financial assessments were made per week.  It was explained that as a result of the pandemic there was now a backlog and additional capacity was being brought in to address that.  Members heard how consideration was being given in seeking to implement a local digital solution known as ‘Looking Local’, which was an online assessment form that families, individuals or staff could do which would reduce that backlog down even further. 

Bed Capacity/Care Capacity

Concern was raised around the capacity of care available bearing in mind agencies and providers that were going out of business and the risks associated with that happening.

Members were informed that a care home within the Borough was closing down in the near future (although not solely in relation to financial sustainability).  It was explained that there were a number of beds available within Doncaster care homes (in excess of 400 beds on a daily basis) and this was therefore not an area of concern at the current time.  Members were told that there was more concern around workforce availability than the number of beds available. 

Members were reminded that the Council had a duty to manage the market and therefore engaged with providers regularly.  It was acknowledged that some parts of the Borough were better served than others for providers and the market forces would determine what took place. The duty to manage the market would influence and inform the Council’s response to any provider who experienced difficulties.  It was acknowledged that agencies were more challenged. It was not expected that any provider agencies would be lost within domically care.  Members heard that contingency plans were being explored to see what capacity and alternative provision was available, should it was needed through winter.  Members were reminded that Doncaster was fortunate to have a STEPs service, which could be drawn on if needed.  

Prevention

Flu Vaccinations - Regarding flu vaccinations, concern was raised about adults and children who have not been able to access their vaccinations easily.

The Panel was told how the aim was to reach a similar uptake to the exceptional levels experienced last year through vaccinations being offered through GPs, community pharmacies and schools (for school age children).  A Member spoke about their own experience in struggling to get their child a flu vaccination after they had missed it at school.  It was explained that the flu catch-up programme was challenged at the moment with both flu and covid vaccination programmes taking place for 12-15 years old at the same time.  It was noted that the system should however, be easier to navigate for those children who had missed the vaccination.  Members were told that this feedback would be taken back to colleagues within the NHS.

Accessibility/Take-up of Covid Booster Vaccines - It was explained that there was a vaccination site located in each of the localities and confirmed that some centres had moved location to improve access.  It was continued how the system was back to a scenario similar to before whereby people were being invited in order to book appointments and may therefore have a longer wait than previously.  It was explained that further walk-in centres would be provided but this was being managed alongside a high number of booked appointments.

Communication - Members were informed that the winter booklet providing general advice, would be distributed to every household in the Borough.  Other examples of communication were outlined that included transfer of care information in hospitals, information being distributed through GP surgeries, a health bus circulating the Borough, advertising through local radio, HealthWatch website and locally, more neighbourhood based work.  It was acknowledged that there was a great deal of information about, which could prove a challenge to ensure at the right information was communicated effectively without missing anything.  It was noted that Communication Team was used to plan how to best communicate, identify which important messages should be sent out using a mixed form of media.  It was recognised that Councillors had a role to play in getting information out to communities and officers welcomed any further suggestions.

RESOLVED That the Panel resolved to note information received regarding partnership plans to ensure Doncaster people receive joined-up health and social care over this winter so they are able to recover quickly from any period of ill-health.