Agenda item

The Panel was provided with a presentation to accompany the report relating to registered care provision, Covid response and quality of provision including CQC inspection outcomes. 

The Panel noted that the Omicron Covid strain had felt much different to previous strains with much higher sickness rates however at the time of the meeting this had abated somewhat.  To ensure delivery of a continued service at all times, it required strong partnership working. 

In response to a statement and comment relating to staff across the board working incredibly hard over the past 2-3 years it was explained that both internally and through the partnership, organisation leaderships need to understand why people were off sick to provide the best support from counselling to specialist support dependent on an individual’s needs.  This was undertaken through sickness reports and return to work interviews.  The fact that staff were now able to return to working in the office and receive peer support in person would probably assist.  It was stressed that given the background of the recent pandemic and position staff had been placed in, whatever happened in the future there was a need to be careful with what staff were asked to undertake.

With regard to the large casework and support required for staff, it was noted there had been an increased demand for services across the whole of the Council.  The Local Authority was therefore addressing innovative new ways of working, addressing how the front door could be managed more efficiently and accessing additional funds for temporary additional capacity in certain teams.  It was acknowledged that staff still felt under pressure with the organisation mindful of the impact of the last 2 years.

With regard to accessing medication quickly, it was explained that it should not be a problem however, there were occasional times when certain medicines were not available due to logistical reasons but it was being monitored.

In relation to accessing mental health services, it was noted that at the acute end of service provision there were small challenging pockets but duplication avoidance was being addressed.  It was stressed that there were NHS pressures cross the whole service and mental health was no different however, the CCG continued to work with RDaSH to prioritise support where required.

Responding to a question relating to what has been learnt from delivering services through the Covid Pandemic, and building on what had been put in place, it was explained that:

The 7 day service remained in place working on discharges but the NDT was an additional commissioning layer from CCG and Adult Care that would not normally operate on a 7 day service.  It was explained that increasing the 7 day service would be addressed for the future, as demand warrants;

Continuing to work well as a partnership throughout the Pandemic was effective and essential to provide support and overcome barriers; 

Front line staff being left to undertake their role and do what they need to do without interference;

Voice of the People - Co-production was something the Local Authority was keen to grow and develop and use people with lived experience to help develop services moving forward;

Flexibility and resilience – the current system showed that services were flexible but there was the need to ensure it was not flexed to the point that it breaks;

Integrated Commissioning Board – the Panel hoped to see more place devolved budgets with Doncaster providing a strong presence ensuring it accessed the correct budget allocation, with place based commissioning and benefits around transforming care particularly specialist and complex cases.  Evaluation of what worked well across South Yorkshire was essential to move forward.

RESOLVED that the discussion, be noted.