Agenda item

It was explained to Members that this was a regular item on the workplan and set out to outline;

1.            What was happening to providers;

2.            The role of the Council;

3.            Recent government announcements around improved Better Care Fund (iBCF) with expectations against that.  It was explained that it was about improving the customer journey and IC work and flow in system where availability wasn’t there.

Members were provided with information around the Care Quality Commission (CQC) Inspection and Regulation of Adult Social Care.

The information summarised:

•               Key findings from the CQCs recently published report on the state and quality of domiciliary care services and provision of care in a registered Care Home for adults for the period 2014 to 2017.

•               Comparisons between the CQCs national key findings and the local data and intelligence in relation to the provision of adult social care in the Doncaster district.

•               Contract monitoring, engagement and other improvements activity undertaken by commissioning staff to support and drive up standards and quality.

•               Recently announced programme of Health and Social Care local system reviews to support those areas facing the greatest challenge to secure improvement.

Members questioned the Councils capacity to monitor contracts with providers, maintain standards and then prevent those standards from slipping.  Members were informed that the Council was undertaking its own review of commissioning and developing a Commissioning Strategy and Plan. Members were informed that the Doncaster provision was recognised as some of the best.

It was explained that the Council was presently looking for an interim Assistant Director, that two Heads of Service roles were still vacant and discussions were taking place with the NHS CCG regarding other vacant places.   

It was explained that nationally, the CCQ ratings and grading system had been abandoned four to five years ago and was then reintroduced 3 years ago.  It was added that the majority had since been inspected and that Doncaster had come out slightly higher than the national average.  Across Yorkshire and Humber, Doncaster had required less improvement than other local authorities.  Finally it was explained that Doncaster was average in terms of pay to providers and that its approach consisted of 1. A ‘pull-active’ approach, 2. Protected resource in contract management and 3. Establishing strong relationships with CQC inspectors and providers.

Clarification was provided in terms of ratings that although Doncaster did very well in respect of domiciliary care there were no outstanding services, however, they were no better than the England average. It was recognised that the aspiration was there to achieve outstanding but that CQC handed it out very rarely.

Members requested that a breakdown of this information be provided.

Members were informed that where homes may receive unfavourable reviews that the Council would work with them to construct an action plan to reach standard.  It was further explained that where homes had been closed, action would be needed, and that for the few that have been closed this had been handled successfully through positive relationships and policies.

RESOLVED that the Panel noted the report.