Agenda item

The Panel will have an opportunity to ask questions to the Cabinet Member, or designated officer, and to receive an update on any current issues.

The Chairman invited Jane Shayler (Programme Director for Non-Acute Health, Social Care and Housing) to give an update in the absence of Councillor Simon Allen (Cabinet Member for Wellbeing).

Jane Shayler took the Panel through the update (attached as Appendix 1 to these minutes) and provided further detail on the actions being taken in respect of a small number of care homes.  Improvement Action Plans are in place and the implementation of the necessary improvements/changes are being closely monitored in liaison with the regulatory body, CQC (Care Quality Commission).  CQC has been satisfied with the progress made to date.

Jane Shayler added that in light of recent high profile cases, including Winterbourne View, CQC have started to issue very strong, standard press releases that do not always give an accurate picture of the required improvements and associated risks to service users. Nevertheless, the Council does always take all CQC Improvement Notices seriously and works closely with CQC to ensure that the appropriate action is taken.

The Chairman said that we do have to be aware of the possible adverse perceptions of the public after reading such strong CQC press releases but that it was acknowledged that it is important that CQC takes a rigorous approach to its regulatory role.  The Chairman said he was concerned that it was CQC, not the Council, who identified the areas for improvement.

Jane Shayler replied that the CQC has different role and greater powers than Council in the regulation of care services.  The commissioning and contract team does regular contract reviews, taking a risk-based approach to the frequency of those reviews.  Jane acknowledged that the team does not have sufficient capacity to undertake contract reviews of all providers as frequently as it would ideally want but capacity in the team has been increased in recognition of this really important area of work.  Also, there is close working between the Council and CQC with regular liaison designed to share concerns and any actions to be taken.

The Chairman felt that this issue should be on the agenda for the next meeting of the Panel in the format of the report with the background information.  The Panel agreed with the Chairman’s suggestion.

It was AGREED that ‘Care Services Quality Assurance’ be on the agenda for March 2012 meeting.

The Chairman asked about the Department of Health one-off additional payment of £457,275 to Primary Care Trust for immediate transfer to the Council for investment in social care services which also benefit the health system.

Jane Shayler responded that, on an urgent basis, it was agreed to invest in transitional beds (one of the areas highlighted by Sirona).  It was also agreed to employ an additional Social Worker in the Hospital Team on a 12-month basis.  The other proposals from Sirona and other partners and 3rd sector providers are being considered.  All these investments will have to be short term as the money is one-off payment.

The Chairman asked how carry-forward money sits with the Service Action Plan.

Jane Shayler responded that planned carry-forward of £1m was included in the Medium Term Service and Resource Plan that was presented to the Panel in November 2011.  Part of the reason for slippage on the expenditure of this money was the time it takes to commission new services but also as a result of over-performance this year in delivering efficiency savings. 

Councillor Jackson asked if the vacancies in Dartmouth Avenue might be used to house households who have become homeless as a result of the benefits cap.

Jane Shayler replied that the benefits cap is not yet in place and that it is too early to predict the impact

It was RESOLVED to note the update and to have ‘Care Services Quality Assurance’ be on the agenda for March 2012 meeting.