Agenda item

Andrew Hughes, Head of the Care and Health Improvement Programme, introduced the item, advising members that the programme looked at sector-led improvement for adult social care and the integration of care and health services. It was delivered in partnership with the Association of Directors of Adult Social Care (ADASS) and funded by the Department of Health. The programme looked at how to support councils dealing with the challenges of care. A set of key issues were detailed in section 10 of the report.

In the discussion which followed, members made the following points:

·         Members highlighted the lack of reference to sustainable transformation plans.

·         Concerns were raised that the national direction on social care improvement was sometimes problematic for local relationships.

·         Members queried whether there was a minister responsible for health and social care integration, and what was being done to work on sustainability going forward. Officers advised that work was being carried out jointly with the Department of Health on delayed transfers of care.

·         There was a discussion on Southend Care, where problems were partly being addressed by using empty hotels and B&Bs in the town for care.

·         A point was also made on the importance of making provision for the younger generation, who would have fewer assets in old age.

Decisions

The board:

1.    Noted the progress being made with the re-shaping of the Care and Health Improvement Programme to focus on the sustainability of social care and the integration of services with the NHS.

2.    Provided direction (as outlined above) on the scope of the activity and offer to the sector, to inform negotiations with the Department of Health.

Action

1.    Officers to proceed with work as directed by members.