Issue - meetings

The Board is asked to consider the report on the above.

Phil Hornsby, Director – Commissioning for People presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'B' to these Minutes in the Minute Book which provided an update on the Better Care Fund and Home First Programme.

The Board was advised that the report considered budget issues, for extending existing BCF Section 75 agreements to include the impact of COVID 19 pooled expenditure. Members were informed that the Dorset Integrated Care System had been providing an enhanced supply of out of hospital care and support services, commissioned via BCP and Dorset Council on behalf of the system.

The Director reported that this service was to be extended to the end of March 2022 and the enhanced supply of out of hospital care and support services can be approved by delegated authority as outlined in the recommendations. (The Board was referred to agenda item 9 – Hospital Discharge Programme Funding).

The Board was updated on progress and performance of the Better Care Fund (BCF) Plan and Home First Programme for 2020/21 including information against each scheme. A national programme of work has taken place led by NHS England considering changes to the BCF from 2021 onwards. This report takes account of the new requirements, and the content of the report was in line with the BCF changed requirements recently provided (August 2021) and officers would continue to monitor changes and adhere to these as we progress.

Officers commented on the impact and demands of Covid as detailed in the report. The Board was updated on the operational aspects including additional capacity to support carers with a refresh of the Pan Dorset Carers Provision, in respect of maintaining strong and sustainable care markets key elements of work included the remodelling of Coastal Lodge for an enhanced intermediate care bedded unit for the ICS and a summary of the financial implications.

The Board was updated on the progress of Home First Programme, which was established in response to the national mandate to implement a full ‘discharge to assess’ model in each local system and supported by national hospital discharge funding.  Officers outlined the programme focus which was on embedding the changes made to date and to establish a sustainable long-term model for intermediate care that would meet the evolving needs of the Dorset Population.  Officers reported on the appointment of IMPOWER as the strategic partner who have commenced the diagnostic phase.  The Board was advised of the Plan for the next quarter, which was to progress priority interventions, to address immediate challenges of increased demand, reduce flow and resilience in existing services.

The Board was informed that this was a significant programme of change and workforce pressures exacerbate the situation. The Director of Public Health reported that demand was unprecedented and therefore the focus should be on discharge from hospital, the community role and the integration of locality teams. The Board was informed that a more integrated approach was  ...  view the full minutes text for item 23