Agenda item

The Health and Adult Social Care Overview and Scrutiny (O&S) Committee is asked to consider and identify work priorities for publication in a Work Plan.

The Committee was 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.

The Health and Adult Social Care Overview and Scrutiny (O&S) Committee was asked to consider and identify work priorities for publication in a Work Plan.

The Chair, when considering the Work Plan advised the Committee of the following:

·       The items list for the September meeting were highlighted, including the Adult Social Care Prevention Strategy, prior to consideration at Cabinet.

·       The Budget Awareness item was highlighted and Committee members were asked to consider what data they would like, particularly in light of the Council’s financial pressures.  ACTION.

·       The recommendation arising from the last budget working group was highlighted regarding block-booked beds and the Chair suggested that members may wish to revisit this topic in the context of budget scrutiny.

·       Noted that Tricuro would be attending to provide an update on their business plans. Members were encouraged to think about what data they might want to request and what expectations they might wish to set, particularly regarding reablement. ACTION.

·       Mentioned that the December meeting would include an update on the Integrating Neighbourhood Teams initiative, which had been under discussion for some time. Given the rapidly evolving NHS landscape, it was considered a timely opportunity to take stock.

·       Confirmed that recurring annual reports scheduled for December included the Safeguarding Adults Annual Report and the Social Care Complaints and Quality Assurance Report.

·       Advised that the inclusion of End of Life Services on the agenda remained uncertain, depending on the readiness of officers and external colleagues to present.

·       Reflected on the committee’s previously agreed priorities and expressed hope that all would be completed by the end of the year.

·       Noted that a longer list of outstanding issues remained, including a report from University Hospitals Dorset (UHD) on the broader transformation programme. Although the committee had already reviewed clinical services, the wider transformation work was still pending.

·       Recalled that Councillor Joe Salmon had previously submitted a scrutiny request regarding the Sub-Co proposal within hospitals. A briefing had since taken place and a detailed report submitted to the Trust Board would be shared with members to reaffirm the reassurances given during the meeting.  ACTION.

·       Indicated that a review of the impact on Personal Independence Payments would not be possible in the near term, as it depended on developments in Parliament.

·       Addressed the Lifeways issue, noting that it would be more helpful to consider it within the broader context of adult social care commissioning. An informal briefing on commissioning would be delivered at the end of the meeting to provide background and context.

The Committee discussed the work plan and a Member expressed concern regarding the transformation of UHD regarding recruitment and retention of nurses.  The changes in the Dorset Integrated Care Board were highlighted and it was advised that it was a fast-moving picture, but an update would be provided when possible.

RESOLVED that the Health and Adult Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee review, update and confirm the Work Plan.

Voting: Nem. Con.