Agenda item

PRE-SCRUTINY

Minutes:

The Committee scrutinised the following matters:

 

Cabinet Board Proposals

 

6.1    A Supportive Review of the Community Mental Health Teams Associated Primary Care Psychiatric Liaison Services by Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board and Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council.

 

          The Committee received information in relation to the findings of the Supportive Review of the Community Mental Health Teams Associated Primary Care Psychiatric Liaison Services by Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board and Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council as contained within the circulated report.

 

          Members heard how the review had encouraged staff to be open and honest and that lessons had been learnt about management arrangements of integrated services.

 

          It was noted that there will be links with Local Area Coordinators where possible.

 

          Members asked for progress against the ‘lack of administrative staff’ that had been noted in the report and were informed that in the interim agency staff have been utilised whilst the team structure is being considered.

 

          Progress was also requested on the sporadic attendance at Multi Discipliniary meetings and the Committee were informed that this has greatly improved.

 

          A discussion was held on the finding of the review that Gelligron is ‘not fit for purpose’ and Members agreed that there are clear issues and challenges with the building but noted that there is a wider ongoing accommodation review which is considering all options. The Committee were particularly concerned about the lack of space for storage of medical records and were pleased to note the plans to move to an electronic system.

 

          Members were pleased to note that supervision is now conducted consistently according to policy on a 28 day basis.

 

          The Committee asked for further information in relation to the governance and scrutiny arrangements of the Health Board and were informed of the existence of a Quality and Safety Committee and the establishment of a Strategic Group.

 

          The Committee appreciated the impact of when the previous Senior Management Team of the Council’s Social Services team departed and recognised the influence of the new management structure and that they had needed time to bed in.

 

          The Committee agreed that a Member Panel be instated to provide a format where Members can receive direct feedback from frontline Social Work Services and address any issues that arise with Senior Officers. 

 

          Following scrutiny it was agreed that the report be noted.

 

6.2    Manager’s Report, Hillside Secure Children’s Home

 

          Members received information on the young people, information on staff and service planning and development for the period of 20th August 2017 to 15th December 2017 as contained within the circulated report.

 

          Members asked if in future a glossary of abbreviations be included.

 

          The Committee welcomed the achievements in education and congratulated the Unit in being used as an example of good practice in sports therapy. The Committee also looked forward to the opening of the Hair and Beauty Salon.

 

          Members raised concern at the significant increase in short term and long term sickness absence. Officers explained that the team members are actively involved with the young people on the unit which can often result in injury but they gave the Committee assurance that they do not feel there are any underlying issues. In relation to long term sickness absence, Members understood that Hillside is a challenging work environment which provides specific long term issues for staff members and noted that there are process, policies and procedure in place for staff to escalate concerns.

 

          Once received, Members asked for the Ombudsman Report on Prisons and Probation to be circulated.

         

          Members noted that CSSiW were expected to return to inspect Hillside around February 2018 and were informed that a date had not yet been arranged.

 

          A discussion was held around the income generation possibilities of Hillside and Members were pleased to note that the wellbeing of the young people is always considered a priority in line with any other discussions that are held regarding Hillside.

 

          Following scrutiny, it was agreed that the report be noted.

         

6.3    The Children’s Home (Wales) Regulations 2002.

 

          The Committee received information in relation to the monthly visits undertaken to Hillside Secure Centre as required by the Children’s Home (Wales) Regulations as contained within the circulated report.

 

          Members were reassured that the voice of the child is continually expressed.

 

          The Committee were concerned that ‘different shift patterns often have different thresholds of sanctions’. It was explained that clear guidance is in place but it was agreed that consistency is needed and a discussion was had about restorative sanctions.

 

          The Committee agreed that it was important that staff members only sign observation checks that they have completed themselves.

 

          Following scrutiny, it was agreed that the report be noted.