Minutes:
The
Committee scrutinised the following matters:
Cabinet
Board Proposals
4.1
Western Bay Pooled Fund for Care Homes
Options Paper
The Committee received information in relation to
the Western Bay Pooled Fund for Care Homes as contained within the circulated
report.
Members asked for clarification on the term ‘cross-subsidisation’
and were informed that it is basically a legal process whereby Neath Port
Talbot tax payers’ money does not integrate into other Local Authority areas.
Members were concerned that the report included
different opinions and views from AM’s and the Welsh Government but were informed
that there had been ongoing negotiations and that views have progressed and
developed and Members were pleased to note that the Minister was now in agreement
with the proposal at this stage.
The Committee discussed the potential situation of
Bridgend leaving the Health Board area and the impact that this could have. Members
noted that it would have an effect on market balance and commissioning priorities
but it was noted that if Bridgend do withdraw there will be no risk to the
financial position of the Council in relation to the option recommended in this
report.
Members asked for clarification on the statement
that ‘…initially the pooled fund will not apply to placements made under s117
or in relation to care home services specialising in functional mental health where
older persons may reside.’ Officers stated that they will circulate an
explanation to Members.
Members asked for clarification on the abbreviations
FNC and CHC. Officers explained FNC is Funded Nursing Care and CHC is Community
Health Care. Members were concerned about the repetition of abbreviations (such
as LAC standing for both Local Area Coordinator and Looked after Children).
Members asked for an update on the creation of a
common contract to standardise contract terms and conditions across the four
organisations which was scheduled for completion by April 2018. Officers
explained work was still ongoing but the contract is nearing completion.
The Committee noted the plan to create a shared
methodology but not a shared rate and asked if the difference in rates would reflect
local differences in need. It was explained that the methodology is agreed with
providers as to how to set and agree rates and that fees are different to reflect
geographic differences.
Members noted that the Council must reach a
position of compliance and that the option presented in the report allows the
Council to cooperate with the requirements set out.
Members stated that in the assessment chart for the
options set out for consideration in the report no option provided optimum
results. It was noted that evaluation would be ongoing in partnership with
Welsh Government as the project progresses.
Members noted the positive aspects of pooled
budgets such as aligned commissioning and freeing up of budgets.
Following scrutiny, the committee were supportive
of the proposals to be considered at Cabinet Board.
4.3 Update on the Commissioning Strategy for Care Homes for Older
People: Neath Port Talbot Implementation Plan 2016/2019 and the Older Persons
Residential Care Homes in Neath Port Talbot Report
The Committee received information in relation to the
Update on the Commissioning Strategy for Care Home for Older People as
contained within the circulated report.
Members asked if the Market Position Statement of
June 2017 be circulated.
The Committee asked for further information in
relation to the Regional Quality Framework. They were informed that there are
annual joint monitoring visits in partnership with ABMU and feedback is
assessed and provided.
The Committee asked how well the early indicators
that identify concerns at care homes are working. Officers explained they are
working very well and that issues are being identified before they escalate.
Members looked forward to receiving further information on this data as it becomes
available.
Members noted that the establishment of a Nurse Recruitment
protocol is ongoing.
Members noted that the Escalating Concerns Policy was a regional
framework developed to support and overcome issues by early identification.
Members asked for further information on ‘Patient Flow
Interface Groups’. They discussed the creation of patient led groups in and out
of hospital discharge ensuring that processes were monitored and fit for
purpose.
Members commented that the map that illustrates the
spread of care homes across Neath Port Talbot may not be accurate and agreed that
a grid image may be a better way to see the information. Officers agreed to re
consider the information represented on the map.
Following scrutiny it was agreed that the report be
noted.