Agenda item

Members received a presentation from the Director of Social Care, Health and Housing in relation to the Impact Covid-19 has had on Care homes, Domiciliary Care Services, Delayed Transfer of Care, Respite/Day Services and Homelessness.

Members were provided with an update on the impact that Covid-19 has had since the pandemic was announced. It was highlighted that Social Services is ultimate responsibility for supporting venerable individuals within the community. It was noted that Covid-19 has made this very challenging for Social Services, making officers take difficult decisions and balancing resources.

Discussions took place around the pandemic as a whole, having updates from March 2020 and the emergency crisis planning procedures that were put in place for the first surge of the virus. Officers then discussed the decrease in positive cases of the Covid-19 virus as we entered the summer months. As officers were planning to enter a recovery stage, figures started to increase as we entered autumn, when the fire breaker was announced. During that time cases did decrease, however, rapidly increased as we entered the winter months.

It was noted that robust governance arrangements had been put in place, ensuring that cabinet members and the Scrutiny Chair and Vice Chair were continually updated on the process during the pandemic.

It was noted that an overview report based on lessons learned was produced, which is available to the puclic and the committee. Detailing lessons learned on preventing Covid-19 for infecting care homes.

Members were informed that during the second surge of Covid-19 there had been an increase in responsibilities to the Council, such as, delivering testing and vaccination roll out.

Members were highlighted with the pressures on families as they had cared for vulnerable family members during the outbreak and the need for respite, which is currently being utilised as a very last resort service.

Members were made aware that Residential and Nursing care were running at a low capacity rate. As 20 out of 24 homes were currently in lockdown, only allowing 4 homes to be available for new residents.

Discussions around agency staff were highlighted to members, due to the lack of resources.

It was highlighted that the remodelling of Adult Services was still in the process and being pursued.

Domicilary calls were discussed and members were informed that domicilary calls had been RAG rated in readiness for problematic times.

The Committee commended the work of the Social Care Service and the efforts that they had conducted in ensuring the community was provided with the utmost care during these unprecedented times.

Members commended the recent news of the release of the Covid-19 Vaccine and therefore queried the timeline of when the vaccine would be available to Neath Port Talbot specifically to the priority of Care Staff. Officers, highlighted that Care Homes Residents and staff are at the top of the list, however, discussions were taking place on the logistics of administrating these vaccines as they are difficult factors to consider such as, the vaccine being kept at a low temperature and not being transported once opened.

Members queried whether community organisations could help facilitate and support the domicilary care service, by helping to provide low level care. Officers highlighted that the care is mainly personal care and due therefore these areas have previously been considered and debated.

Following scrutiny, the report was noted.