Issue - meetings

Consideration was given to a report presented by the Director of Health and Wellbeing stating that, in December 2012, the Department of Health had published the report entitled ‘Transforming Care: A national response to Winterbourne View Hospital - Department of Health Review: Final Report’. This review had taken place as a consequence of the exposure of the abuse that occurred at the Winterbourne View Hospital, South Gloucestershire, in May 2011 and explained the lessons to be learned and actions that should be taken to prevent such abuse from re-occurring.

The Department of Health report contains clear, timetabled actions for Health and Local Authority Commissioners working together to transform care and support for people with learning disabilities or autism who also have mental health conditions or behaviours viewed as challenging.

Discussion took place on the contents of the document which had been prepared after the ‘stock-taking’ assessment of these services locally, as required by the Department of Health review. The Winterbourne View Joint Improvement Programme is asking local areas to complete a stock-take of progress against the commitments made nationally that should lead to all individuals receiving personalised care and support in appropriate community settings no later than 1st June, 2014. The assessment document had been submitted to the Department of Health within the prescribed timescale. Members noted that the Care Quality Commission had inspected quality of care provision at the Rotherham Assessment and Treatment Unit during November, 2011.

It was noted that this matter would also be considered by the Health and Wellbeing Board at its meeting to be held on 10^th July, 2013.

Resolved:- That the report be received and its contents noted.

(Councillor Wyatt declared his personal interest in the above item, because a family relative is involved in the ‘Speak-up’ organisation which is mentioned in the submitted report).