Agenda and minutes

Councillor Barron raised a concern in relation to the transitional period for service users moving from RMBC to independent providers.  He had reason to believe that some service users were not receiving their care services on a regular basis, and were being missed on occasion.  The Director of Health and Wellbeing agreed to investigate this matter and report back to members

The Cabinet Member referred to Minute Number 3 relating to the appointment of Champions and asked that all Champions prepare a short report for the meeting on 20^th July, 2009.

Resolved:- That the minutes of the meeting held on 8^th June, 2009 be approved as a correct record.

Shona McFarlane, Director of Health and Wellbeing presented the submitted report in respect of the Annual Report of the Joint Learning Disability Service which outlined the continued strong performance of the service.

Service Provision

One of the most significant events in the last year had been the negotiations for the transfer of social care funding from the PCT to the Local Authority.  The funding would be transferred fully in 2011 and would be part of the Partnership Agreement.  The amount currently transferred in 09/10 was £6,782,156 and would increase annually by an estimated 2% uplift for the next 2 years.

The service had appointed a new Contracts Manager and two Contract Reviewing Officers, who had undertaken full contract monitoring on 28 providers during their first 6 months.  The Contracts Manager had established regular provider forums where the cost of the service, developments, performance and issues were discussed.

The service completed an audit on behalf of the National Audit Commission on people with autism which contributed to the National Autism Bill currently going through Parliament.

The Joint Learning Disability Service contributed to the improved health and welfare of people with learning disabilities in Rotherham.  It helped people to stay well, support their independence and tackle inequalities by providing targeted support to individuals with healthcare needs beyond those provided at a primary health care level.

The Joint Service contributes to the health and wellbeing of people with learning disabilities, in particular increasing the choice and control of people through offering a range of services provided across statutory and voluntary services, and through enabling advocacy services to give people a voice and influence on the planning and delivery of services.

The report outlined the main activities and success of the Joint Learning Disability Service which were:

• Personalisation
• Beacon Update
• Customer Service Excellence Standard
• The Partnership Board
• Performance
• Supported Living
• Park Lea
• Health
• Employment

Achievements

The Learning Disability Team had four teams nominated for team of the year in the Star Awards and the Oaks Day Centre team were awarded the Team of the Year award.

Ratings for the in-house respite and residential and nursing provision following CSCI inspections were all good or excellent.

Other achievements included:

·         The Assessment and Treatment Unit achieved the second highest score from the Health Care Commission Inspection and had scored high in the PEAT (Patient Environment Assessment Team) Inspection

·         Training in safeguarding had improved and all staff had received this training

·         The new NHS electronic system known as System One had been successfully implemented

·         Learning Disability Service was included in the second phase for Electronic Social Care Records

·         A policy had been developed to support staff when they were supporting service users in personal relationships and were currently training the staff

·         The Learning Disability Employment Strategy had been revised, in partnership with Speak Up

·         Our Assessment and Treatment Unit had generated significant income from other NHS Authorities who purchased beds within the unit

·         Every service user was offered a person centred plan and a health action plan.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 14.

- To agree attendance at the NCAS Conference to be held on 21^st to 23^rd October 2009 in Harrogate and to nominate delegate to attend.

Consideration was given to attendance at the National Children and Adult Services Conference in Harrogate from 21^st to 23^rd October 2009.  The Cabinet Member was asked to agree attendance for two members and nominations were sought.

Resolved:- (1) That the Cabinet Member agree to attendance for two Members at the above conference;

(2) That Councillor John Doyle and Councillor Pat Russell be nominated to attend.