Agenda and minutes

Apologies for Absence were received from County Borough Councillors M Tegg, C Willis

To receive disclosures of personal interest from Members in accordance with the Code of Conduct

Note:

1.     Members are requested to identify the item number and subject matter that their interest relates to and signify the nature of the personal interest: and

2.   Where Members withdraw from a meeting as a consequence of the disclosure of a prejudicial interest they must notify the Chairman when they leave.

In accordance with the Council’s Code of Conduct, there were no declarations made pertaining to the agenda.

To receive the minutes of the previous meeting of the Health and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee which was held on 24.02.2020

It was RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the 24^th February 2020 as an accurate reflection of the meeting.

To receive an update on the actions taken by the Council as a result of the Covid 19 National emergency from an Adult Service perspective.

It was explained to Members that the purpose of the report was to give Members of the Health & Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee the opportunity to scrutinise, review and challenge the Council’s response to the COVID 19

Pandemic from an Adult Services perspective.

The Director of Adult Services thanked Committee for the opportunity to update Members on the work that that has been carried out since the start of the pandemic and also the opportunity to highlight the current plans in place to support the vulnerable Adult and families in Rhondda Cynon Taf.

The Director of Adult Services continued to explain that despite the impact of the pandemic across Rhondda Cynon Taf the staff have continued to provide social care services to the most vulnerable people in all settings.

The Director of Adult Services highlighted that that in order to manage the initial impact of the pandemic safeguarding was the main priority for the Service. It was explained that Adult service has had to adapt and change some way of working to move with the extremely fast pace of the changing situation. Members were informed that as an Authority we are continuously following and reviewing Government guidance to ensure we are able to respond to the latest advise.

Members were provided with an overview of the priorities which included working with partners to support timely and safe discharges from hospital, arranging care at home or in an appropriate setting while long term planning takes place.  It was explained that support to care providers was essential to deliver a quality and safe service. Other key priorities are as followings:

·         Support our most vulnerable people and their carers to stay safe and well in the community;

·         Respond to urgent and immediate care and support requirements;

·         Safeguard and protect adults considered to be most at risk in the county borough.

The Director explained the procedures in place to ensure these priorities are some of which are as follows,

·         Continue to assess and prioritise cases in accordance with flexibilities afforded by the Social Services and Wellbeing (Wales) 2014 Act:

·         Continue to review packages of care where calls have been reduced with a view to re-installing where the risk is escalating.

·         Continue to work with care homes and other care providers, which includes maintaining bed capacity across care homes, including all 11 in house care homes.

The Director of Adult Services updated Members on staffing pressurers within the service and the Committee  acknowledge concerns of staff retention along with threat of increased sickness absence during the winter period with cold and Flu like symptoms contributing to an already stretched work force during these times.

Members were also presented with an overview of other areas within the Service for example day services, extra care, PPE provision.

After concluding his verbal update the Director of Adult Services along with the Group Director Community and Children Services proceeded to take Members questions.

The Chair thanked the Officers for a very comprehensive and thanked the service for all its hard  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

To reflect on the meeting and actions to be taken forward.

The Chair thanked Members and Officers for their attendance and closed the meeting.