Agenda and minutes

To provide Members with any announcements and apologies relating to the meeting.

The Chair welcome Members to the first Committee of the 2020/2021 Municipal Year, the Chair took the opportunity to welcome new Members and thank previous Member for all their contributions over the what has been a very uncertain year.

The Chair continued and thanked Cllr G Holmes for his support as Vice Chair during the previous year and wished him well for the future, he also welcomed Cllr S Evans to the Committee as Vice Chair for this Municipal Year.

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 the 14^th September 2020.

It was RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the 14^th September 2020 as an accurate reflection of the meeting, subject to information in respect of the day centre provision be provided to Members.

Information is provided in respect of relevant consultations for consideration by the Committee.

The Chair advised members of the consultation links which were provided for their information and for the Committee to note any consultations that were relevant to the Committee

For Members of the Health and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee to consider the Work Programme for the Municipal Year 2020/2021.

The Service Director Democratic Services and Communications explained to Members that the report provides Members with the Draft Forward Work Programme for the Municipal Year 2020/2021.

It was highlighted to Members that the Work Programme requires flexibility especially during these unprecedented times allowing business critical matters to be prioritised.

Members of the Health and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee were asked to identify any items they would like to review further and agree the Work programme for 2020/2021 up until the end of March.

The Chair thanked the officer for the report before them and opened up the meeting for Members comments and questions.

Members agreed that it is important to focus on critical matters under the current circumstances however felt that there should be an added item to the work programme to consider the health and wellbeing of residents caused by the country leaving the European Union.

After further consideration Members RESOLVED to:

·         Acknowledge the content of the proposed work programme for 2020/2021

·         Acknowledge the progress and achievements and the effectiveness of scrutiny work programme and practices; and

·         Continue to monitor topic for future scrutiny throughout the year.

To receive a  Report from the Director of Adult Services in relation the  COVID 19 and Winter Planning.

The Director of Adult Services provided Members of the Health and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee with an update on the Adult Services Response to the Covid-19 pandemic and the usual winter pressures across the Cwm Taf Morgannwg region.

The Director explained that the Service continues to work within its statutory duties, although there continues to be some temporary disruption while prioritising services and modifying care and support offers based on assessed needs and risk.

It was highlighted that the Covid-19 pandemic has meant that Adult Services has needed to implement new ways of working and extensive national guidance in partnership with health and social care providers and partners.

The Director of Adult Services updated Members on the current response to Covid-19 which included a table that provided an update on the services recovery actions, which are included in the Council’s Corporate Plan.

It was highlighted that some people and carers have elected to decline services because of concerns about Covid-19 this has resulted in a greater reliance on carers and families and evidence now shows that there is a higher demand on adult social care and that support for carers is becoming an increasing issue. It was explained that separation from families and friends has been difficult for people living in care homes and supported living, the Director explained that the Council’s supported living service and commissioned providers have made use of new technologies to ensure residents have some communication with is in line with Welsh Government Guidelines.

The Director also presented Members with overview of the new extra care facilities that have been developed across Rhondda Cynon Taf which has been of great interest to Members of the Committee.

The Director went on to highlighted the impact the pandemic has had on staff across the adult social care service, he continued by explaining some of the support and provision that have been made available to the workforce across the County Borough.

In relation to care home provision the Director of Adult Services gave an overview of the current position in respect of Rhondda Cynon Taf and explained that currently there currently 37 care homes with a total of 1.449 registered beds for older people – in February 2020 care homes were reporting 165 empty beds and in September 2020 they reported 363 empty beds, but importantly we have not lost a provider due to the pandemic.

With regards to testing Members were informed that all care home staff and residents are currently tested 2 weekly and that this process has identified asymptomatic residents and staff and infection control measures are immediately followed in response.

It was highlighted that Welsh Government has developed a national action to support care homes across Wales following a rapid review by Professor John Bolton during the summer, also the Cwm Taf Morgannwg Partnership Board have developed a regional action plan to focus on the key areas identified in the review.

In respect of the Winter Pressure the Committee acknowledged the increased pressures placed on health  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

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

The Chair thanked Officers and Members for their contriution to this evenings Committee and wished the well.