Agenda item

Considered – A state of the nation presentation on adult social care and public health provided by Richard Webb, Corporate Director for Health and Adult Services.

Councillor Michael Harrison, Executive Member for Health & Adult Services introduced the presentation and Richard Webb went on to highlight a number of key points, which included:

·          The financial pressures due to the rural nature of the county, a rise in demand, and inflation.

·          The opportunities arising from the new council structure and NHS reforms.

·          An emphasis on prevention, equity, and inclusion.

·          The expansion of care technology and digital services.

·          Investment in extra care housing and supported living.

·          Challenges in the care market, especially in rural areas.

·          The recent CQC inspection

·          Residential & Nursing Care trends.

Richard Webb drew attention to the new HAS 2030 manifesto for the directorate, setting out the direction of travel for the next 5 years.  He also provided an overview of the national picture, and the five delivery strands detailed in the presentation. 

In regard to ongoing prevention work he noted the joint working arrangements with Housing Services, the Localities team, NHS and external carer organisations, with a focus on improving practices, reducing waiting times and providing more choice through direct payments.

He also provided a brief overview of the headlines arising from the recent CQC Review.  Members noted the findings would likely be formally reported in early Autumn, and that they would be used to re-fresh the ASC improvement priorities.

In regard to public health, Richard Webb noted:

·          The expansion of the Stop Smoking Services and the ongoing work to cut off the supply of illegal cigarettes etc.

·          The planned new delivery model to support people who use substances.

·          The implementation of the ‘Get Britain Working’ Trailblazer - He suggested the committee may wish to receive a more detailed overview of that at a future meeting.

Members noted the second phase of the Directorate restructure was now underway, informed by the changing needs of the population, COVID-19, feedback from the peer review and colleagues’ feedback.  Members were also pleased to note the financial action plans in place.  In particular, the CHC income plan to ensure that NHS pays appropriately.

Richard Webb provided an overview of the drivers for change and confirmed that 780 members of staff were currently being consulted.  In response, Members welcomed the planned move to a countywide specialist model, delivered by local teams, focussing on enhanced prevention - a front door and therapy approach; younger adults 18-75; and older adults 75+. 

Finally, Members discussed their concerns about hospital discharge processes, including inappropriate discharge times and coordination issues. Officers responded with details of bridging services and intermediate care models. It was proposed that a detailed update on discharges be added to the work programme for the committee’s next meeting in October 2025.

The Chair thanked officers for the presentation, and it was

Resolved – That:

i.      The State of the Nation presentation be noted

ii.     A detailed update on Discharges be added to the work programme for the next meeting on 20 October 2025

Councillor Monika Slater left the meeting at 2pm.