Issue - meetings

That the Forward Work Programme be updated accordingly.

The Facilitator introduced a report to enable the Committee to consider the Forward Work Programme.  The following was noted and agreed:

·         A reminder of the cancellation of the budget meeting of the Committee scheduled for 25 January 2016.

·         The two Children’s Services items scheduled for the next meeting on 3 March 2016 to be considered as a joint report.

·         A joint meeting with the Education & Youth Overview & Scrutiny Committee on 24 March 2016 to consider items on corporate parenting and the education of looked after children.

·         The Annual Council Reporting Framework item scheduled for 14 April 2016 to be deferred to a later date.

·         The items on outcomes of the residential care review and mental health issues to be included on the Forward Work Programme.  Councillor Jones suggested that the latter item include a presentation by Double Click.

It was also noted that representatives of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) had been invited to attend a special meeting of the Committee on 9 June 2016.

Councillor Cindy Hinds highlighted the need to address the ongoing problem of bed-blocking in hospitals with BCUHB and also with the Wales Ambulance Trust.  The Chair said that this linked with capacity issues identified as part of the review of residential care homes.  She went on to refer to a change in criteria for emergency service calls and the lack of consultants in hospital Accident & Emergency departments which had been recognised as a widespread problem.  Councillor Mike Reece raised a further health issue on the challenges experienced by pensioners in seeking appointments for ear syringing.

The Committee supported the suggestion made by the Facilitator that the Wales Ambulance Trust be invited to the meeting, along with BCUHB, to respond to these concerns.

RESOLVED:

That the Forward Work Programme be updated accordingly.