Issue - meetings

(a)       That the CSSIW’s evaluation of performance for 2014/15 and areas for improvement be noted;

(b)       That the Authority’s response to areas that have been identified for improvement be noted; and

(c)       That mental health services be included as part of the Forward Work Programme.

Mr. Rob Gifford presented the Care & Social Services Inspectorate Wales (CSSIW) annual report on the evaluation of performance of Flintshire Social Services for 2014/15.  The report incorporated paragraph numbering as a standard feature as requested previously by the Committee.  The three key areas highlighted for review by CSSIW over the next year were:

1.    Arrangements for Adult Safeguarding.

2.    Community mental health service arrangements.

3.    Access, assessment and care management arrangements in Children’s Services.

On the latter, Mr. Gifford advised that he was meeting regularly with the Senior Manager for Children’s and Workforce Services to discuss progress in implementing the Council’s action plan in response to the CSSIW inspection in 2015.  An update on this was scheduled for the next meeting of the Committee.

Mr. Gifford explained that whilst the three national reviews mentioned in the CSSIW report would not directly affect the Council, the recommendations made would need to be noted.

During an overview of adult services, Mr. Gifford described performance as very positive, particularly in relation to the Council’s key priorities such as reablement services in responding to the significant increase in referrals.  Good progress was also noted in the provision of homecare support and general support to enable better independence in communities.  The effective transfer of care arrangements was highlighted as one of the best in Wales, however numbers were increasing due to the lack of nursing home care provision which was a growing problem across the country.  Positive outcomes were recognised from the Council’s range of preventative service initiatives such as the night-time response service, continued growth of extra care provision and improved responses to minor adaptations in communities.  As an improvement from last year, the increased number of carers receiving an assessment of their needs was recognised as the highest in Wales.

The report also identified some areas for improvement including some where work was already underway following the recent management restructure.  Whilst the Council’s focus on adult safeguarding arrangements was noted, further strengthening was required to speed up responses and ensure that the voice of the service user was heard.  Delays in the completion of major adaptations for Disabled Facilities Grants (DFG) was also identified, in recognition of the impact on the small number of individuals involved.  Other issues related to the implementation of Single Point of Access (SPoA) and the need for strategic planning with the Health Board to explore more sustainable opportunities and support locality working.

The Chair stated that many of the issues identified in the inspection of Children’s Services had previously been raised by the Committee and were being monitored through regular updates.

The Chief Officer thanked Mr. Gifford for his report and in particular for endorsement of the Council’s approach to homecare and reablement.  He welcomed the recognition of sustained performance on the delayed transfer of care which was a priority for the Deputy Health Minister and said that work would continue on direct payments and the progression model to support independence of people with learning disabilities.  He spoke  ...  view the full minutes text for item 55