Issue - meetings

Governance of Part 9 Regional Partnership Board

Meeting: 20/10/2016 - Social & Health Care Overview & Scrutiny Committee (Item 38)

38 North Wales Regional Partnership Board pdf icon PDF 92 KB

Decision:

(a)       That the establishment of the Regional Partnership Board as described in 1.09 and 1.10 of the report be supported; and

 

(b)       That the Committee have an expectation that the new board will  improve communication between BCUHB and the social care sector.

 

Minutes:

The Chief Officer (Social Services) introduced a report to inform of the requirements within Part 9 of the Social Services and Well-Being (Wales) Act 2014 that came into force on 6 April 2016, and requires the establishment of a Regional Partnership Board in each health board region in Wales.  He advised that the Regional Partnership Board would be a statutory body with functions defined by the Act and in subsequent regulations with the force of law.  The Chief Officer reported on the main considerations around the  North Wales Regional Partnership Board, which were as detailed in the report. 

 

The Chair invited Members to raise questions.

 

Councillor Dave Mackie referred to section 1.12 in the report and the risk of duplication of work with existing boards.  The Chief Officer gave an assurance that this had been taken into consideration and workshops set up to address this.  In response to the further concerns raised by Councillor Mackie around governance matters and accountability to Flintshire residents, the Chief Officer gave an assurance that there was the  opportunity to put Flintshire’s views forward via himself or the Cabinet Member for Social Services.

 

Councillor Hilary McGuill welcomed the establishment of the Board, however, she emphasised the need to ensure better and more effective outcomes in health and social care for the residents of Flintshire.  The Chief Officer agreed that it was important that the Board moves forward to improve the care and support provided for Flintshire and across North Wales. 

 

In response to the concerns raised by the Chair, the Chief Officer advised that delayed transfer of care was not a problem in Flintshire with very low numbers recorded.  Responding to the further question from Councillor McGuill regarding Flintshire residents accessing services at the Countess of Chester Hospital, the Chief Officer explained that two full time hospital social workers were based at the Countess of Chester.  He advised that a report on delayed transfer of care was scheduled for the meeting of the Committee to be held in January 2017. 

 

During discussion the Chief Officer acknowledged the need for the Board to highlight the issues and concerns in relation to health and social care in North Wales with the Welsh Government.

 

RESOLVED:

 

(a)       That the establishment of the Regional Partnership Board as described in 1.09 and 1.10 of the report be supported; and

 

(b)       That the Committee have an expectation that the new board will  improve communication between BCUHB and the social care sector.