Agenda item

(a)       That the contribution and provision of health and social care services by third sector organisations across Flintshire is noted;

(b)       That Flintshire Local Voluntary Council (FLVC) provide an annual overview of third sector health and social care service provision to the Committee; and

(c)        That FLVC and Flintshire County Council engage in discussions to consider developing processes regarding access to services provided by the third sector. 

The Chair introduced Kate Newman, the Health and Social Care Facilitator for the Flintshire Local Voluntary Council (FLVC), to the Committee.  

Ms. Newman introduced the report to update the Committee, demonstrate the range of health and social care services in Flintshire provided by third sector organisations and to inform Committee of third sector involvement in commissioning of health and social care services.  A handout was circulated to Members which provided details of the third sector organisations in Flintshire and the types of services that they provided. 

Ms. Newman detailed the background to the report and explained that there were approximately 20 third sector organisations in Flintshire commissioned by Flintshire County Council and/or Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) to deliver health and social care services.  It was reported that there was an increasing expectation on public and third sector organisations to deliver more with less, thus requiring effective pooling of existing resources.  Locally based third sector organisations were fundamental to the provision of a range of accessible and appropriate services to enable individuals to maintain independence within the community.  A small number of third sector organisations had effective working links and provided services which supported both the Flintshire County Council re-ablement team and Crisis Intervention team.  This joint working was crucial to enable individuals to remain at home, avoiding nursing care or hospital admission.  Ms. Newman provided details of case studies of the support which had been provided by the third sector organisations to assist individuals and their families.  The third sector provision of health and social services in Flintshire also contributed to the effective implementation and delivery of strategic plans such as Flintshire Carer’s Strategy, Together for Mental Health and Families First. 

Councillor D.I. Mackie raised concern about the recommendation 4.02 as the recommendation from the FLVC was not contained in the report.  Ms. Newman said that it was not about FLVC being involved in commissioning of the service but was about planning what the service might look like.  This could include developing a process on how to access third sector organisations in terms of contributing to the whole process.  The Chair suggested that this part of the recommendation be removed. 

Councillor H.J. McGuill welcomed the work of the third sector organisations and asked whether links to the FLVC were publicised as she felt that members of the public who were not aware of the existence of the FLVC would not be able to access the advice they provided.  Ms. Newman responded that a web-based health and social care directory had been developed which was on the FLVC website.  This listed the services available along with an overview of the service and contact details.  Councillor McGuill queried whether there were links on the Flintshire County Council and health care websites.  Ms. Newman explained that a link was included where possible but added that it was an ongoing process.  The Director said that the Flintshire County Council website was being revised and that he would check whether a link to the FLVC website could be included in the revised website.     

In response to a comment from Councillor P. Shotton about the public knowing who to contact, the Head of Social Services for Children referred to the Family Information Service based in Buckley who could provide information on services available.  Councillor A.I. Dunbar asked what FLVC did specifically for carers.  Ms. Newman responded that FLVC did not provide direct services but spoke of North East Wales Carer Information Service (NEWCIS) which provided a range of services for carers. 

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the contribution and provision of health and social care services by third sector organisations across Flintshire is noted;

(b)       That Flintshire Local Voluntary Council (FLVC) provide an annual overview of third sector health and social care service provision to the Committee; and

(c)        That FLVC and Flintshire County Council engage in discussions to consider developing processes regarding access to services provided by the third sector.