Agenda item

That the report be noted.

The Head of Adult Services introduced a report on the Dementia Commissioning Strategy which outlined the Authority’s vision for long term care services for people living with dementia in Flintshire over the next five years.  He advised that the focus of the document was primarily residential care services, but it recognised that much work was needed to improve the quality of life for people living with dementia in all settings.  The strategy document described the overall direction of travel for these services and would be subject to review on an ongoing basis.

The Head of Adult Services provided background information and gave an overview of the main considerations which were detailed in the report concerning demography, carers, and key issues.

Councillor Marion Bateman commented on the number of dementia patients which were placed in local community hospitals.  She referred to the need for appropriate training in dementia care and the additional pressures placed on nursing staff.   In his response the Head of Adult Services referred to the importance in the strategy of providing good support to allow people to return to their own homes and if this was not possible to nursing care. 

The Commissioning and Contract Monitoring Manager advised that a big part of the strategy included diversifying more beds for the EMI nursing sector.

The Director also acknowledged the pressures regarding care provision locally and nationally.  

Councillor Hilary Isherwood referred to the early onset of dementia and commented on the differing needs of this user group.

The Commissioning and Contract Monitoring Manager advised that a resource centre was available for younger people with dementia and that direct payments were also available which gave service users more flexibility and independence.  She commented that the Authority did not have any residential facilities for this group generally because people would rather be supported in their own homes and the Authority had looked at a more flexible way of providing respite. She added that   the best form of dementia care is tailored to meet individual needs and circumstances.  She also advised that the authority are working hard to upskill the workforce in dementia care.  She acknowledged the pressures faced by carers who care for people with dementia.

Councillor Cindy Hinds referred to the sale of two community hospitals and asked what had happened to the funding which was to be protected for Health.  The Head of Adult Services agreed to make enquiries and report back to the Committee. 

Councillor Peter Curtis referred to the closure of Prestatyn and Flint community hospitals and expressed concern that facilities and resources are not sufficient to care for the numbers requiring hospital care resulting in bed blocking.

Councillor Hilary McGuill asked regarding plans for further extra care developments in Flintshire over the next 6 years. The Director of Community Services referred to the housing strategy and said that 2 further extra care units were planned within that timescale for North West Flintshire. He advised that further discussions needed to be held to determine a long term strategy for the Authority.

Councillor Hilary McGuill expressed her concern at the lengthy processes involved in moving forward with such developments and that as no sites had yet been identified for future projects she was concerned that they would not be ready and referred to the projected increases in demand.  

The Director of Community Services acknowledged the long term nature of such developments and advised that further discussions would be taking with prospective partners over the coming months with a view to progressing future extra care provision in Flintshire.

Councillor Dave Mackie referred to the need for training to be provided for carers to help them cope with the challenges of caring for someone with dementia.

The Chair referred to the concerns raised during the discussions and the importance of effective partnership working with BCUHB to ensure sustainable services for the Citizens of Flintshire.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.