Agenda item

(a)       That the development and implementation of the Single Point of Access, which is aligned to the regional vision and programme, be supported; and

(b)       That an update on progress be reported to the Committee in six months’ time.

The Senior Manager, Integrated Services/Lead Adults introduced an update on the development of the Flintshire Single Point of Access (SPoA), which aimed to create an integrated and streamlined access route to community health and social care services for all individuals over 18 years of age, whilst providing a means of information sharing and improved co-ordination of health and social care services.  An update on the regional programme indicated that three of the six North Wales Authorities had gone live with their respective models to date, with Wrexham preparing for its launch.  The aim was for all six would go live by March 2016.

In Flintshire, a local governance structure had been created together with a Board and Project Team to support the programme, with key principles agreed as the foundations for the project.  Following a review of the model adopted by Denbighshire Council in June 2014, it had been determined that the model for Flintshire would be best located at the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) building at Preswylfa in Mold.  Refurbishment of the building had been completed in March 2015 in readiness for the co-location of health and social care teams, which had been identified as a priority by the Project Board.  It was reported that the Denbighshire model had progressed to include referrals to the District Nurse, and that the same approach was to be developed for Flintshire’s model.  The report detailed phased plans to develop the new multi-disciplinary service, in partnership with BCUHB, in order to meet the requirements of the Social Services and Wellbeing Act 2014.

In response to queries from Councillor Hilary McGuill, the Senior Manager explained that the six Authorities were working with the Social Services Improvement Agency to develop the website and that she would advise the Committee of the proposed timescale.  In terms of the relocation of the team to Preswylfa, there would be five Disability Officers as a first point of contact on priority cases with a further three working in localities.

Councillor McGuill asked if it was the intention to put specialist teams into the community, as this was the case for the Countess of Chester Hospital.  The Senior Manager replied that there was already a link to these types of services and that referrals could be made via the District Nurse.

The Senior Manager explained about engagement with a number of key stakeholders including Practice Nurse Managers and said that established links with locality GP leads would continue.  It was proposed that an evaluation would be carried out after six months to identify any gaps and to ascertain the reasons if referrals were not being made.  Following a further question, it was explained that individuals were already signposted to various service teams (as set out in Appendix 1) and that close contact was maintained with other agencies.  This would be explored further through the Flintshire Connects centres.

Councillor Amanda Bragg asked how the initiative would be promoted to those who did not visit Flintshire Connects centres.  The Senior Manager said that newsletter produced by the Chief Officer (Social Services) would raise awareness and that notices would be displayed on the Council’s website.  Many referrals were received from individuals themselves as well as GPs, District Nurses and Social Work professionals who already used the first contact number.  It was also explained that the funding for 2013-16 was to allocate a project manager to oversee the development of the model and that no additional funding would be available after that time.

Councillor Bragg asked that consideration be given to a broader range of awareness raising as some individuals did not have computers or internet access.  Councillor Mike Lowe suggested that information be displayed on GP surgery noticeboards.

Councillor David Mackie sought clarification on IT issues such as the software used, type of information held and access to it.  The Senior Manager provided explanation on the use of ‘secure email’ for referrals and advised that fax was no longer accepted.  She added that personal data was held within the Wales Accord on the Sharing of Personal Information (WASPI) framework to which the Council and BCUHB had signed up.  She referred to Craig MacLeod’s involvement in a national group to assess IT provision and said that he may be able to provide more information on this at a future meeting.

Councillor Mackie stressed the need for careful consideration of governance arrangements for collaborative ventures and asked if more information could be shared on this for the SPoA.  Similarly, Councillor Andy Dunbobbin queried the Memorandum of Understanding agreed between the Council and BCUHB.  The Senior Manager explained that this agreement outlined both parties’ commitment to resourcing the new service.  The Chair requested that a copy of the Memorandum be shared with the Committee, along with the governance arrangements.  Councillor Bragg commented on the definition of Memorandum of Understanding which it appeared may not be legally binding.

Councillor Veronica Gay raised concerns about the need to link with GP practices across the border whose patients were based in Flintshire.  The Senior Manager said that whilst GPs in England had not been included in the stakeholder process, they were familiar with the first contact number which would be diverted to a new telephone number when the service was introduced.

Following a question from the Chair, the Senior Manager advised that the new service would seek to enable a streamlined approach, that GPs were independent contractors and not being able to get an appointment was an issue for the Health Board.  Once the SPoA was properly established there may be opportunity to support referrals by individuals who were unable to see their GP and could be directed to a District Nurse who could in turn refer the individual to a GP if necessary.

In response to queries from Councillor McGuill, the Senior Manager confirmed that referrals from individuals, GPs and professionals were accepted under the first phase of the process, for example Telecare, Reablement, Social Work assessments and sourcing equipment.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the development and implementation of the Single Point of Access, which is aligned to the regional vision and programme, be supported; and

(b)       That an update on progress be reported to the Committee in six months’ time.