Agenda item

The Committee considered a report of the Corporate Director of Adult and Health Services that provided an update on developments across Adult and Health Services (for copy see file of minutes).

The Interim Head of Adult Care highlighted the seven key principles outlining the Social Care green paper that would help to build on integration of health and social care.  A new post of Director of Integrated Community Services had been advertised to help develop a joint strategic commissioning function and integrated governance arrangements for the County.  Members were advised of the seven key areas for better care fund money, and of the short term improved better care fund that would be pooled into a one off grant.  This money was ring fenced over a three year period and would help to support and enhance services.  With reference to delayed transfers of care it was reported that Durham had the 4^th lowest rate in England.  Further areas of the report were highlighted including prevention, mental health, local safeguarding peer review, learning disability transformation programme for the north east, 14+year transitions review, fee rates for residential and nursing care provision and supported living.

The Interim Head of Adult Care advised of an event held to mark World Social Work Day to reflect on the work carried out and to celebrate the contribution they make to people’s lives.

In response to a question from Councillor Bell about where to find people to recruit to the roles of rural care workers in County Durham, the Interim Head of Adult Care responded that a number of areas had been looked at including developing the roles of personal care assistants.  Those people who already supported a neighbour or relative could be remunerated and could assist in less travelling times.

Councillor Quinn supported this idea but suggested that the post should be ring fenced for those staff potentially affected.  The Interim Head of Adult Care explained that they held a register of personal assistants who could take on this extra work.

Resolved:

(i)            That the report be noted.

(ii)          That to receive further updates in relation to Adult and Health Service developments be agreed on a six monthly basis.