Agenda and minutes

None.

None.

The minutes of the meeting held on 8^th September 2020 were approved as a true and accurate record.

Cllr Marshall reported he had received a response from Education and would disseminate to other members for information.

Adult and Community Services

Attendees:

-       Councillor Paul Cockeram - Cabinet Member for Social Services

-       Chris Humphrey - Head of Adult and Community Services

The Head of Adult and Community Services reported that this year had brought unprecedented challenges to adult services and whilst the Covid 19 crisis continued, uncertainty would remain about how the medium to long term impact of the virus pandemic would affect the community and service delivery.

The pandemic had resulted in delays to work plans as focus had concentrated on adapting service provision and supporting partners to ensure service continuity.

In terms of the budget, the Service Area had started the year with a projected overspend but was now in an improved position, even with significant increased demands, partly supported by additional funding due to the pandemic.

The Head of Adult and Community Services reassured members that the Service Area had continued to support care homes and care providers, were heavily involved in the distribution of PPE and had standing operations to deal with hospital discharges. They had dealt with a significant number of calls from the public and provided support and advice for adults who were shielding in practical terms such as delivering food and medicines as well as proving guidance and reassurance.

Members asked the following:

·         Given the existing pressures on Adult and Community Services, what was being done to mitigate pressures on the service and what was the current situation regarding safeguarding?

The Head of Adult and Community Services responded that existing close workingpartnerships between Commissioning Teams, Environmental Health, Public Health Wales and ABUHB meant we were able to work in an integrated way in order to provide support and guidance, ensuring service continuity. Our 2 neighbourhood care hubs meant close working with local GPs and district nurses and provided support for people in their homes and communities. The opening of the Grange Hospital, planned for November 17^th had been a huge challenge for all involved and our services were aligned to coincide with this. The Home First initiative would be situated there and the Service was supporting these changes.

In regards to Safeguarding, the 90% target for dealing with safeguarding enquiries continued to be exceeded with a recorded figure of 98.4% at the mid-year point. This represented very strong performance given the additional demands that Covid placed on the service. The Head of Adult and Community Services stated that there would be 6 police officers based in the Civic Centre who would have instant access to police databases and this would boost the Safeguarding Hub. The Cabinet Member for Social Services commented that as Newport had been the pilot for this initiative, we were well ahead for this exercise in best practice for Safeguarding.

·         Members queried the support given to staff working in the Care Home setting and all staff throughout Head of Adult and Community Services.

The Head of Adult and Community Services stated that atthe beginning of the financial year Newport was badly affected  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

The Adviser presented the Forward Work Programme, and informed the Committee of the topics due to be discussed at the next committee meeting:

17^th November 2020

Education Mid Year Service Review

12^th January 2021/22

Draft Budget Proposals