There were no apologies for absence

None

The minutes of the previous meeting were agreed

The Assistant Director for Adult Social Care gave an overview of the report highlighting that key challenges include; fragility in provider markets, ageing population, funding pressures, people living longer with complex needs.

It was highlighted that delayed transfers of care are a success story for the borough, Merton had poor outcomes, this was improved by senior managers working with frontline staff to understand the problems and make adjustments.

A Panel member asked how the department support those who are not able to use digital channels and self management tools. The Assistant Director of Adult Social Care said the department still use traditional methods but it is important there are a range of choices available.

Panel members asked for further statistical information on trends in use of long term services and further information on how our service compares to other London boroughs.  The Assistant Director for Adult Social Care said he will provide analysis for the last five years.

A panel member asked how we are able to support increasing numbers of people with diminishing budgets. The Assistant Director of Adult Social Care said there is a change in the way services are provided including using re-ablement, more physiotherapy, with a focus on prevention and maintaining independence.

A panel member asked how the strategic priorities are being measured. The Assistant Director of Adult Social Care said they are monitoring patient flows; if numbers go up it is not working well, clear targets are still to be developed.

A panel member said re-ablement has been successful how can this be improved upon. The Assistant Director of Adult Social Care said 73% of people don’t need care at the end of re-ablement, therefore a good service is being provided. Managers are constantly looking at ways to make improvements and are considering including a physiotherapist in the team. They also want to work closer with community health teams to share resources

RESOLVED

The Assistant Director of Adult Social Care agreed to provide the Panel with the following information:

Number of people receiving long term support – analysis for the last five years

Analysis of how our adult social cate service compares to other boroughs

More data on delayed discharge of care

The Assistant Director of Adult Social Care gave an overview of the report highlighting they will work with Share and Care to develop a Homeshare scheme in Merton.

The task group chair said she is delighted the department has taken this work forward; she commended officers for the progress with implementing the recommendations and said this demonstrated the successful outcomes that can be achieved from a scrutiny task group review.

In response to questions the Assistant Director of Adult Social Care said the providers had worked with other London Boroughs and also have the capacity to work with Merton residents.

Panel members expressed concern about any unintended consequences that could arise and asked how the council will avoid negative publicity. The Assistant Director of Adult Social Care said they will work with providers to minimalise risks such as doing relevant checks, on-going monitoring and regular spot checks.

A panel member asked if the department will interview those who may not have found it successful.  The Assistant Director of Adult Social Care will speak to other boroughs the providers are working with.

RESOLVED

Panel to receive an update on progress in twelve months time.

The Joint Programme Director for Acute Sustainability gave an overview of the report, and stated that Epsom and St Helier Trust had developed a strategic outline case and outlined scenarios on future shape of services. The Clinical Commissioning Groups are responsible for determining the changes. The three CCG’s are the main customers of Epsom and St Helier and have established a formal programme of review. A recent meeting of the Committees in Common agreed the work so far and to proceed with an engagement programme.  No decisions have been made and open to suggestions, they will publish dates for future engagement imminently.

A panel member said there has been no reference to repeated attempts to close St Helier hospital. The Managing Director of Merton CCG said they will learn from previous exercise and take into account factors which were of concern of the past such as health inequalities.

A panel member asked if it is possible for people to move across the sites rather than reconfiguration, such as in Manchester. The Managing Director of Merton CCG co-locations are required, integrated care will support this work but the acute model needs to be looked at differently.

A panel member asked what will happen after formal consultation and how long until decisions are made. The Joint Programme Director for Acute Sustainability said they are  gathering provisional views on strengthen of case for change, first stage of engagement will take us to the early autumn, consider feedback next stage would be options appraisal and pre-consultation business case, then business case. The Managing Director of Merton CCG said we will make a decision when they are absolutely sure they have the right information in the context of the issues and local concern.

The Chief Executive of Epsom and St Helier said it is important to highlight we need a new hospital in catchment, early funding decisions will be made this year.

A panel member said there is concern that Merton residents will not have acute services nearby. The Managing Director of Merton CCG, said people access acute services by ambulance, there has to be acceptable access and a need to look at how long it takes to get there.

A panel member asked where the money coming from and if there will be reassurance that funds will be guaranteed and not disappear as it has in the past. The Chief Executive of Epsom and St Helier said the money will come from the government, 15% of patients use acute services it is important that community care is improved.

A panel member asked what happened to proposals to build a new hospital and knock down St Helier. The Chief Executive of Epsom and St Helier said a hospital will be ready until 2025. St Helier will not keep going until then and is undergoing repairs. The Trust will spend £100 million on Epsom and St Helier, therefore , there are no plans to demolish it.

RESOLVED

NHS Colleagues were thanked for their presentation it was  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

The scrutiny officer gave an overview of the report, highlighting that local residents had raised concerns about the Personal Independent Payment  process and asked for support from this scrutiny Panel. The Chair highlighted that people in Merton are suffering as a result of this process.

A panel member asked about the progress with identifying premises for Independent Assessment Service to rent from the council. The Director for Community and Housing said housing colleagues in her department are looking at what opportunities may be available.

RESOLVED

The Panel agreed the recommendations in the report. 

The Scrutiny officer introduced the item. Panel members agreed to proceed with the suggestions outlined in the report.

RESOLVED

Scrutiny officer asked to draw up a work programme based on the priorities identified by panel members.