Issue - meetings

To Receive a Progress Report on the on the Recommendations of the Scrutiny Investigation on Supporting the Disabled People of Gwynedd (Wheelchair Service)

The contents of the report and the appended documents were accepted, noting the observations.

Assurance was sought that the Service was keeping an eye on what was happening.

Gratitude was expressed for the progress report, following the submission of the matter to the Scrutiny Committee in September 2019. A request was made for comments on the actions as a result of the recommendations, and it was noted as follows:

It was confirmed that the Cabinet Member had written to Vaughan Gething in 2019, drawing attention to the report, but he noted that no response had been received, however it was felt that the matters arising from the recommendations were for  local action.  He noted that the work had highlighted the collaboration between the Council and the Health Service and it was felt that a number of the recommendations in the Report were directed to the Health Service.  Consequently, the importance of keeping communication live with the Health Board was expressed.  The Senior Adults, Health and Well-being Manager confirmed that the response of the Health Service to the recommendation was in the report.

A report on matters specific to the Health Service was given (see below), which showed a shift in the matters; however, progress had slowed down due to COVID.

It was confirmed that the Regional Partnership Working Group was yet to be established but that local arrangements had been established between the Posture and Mobility Service and Gwynedd Council to improve collaboration.

The appointment of an Occupational Therapy Leader for Gwynedd Council has facilitated communication and collaboration with the Health Service.

Electronic referral documents were currently being trialled by Health Service and it is intended to introduce an electronic referral procedure soon.

Joint training is taking place between the Posture and Mobility Service and the Gwynedd Community Resources Team.

Concern was expressed regarding the delay in terms of home environment assessments, along with a concern that occupational therapists were not receiving training, and it was questioned whether this had been resolved?  It was confirmed that it is the responsibility of the Council’s Occupational Therapists to carry out a home environment assessment and that it is the responsibility of the Posture and Mobility Services’ occupational therapist’s to complete assessments for specialised equipment.  There is no further developments regarding an agreement by the Health Service for Occupational Therapists from Local Authorities to receive specialised training.  Nevertheless, there has been an increase in the joint visits between the Local Authority’s therapists and the Posture and Mobility Services’ which improves collaboration and reduces the delay in ensuring suitable and timely equipment.  It was confirmed that any developments would be shared with the Committee.

It was confirmed that the members of the working group had spoken with some patients about the impact/shortcomings and confirmation was received that the Working Group had been able to improve the service and that the Health Board had moved on, and that much had changed, for the better, whilst the investigation had been in progress.

Pride was expressed when reading the recommendations; however, the substantial difference between North and South Wales was noted.  It was noted that it was important not to forget the recommendations, to continue  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7