Issue - meetings

To scrutinise performance matters within the Department.

1.    To accept the report.

2.    To acknowledge the good work that is being done in the department, declaring concern about the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DOLS) assessment figures and the waiting list for domiciliary care.

3.    To ask for a progress report on the falls protocol.

The report was presented by the Cabinet member for Adults, Health and Well-being and the Head of Department. It was noted that the report was based on the performance of the Adults department up to the end of August. It was acknowledged that the data and figures were now dated since the original date of this committee meeting, as this data changed daily. The Cabinet Member confirmed that he was reporting on the data contained in the report. The Cabinet Member thanked all department staff and in particular the large number of staff who will be working over the Christmas period. The various key partners of the department, the third sector and the volunteers were all thanked. The department's main projects were outlined noting that the department continued to deliver despite the local and national challenges, with the increasing demand and limited capacity.

Members were guided through the report, demonstrating how the department was operating to deliver on the pledges in the 2023-28 Council Plan. An overview of the day-to-day work of the department was given and information was shared about the external audits that have taken place in the period in question. An overview was given of the impact of the challenges raised in the Llechen Lân report, which highlighted the financial and operational pressures in the health and care system.

Details were given of the project to modernise care resources to meet future needs. It was noted that upgrading the residential homes at Hafod Mawddach and Cefn Rodyn had been completed, and the dementia unit at Bryn Blodau had been opened. It was noted that the dementia unit was about to open at Plas Hedd and confirmation of the opening date was expected shortly. It was noted that discussions were developing in relation to the provision of Extra Care Housing in Caernarfon, and the site had been identified. It was highlighted that the next outline business plan for the Penyberth site had recently been approved by Cabinet. It was confirmed that construction had commenced on suitable care housing development at the Penyberth site, with a view to being ready by October 2026. It was also confirmed that the refurbishments to the Dolfeurig site were progressing and that significant developments had taken place over the last few months. It was elaborated that a resource had been identified to commence work on Extra Care Housing in the Dolgellau area and that work had commenced.

Details were shared about the increasing use of technology in the department, to improve the ability of Gwynedd residents to access care support. The telecare provision was detailed on the Council's website, which allowed the people of Gwynedd to see what was happening within their communities. It was stated that over 80% of the county's telecare devices had been transferred to new digital devices, at no further cost to the county's residents. It was noted that this was groundbreaking, and this supported individuals to be independent. Reference was made to the development of the direct payments  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6