Agenda item

To note and accept the information in the report.

Submitted by Cllr Dafydd Meurig.

DECISION

To note and accept the information in the report.

DISCUSSION

The report was submitted and it was noted that several residential homes had had high cases of Covid-19. It was emphasised that the department had been eager to be open and transparent about this; however, national guidance had prevented the department from being open about some cases at the beginning of the crisis.

It was also noted that, at the beginning of the crisis, acquiring PPE had been a problem but, by now, the department, with the assistance of the Housing and Property Department, had firm arrangements in place. In terms of testing, it was noted that it had taken time to put arrangements in place as receiving the results had been a problem at the beginning of the crisis. It was added, specifically when looking at care homes, the tests of residents and staff were being done via two different procedures. These arrangements had now been changed and the concerns were reducing. The staff were thanked for their hard work during this period.

The Head of Adults Department added that the situation changed regularly, but that Gwynedd had been one of the first councils to report a high number of cases in residential homes. It was stressed that there was a need to be extremely cautious over the coming period. It was added that the numbers referred to the department were quickly going back to normal following a reduction during the lockdown period. It was stressed that staff had ensured that arrangements were in place to respond to cases and staff had ensured that services continued. It was added that it had been a long time and many staff had not taken leave and this was bound to affect individuals. In planning for the future, it was noted that many lessons had been learned in a short space of time and that work would have to continue in this way in some cases.

Observations arising from the discussion

¾  The service was thanked for its hard work during the period, specifically the front-line staff.

¾  Gratitude was expressed for referring to the strain on staff as it had been a strain on everyone within the county. It was asked if mental health work would be escalated.  It was noted that the department was currently aware of how much mental health work would need to be done but that the service was trying to create networks and give guidance to people in a difficult time but they were also aware of the major challenges ahead.

¾  Care staff in the private sector were also thanked, and it was noted that the contact between private residential homes and the Council had improved during this period with regular conversations happening and information being shared. It was added that advantages had been highlighted from developing the relationship, such as more support being available to react to the crisis.

¾  The Corporate Director added her thanks to the staff within the department, in the private sector as well as other Council departments. It was stressed that they had faced major challenges but that good collaboration had occurred across North Wales. The importance of not reducing the status of the care sector following the crisis was stressed.

It was emphasised that successes needed to be celebrated while bearing the failures in mind. It was added that they hoped that all levels of government would learn lessons for the future.