Agenda item
- Meeting of Care Scrutiny Committee, Thursday, 26th November, 2020 10.00 am (Item 7.)
- View the declarations of interest for item 7.
- View the background to item 7.
To Receive
a Progress Report on the on the Recommendations of the Scrutiny Investigation
on Supporting the Disabled People of Gwynedd (Wheelchair Service)
Decision:
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.
Minutes:
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 to receive updates
and continue to improve in order to move forward. It was confirmed that the assessments were
better in the South and that there was room to improve the Service in the North
and that this required the attention of the Health Board and the Health
Council.
A
question was asked of the equipment being issued to the patients and it was
noted that it was not always suitable and it was questioned whether that
problem had been resolved. It was noted
that this was important for the well-being of individuals and the Senior
Adults, Health and Well-being Service Manager confirmed, in relation to the
individuals coming through the Council's Social Services,
that they had not received concerns regadrding
suitability of equipment that has been provided. The example where some individuals required a
special chair was shared; without a special chair, they deteriorated and there
were problems with the health service's storage facilities.
The
message of the Senior Adults, Health and Well-being Manager was reiterated by
the Head of Adults, Health and Well-being Department who sympathised with the
message, and he noted that he would like to reassure the councillor, however,
this was a question for the Health Service and therefore, was it possible to
send a letter to Health? It was agreed that
the relationship with the Health Service had vastly improved, that there was a
lot of shift and that there were ideas for the future, and he confirmed that
the Councillor's comments would be addressed.
The Working Group and officers were thanked for adhering
to Gwynedd Council's policy of putting people first.
RESOLVED
to accept the content of the report and associated documents, noting the
comments. Assurance was sought that the
Service was keeping an eye on what was happening.
Supporting documents: