Agenda item

To submit the draft Needs Assessment for scrutiny and to seek the support of the Committee to the Assessment before it is submitted to the Cabinet and Council for approval.

To accept the report, noting the observations made during the meeting.

Note:

·       'Number of sheltered housing per Gwynedd Well-being Areas' - need to include information about the Llŷn Well-being Area

The draft report was submitted by the Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Well-being. Members were reminded that the North Wales Population Needs Assessment had been approved by the Full Council at its meeting on 3 March 2022. It was noted that the assessment had been drawn up in accordance with the requirements of the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014. It was stated that the report and assessment enabled the Service to see the local perspective on the care and support needs of the Gwynedd adult population. As well as the statutory aspects included in the report on North Wales, it was reiterated that the assessment also included more detailed information about the needs of Gwynedd residents specifically, which would assist the Department to plan services locally, to make decisions on priorities, and to develop and transform services for the future.

The Committee was requested to submit observations on the assessment before its submission to the Cabinet and the Council for approval.

Gratitude was expressed for the report

In response to the observations and questions from members, it was noted:-

·         Whilst accepting the need to recruit and increase the salaries of carers, it was noted that salaries were one part of the solution. A fair pattern of working must also be sought along with a means to develop a career in the field. It was acknowledged that a great gap needed to be addressed with some elements of the recruitment problem beyond the ability of Local Authorities and that guidance and decisions were needed on a national level.

·         In response to an observation about plans for Nursing Homes in South Meirionnydd, it was noted that there was a shortage of nursing beds in South Meirionnydd and Penllyn but opportunities arose in some areas to improve the situation. It was highlighted that South Meirionnydd was looking to continue with the service of adapting residential beds for intensive care and consider the possibility of providing nursing care in some units in future - Bryn Blodau was being considered as one location. Although there was no specific timetable for the work, it was noted that there was a need to ensure that the ability to provide a service had been established in principle but the relationship needed to be strengthened with the Health Board and complete the associated legal work. The proposal had been identified as a viable opportunity, a priority field and was included in the Council Plan - and, therefore, there were expectations to deliver.

·         When consulting with carers, current information was used from the assessment work gathered by social workers and third sector workers as well as information from the Carers' Matters Officer. Although it was accepted that the definition of a 'carer' was extensive and it had not been possible to consult with everyone, after receiving the observations, the conclusions of the assessment were submitted to the users for further observations.

·         In the context of autism, disappointment was highlighted that a Coordinator / Project Officer had not been appointed to develop Autism Services although there was an intention to advertise the post in the next few weeks.

·         The intention to ensure that every member of staff who worked directly with children, young people or adults undertook ASA awareness training was welcomed, although this would be on a general level. It was emphasised that intense training must be ensured for those dealing with autism directly. In response, it was noted that mandatory training was being presented to all Council staff, which was included as one part of three ASA training levels. Those who dealt with autism directly would receive training on two higher levels.

·         In response to the Assembly refusing to approve an Autism Act, it was noted that there was a need to ensure that Cyngor Gwynedd's Autism Unit would be incorporated within the Council's correct structures. It was highlighted that the Autism Plan 2021 - 23 had been programmed for the April meeting and it would be possible to discuss the matter at that meeting.

·         That the waiting list for an occupational therapist in Arfon was high as many were waiting for specialist assessments. It was noted that cases would be prioritised based on how urgent the need was, but although there was no long-term solution for the concern, it was accepted that the waiting list needed to be reduced.

·         In response to the condition of the Fron Deg Home, which was a building from the 70s, and potential opportunities to build independent living units on adjacent land, it was noted that plans were in the pipeline to assess the current suitability of the building as well as Housing schemes that would provide an opportunity to consider a larger development. It was accepted that the Home was not ideal for the current need or for what the users deserved. Although there were no specific plans in place, it was noted that discussions about modernising and increasing use were being held. It was an exciting opportunity that needed input from Members, the public, users and families.

·         A substantial increase was anticipated in Gwynedd in people aged 65+ between 2020 and 2040 - the results of the census reported differently to the projection, the figures would have to be reviewed on a regular basis. The Department would collaborate with the Research and Analytics Unit to investigate this.

·         In terms of using the assessment in future, it was noted that the assessment provided a five-year picture that would be used as a tool to plan and change services. It was intended to adapt and review it on a regular basis after its publication.

   During the discussion, the following observations were submitted by members:-

·              That the content of the report was excellent

·              Providing training was one of the Council's strengths

·              There was a need to adapt the table with the number of residential and nursing homes per area in Gwynedd to highlight one site in Dolgellau and one in the Barmouth area rather than two in Dolgellau.

·         'Number of sheltered housing per Gwynedd Well-being Areas' table - needed to include information about the Llŷn Well-being Area

·              Welcomed an invitation from the Cabinet Member for Local Councillors to attend site visits to discuss schemes for Fron Deg, Penrhos and Dolfeurig

·              The team were thanked for their work.

RESOLVED

To accept the report, noting the observations made during the meeting.