Agenda item

To consider the final wording of the recommendations of the Extraordinary Care Scrutiny Committee held on the 4 September 2017.

(Copy enclosed)

A report was submitted that comprised six recommendations emanating from the discussion on the above matter at an Extraordinary Meeting of the Care Scrutiny Committee that took place on 4 September 2017. 

          It was explained that the purpose of the report was to confirm the final wording of the recommendations to be presented to the Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Well-being and the Chief Executive of the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board for action:

There was a difference of opinion amongst Members regarding the wording of clause (ii) of the recommendations and it was proposed and seconded to delete the words 'reasonable time' and amend as follows:

"that the Committee requests a report immediately on the health provision in the Blaenau Ffestiniog area by an independent agency, to be presented for the attention of the Care Scrutiny Committee.

That the Scrutiny Committee calls upon the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board to regularly monitor information and data in relation to the effectiveness of current health services in the Blaenau Ffestiniog area and the well-being of its residents and to commit to adapting/changing the provision if there is evidence to justify this. 

It was confirmed that the remaining recommendations (i), (iii), (iv) and (vi) were acceptable.  

In terms of providing an independent report as suggested above, it was noted that the Council would be able to suggest the names of external independent consultants to undertake the work.

It was noted that the Community Health Council were not pleased that they had not received an invitation to be represented in the discussion at the Extraordinary Care Scrutiny Committee.

Resolved:         Convey the following final recommendations to the Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Well-being and the Chief Executive of the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board:

(i)               That the Care Scrutiny Committee calls on the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board to share all the background information that was part of the original decision to change the provision of facilities and health services in  the Blaenau Ffestiniog area.  

(ii)             That the Committee requests a report immediately on the health provision in the Blaenau Ffestiniog area by an independent agency, to be presented for the attention of the Care Scrutiny Committee. 

  That the Committee calls upon the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board to regularly monitor information and data in relation to the effectiveness of current health services in the Blaenau Ffestiniog area and the well-being of its residents and to commit to adapting/changing the provision if there is evidence to justify this.  

(iii)            Stemming from the evidence submitted by the Blaenau Ffestiniog Memorial Hospital Defence Committee regarding the lack of response to petitions and correspondence in the past, that the Board give detailed consideration to engagement and consultation shortcomings in the past in order to improve future arrangements. The Health Board is encouraged to communicate regularly and effectively with the residents of the Blaenau Ffestiniog area in relation to the provision of facilities and local health services.

(iv)            The Cabinet Member for the Environment and the Cabinet Member for Care are requested to commission an assessment of the convenience and accessibility of health services via public and community transport within the Ysbyty Alltwen catchment area. Once the priority given to this catchment area is completed, they could then consider if there was any benefit to undertake similar assessments in other areas.

(v)             That the need for suitable homes for older people included the provision of extra care housing in the Blaenau Ffestiniog area is fully aired jointly with the Cabinet Member for Care, Cabinet Member for Housing, Leisure and Culture and the Health Board together with the Gwynedd Housing Partnership.

(vi)            That the Care Scrutiny Committee calls on the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and Gwynedd Council to work closely and jointly and take appropriate practical steps to recruit care and health staff in order that there are full teams in place to maintain services in the Blaenau Ffestiniog area and across the County.