Agenda and minutes

The Board received a report of the Strategic Director, Health and Community covering Service Plans for Adults of Working Age, Health and Partnerships, Older People and Independent Living Services and Culture and Leisure, which enabled Members to consider objectives and targets for services over the next three years.

It was reported that Members have had access to the Service Plans over the past few weeks and were still able to make comment regarding Service Plans to the relevant Operational Director before the 31^st January 2009.

            Members were advised that as the plans were still under development at the time of distribution two omissions were noted as follows:

• Personalisation; and
• Valuing people now – as per new guidance received for services to adults with learning disabilities.

It was noted these would be added to the revised plans for “Adults of Working Age”. Members discussed the key milestones for this area and agreed that the work to support adults and children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder was valuable.  It was advised that a report regarding this would be brought to a future meeting of the Board.

In relation to Older People it was reported that there was a need to focus on specialist housing for older people with higher levels of need. It was further advised that the criteria had been reduced to enable younger people to receive intermediate care. The Board was informed of a planned pilot scheme where Community Matrons, Nurses, Pharmacy Staff, Doctors and Social Care staff formed a team who looked after older people with higher levels of need within the client’s own homes.

 Arising from the discussion the Board raised concerns in terms of the reduction of acute beds resulting in hospital discharges being brought forward.  In response it was noted that the PCT had recognised this and was actively looking to address those gaps by increasing access to community based services including Intermediate Care.  It was further advised that the minimum age eligibility would be reduced to 18 to enable younger people to receive Intermediate Care as of 1 April 2009.

In relation to the Culture and Leisure service plan Members discussed the need to increase participation in sport and physical activity, the use of libraries and parks and open spaces.  The Board enquired about the current number of  sports and physical activity participants and the area of the Borough they came from.  It was advised that this information could be sought and provided electronically.

RESOLVED: That the Service Plans be accepted and any further suggestions or comments be forwarded to the relevant Operational Director by 31 January 2009.