Agenda and minutes

Cafwyd ymddiheuriadau am absenoldeb gan y Cynghorwyr A. Davies, A. McPherson ac E.G. Thomas.

Rhoddwyd gwybod i'r Pwyllgor mai hwn fyddai cyfarfod olaf Rhian Dawson, Pennaeth y Gwasanaethau Integredig, am gyfnod gan ei bod wedi'i phenodi i swydd dros dro fel Cyfarwyddwr y Sir gyda Bwrdd Iechyd Prifysgol Hywel Dda i helpu i aildrefnu gwasanaethau.  Dymunwyd yn dda i Rhian yn ei swydd newydd.

There were no declarations of personal interest.

There were no declarations of prohibited party whips.

Dywedodd y Cadeirydd nad oedd dim cwestiynau wedi dod i law gan y cyhoedd.

The Chair welcomed to the meeting Mr Richard Jones, Head of Clinical Innovation & Strategy with the Hywel Dda University Health Board who had been invited to give a presentation on Transforming Mental Health Services.

The Committee was advised that the Hywel Dda University Health Board has, in consultation with partners, produced a closing report following the conclusion of the consultation process in relation to the transformation of mental health services across the Hywel Dda footprint. 

The report consolidates the work undertaken as part of formal engagement, options development and consultation (stage 1 of the consultation process).  It aimed to provide assurance of compliance with the Ministerial Guidance for Health Boards on engagement and consultation with particular focus on stage 2 of the consultation process - the formal consultation.  It also detailed the process undertaken to give conscious consideration to the consultation feedback received and outlined the revised proposal recommendations, including a high level draft implementation plan.

The following questions/observations were raised on the report:-

·       Concern was expressed over the immense pressure faced by teenagers in the 6^th form at school and the importance was stressed of the need to reach out to help this group as they are often missed.  The Head of Mental Health & Learning Disabilities explained that in relation to this particular group national group is undertaking a piece of work on suicide and self-harm. The national group has a number of regional forums and Carmarthenshire is a member of the Mid and West Wales Regional Forum which is about to publish a strategy on suicide and self-harm;

·       Officers were asked about the current position with regard to waiting lists and the Committee was informed that waiting times continue to be an issue, however, the numbers are coming down;

·       Asked whether any work is being done in relation to the link between mental health and homelessness, the Head of Mental Health & Learning Disabilities informed the Committee that officers from her division have worked with colleagues in the Housing division to ensure that homelessness and mental health is a priority in the Housing Strategy;

·       Reference was made to the fact that the Chief Constable has a responsibility for mental health throughout the police force and at a recent seminar the Chief Constable stated that the police do a lot of work in relation to mental health and that only 20% of their work is to do with crime and it was felt that this illustrates the challenge facing us all.  The Head of Mental Health & Learning Disabilities informed the Committee that the Authority and Police meet together as part of a Forum and they work together more and more;

·       Asked what is being done to improve the issues being experienced with transport, the Committee was informed that the West Wales Action For Mental Health Group has come up with some proposals may be of assistance.  Officers are currently examining a whole range of options;

·       Asked what initiatives are being put in place to attract specialists to the county,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

The Committee considered the Revenue and Capital Budget Monitoring Report in relation to the Social Care and Health Service which provided an update on the latest budgetary position as at 31^st December, 2017, in respect of the 2017/18 financial year.

The Social Care and Health Service was projecting an overspend of £494k on the revenue budget and a net variance of -£368k against the 2017/18 approved capital budget. 

The following questions/observations were raised on the report:-

·       Reference was made to the fact that staff vacancies amount to £450k and if these vacancies are filled the overspend would be closer to £1m and officers were asked if it was intended to fill these vacancies.  The Group Accountant explained that some of these posts have been delayed, some relate to in-house provision and some are grant funded;

·       Concern was expressed that with so many vacant posts will result in additional pressure being placed on other members of staff.  The Head of Integrated Services explained that there have been some issues in recruiting to care management posts, however, we are in a much better position than we have been for a long time. 

RESOLVED that the report be received.

The Committee noted the reasons for the non-submission of the following reports:-

- Quarter 3 Performance Management Report for the Council’s 2017/18

  Wellbeing Objectives

- Annual Safeguarding Report

- West Wales Area Plan 2018-2023

- Care Home Pooled Fund Agreement

- Regional Governance Agreement

- Learning Disability Strategy

RESOLVED that the information be noted.

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the list of forthcoming items to be considered at the next scheduled meeting to be held on 19^th April, 2018.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 24^th January, 2018 be signed as a correct record.