Agenda item

The Committee considered a report detailing the requirements within Part 9 of the Social Services and Wellbeing (Wales) Act 2014 regarding partnership working in the provision of care and support and of arrangements in place in West Wales to meet those requirements

The West Wales Care Partnership was established in early 2016 and its work is overseen by the statutory Regional Partnership Board who have identified five strategic priorities:-

(1)      Integrated commissioning;

(2)      Service integration and pooled funds;

(3)      Transforming mental health and learning disability services;

(4)      Information, Advice & Assistance/Prevention;

(5)      Implementation of the Welsh Community Care Information System

These priorities are underpinned by a strategic approach to carers, workforce development and citizen engagement. 

Section 14 of the Social Services and Wellbeing (Wales) Act 2014 requires Local Authorities and Local Health Boards to produce population assessments setting out the needs for care and support across a range of populations groups in their area, the range and level of services required to meet those needs and the extent to which these are currently not being met.  The population assessments must also consider how these services will be provided through the medium of Welsh.  The first West Wales Population Assessment was published in March 2017 following consideration and agreement by each of the statutory partner agencies.

Section 14A of the Act requires the production of regional Area Plans to address issues identified within the Population Assessments.  The first West Wales Area Plan was currently under development and will be brought to partner agencies for sign-off in early 2018 prior to publication in April 2018.

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

·       Asked how the Welsh Community Care Information System works, the Head of Regional Collaboration explained that it is a national system.  There is no mandate for all Local Authorities and Health Boards to adopt the system, however, all but two have done so.  The system helps users to get rid of duplication and share patient information.  Transition from existing case management systems to the new system has seen significant issues and problems, however, having a regional implementation plan helps within mitigating problems and challenges;

·       Reference was made to one of the overarching recommendations in the report that we must recognise the contribution of carers and provide them with support and officers were asked if that recommendation was on track.  The Head of Regional Collaboration informed the Committee that one of the key messages to come out of the population assessment was the pivotal role of carers.  Officers were currently preparing an action plan which they are required to do in accordance with legislation and which will be presented to Committee in March 2018.  The action plan details what is being done with regard to carers;

·       Reference was made to the fact that the Information, Advice & Assistance service promotes independence, supports individual wellbeing and reduces demand for managed care and support services and concern was expressed that this was being recorded as a complete assessment.  The Information, Advice & Assistance Manager explained that from a Carmarthenshire perspective our key focus is trying to help people to re-engage with their communities and to access services.  Staff are all given the opportunity to access the NVQ Level 4 qualification in Information, Advice & Assistance which enables them to deal with more complex cases;

·       It was noted that the Regional Partnership Board does not have any delegated decision making powers and officers were asked if these would be granted at a later date.  The Head of Regional Collaboration explained that the legislation is quite clear regarding the promotion of co-operation and integration and it is that assurance and the scrutiny role and ensuring that they are doing what is required under the Act.

RESOLVED that the information be noted.