Agenda and minutes

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Items
No. Item

1.

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

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Minutes:

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors W.T. Evans, A.L Fox and B.A.L. Roberts.

2.

DECLARATIONS OF PERSONAL INTERESTS INCLUDING ANY PARTY WHIPS ISSUED IN RELATION TO ANY AGENDA ITEM.

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Minutes:

Councillor

Minute No (s)

Nature of Interest

Kevin Madge

4. Mental Health Update Report

Daughter works in Social Care.

 

There were no declarations of any prohibited party whips.

3.

PUBLIC QUESTIONS (NONE RECEIVED)

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Minutes:

4.

MENTAL HEALTH UPDATE REPORT pdf icon PDF 225 KB

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Minutes:

The Committee considered a report providing a position statement regarding the impact of the pandemic on mental health and wellbeing and highlighting the service priorities and developments going forward.

 

The Executive Board Member for Health and Social Care highlighted that the Authority was investing in Mental Health and had increased staff capacity utilising the funding approved by Council.  It was noted that collaborative work was being undertaken with the third sector and Hywel Dda University Health Board to develop a Single Point of Contact for mental health services. Additionally, the roll out of the Twilight Sanctuary service was continuing across the West Wales region.

 

It was noted that Covid was continuing to take its toll on mental health and wellbeing and that the lasting effects would be felt by many.  It was acknowledged that we were yet to reach the peak of the mental health crisis and that prioritising mental health had never been more critical.

 

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

 

·         It was asked how the Authority would cope with the increasing demand for mental health services.

The Committee was advised that additional staffing, new initiatives, and joint working would help the Authority manage the increasing demand and that the emphasis would be on joint working to improve the available provision.

 

·         Reference was made to the 136% increase of contact with the mental health team and that Carmarthenshire was one of the worse authorities for suicide numbers.

The Head of Adult Social Care advised the rural aspect had an impact for men and that this was a priority for the region.  It was also stated that it was fortunate that organisations such as the DPJ Foundation and Tir Dewi were also providing support.

 

·         It was asked how much collaboration takes place between the various organisation such as the Police Authority and the Health Board regarding mental health.

The Head of Adult Social Care advised that collaboration was taking place between the various organisations.  Work was being undertaken regarding a 24/7 crisis response service which would involve an out of hours service potentially co-located to respond to those in crisis.

 

·         Reference was made to the fact that each year approximately 325 people in Wales die from suicide.   It was asked what the trend was in Carmarthenshire and particularly the farming community? 

The Head of Adult Social Care advised that Carmarthenshire was 3rd in the table of suicide rate and stated that one of the priorities for the national advisory group was to look at the real time data.  The Committee was advised that while Scotland was still higher the figures were reducing and were also reducing for England, however worryingly this was not the case for Wales.  Reassurance was given there were plans to improve early interventions access to service and crisis services would include strategies to respond to the suicide and self-harm in Carmarthenshire.

 

·         Concern was raised regarding the issues with alcohol and drug misuse in the communities. 

The Committee was advised that there had  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

5.

SOCIAL CARE & HEATH SCRUTINY COMMITTEE FORWARD WORK PROGRAMME FOR 2021/22 pdf icon PDF 306 KB

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Minutes:

The Committee considered its Forward Work Programme for 2021/22, which had been prepared in accordance with the Council’s Constitution which required Scrutiny Committees to develop and publish annual forward work programmes identifying issues and reports to be considered at meetings during the course of the municipal year.

 

It was suggested that an update on day services provision be included in the development session on the 7th July, 2021.

 

RESOLVED that the Forward Work Programme for the Social Care & Health Scrutiny Committee for 2021/22 be confirmed.

6.

FORTHCOMING ITEMS pdf icon PDF 113 KB

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Minutes:

RESOLVED that the list of forthcoming items to be considered at the next scheduled meeting on the 7th July, 2021 be noted.

7.

TO SIGN AS A CORRECT RECORD THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON THE 20TH APRIL, 2021 pdf icon PDF 230 KB

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Minutes:

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on the 20th April, 2021 be signed as a correct record.

 

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