Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Sharp (Councillor Quigg substituting) and Dr Alistair Craig.

There were no public questions.

The Minutes of the Adults Social Care and Health Scrutiny Board held on 12^th June 2024 are attached for approval.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 12^th June 2024 be approved as a correct record.

Presentation by Director of Adult Care Services on the current market for the provision of care home services. (Presentaion to follow)

The Assistant Director of Commissioning and Market Management gave a presentation on the current market for the provision of care home services. The presentation provided an overview of Oldham’s care home sector. Demographic analysis showed that the Care Home sector is predominately filled with people aged 65 and over though there are an increasing number of residents under 65 years. The older adult population was projected to increase over the next 10years with a significant increase in the over 85 age group.

There were currently 41 Care homes Registered in the Oldham District, comprising 31 residential, 8 dual residential and nursing and 1 nursing home. Nursing home supply remained a concern in the borough due to closures and changes to the type of care being provided within care homes. The current number of CQC registered beds in Oldham was 1048 residential beds, 13 nursing beds and 604 dual registered beds. The provision of beds had been stable up until 2021 since when a number of provider failures had reduced the number of beds available, partially offset by one additional home. It was reported that 23 Care Home providers charged top ups ranging from £40 to £903 per person per week. 16 Care Homes do not charge top ups.

The presentation also set out how the Director of Adult Social Services and partner organisations managed risks associated with Care Home provision.  This was mainly through monthly multi-disciplinary Strategic and Operational Provider Risk Groups. These Groups share information and intelligence and flag up risk factors such as safeguarding concerns, financial viability and modern slavery and immigration issues. Provider failure can sometimes occur without any notice for example when a provider announces closure without any advance consultation. The presentation described the steps taken when provider failure occurs, particularly in terms of safeguarding and supporting residents and their families. The presentation also emphasised that the Council required providers to fulfil their contractual responsibilities when a closure occurs.

The presentation also described the wider Care Home market across Greater Manchester and the challenges and opportunities faced. Challenges included hospital discharges, the oversupply of residential versus nursing provision, staffing problems and the cost of living crisis and reducedfinancial viability of care homes.

Resolved:

1.         That the Assistant Director of Commissioning and Market Management be thanked for the presentation.

2.         The presentation be noted.

The Director of Public Health will present the Public Health Annual Report for 2023/24.

The Director of Public Health submitted the Public Health Annual Report 2023/24. The 2023/34 report had taken a data led approach to examine the relationship between housing, health, and health inequalities. There was a particular focus and consideration on the cumulative effect of poor-quality housing on those most at risk of experiencing health inequalities and it set out a set of key recommendations in response to the findings. The report acknowledged the many examples of how Oldham was seeking to respond to the challenges it faced.

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Resolved

That the content and recommendation of the Public Health Annual Report be noted. 

The Director of Public Health will present a report updating the Scrutiny Committee on the Health and Wellbeing Strategy.

The Director of Public Health submitted a report providing an update on Oldham’s Health and Wellbeing Strategy

The Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy, and the Health and Wellbeing Board aim to improve the health and wellbeing of people in Oldham and reduce inequalities for all ages. The responsibility for developing and delivering the Health and Wellbeing Strategy (and the Joint Strategy Needs Assessment) sits with the Health and Wellbeing Board and rests with all the members of the board.  Oldham Health and Wellbeing Board is chaired by Cllr Peter Davis, and has good representation from partners.

This strategy was developed over twelve months through reviewing data on health and wellbeing, engagement with residents, and coproduction with members of the board.  Since the approval of the strategy, the Health and Wellbeing Board has had focused meetings on each of the priorities. 

The Health and Wellbeing Strategy was approved by the Health and Wellbeing Board in March 2023.  It was presented to the Scrutiny Board in July 2023.  The strategy contained five priorities for action.

Supporting our residents to gain the knowledge and skills to confidently make choices and make decisions about their own health;

Giving children the best start in life;

Improving mental health and mental wellbeing;

Reducing smoking;

Increasing physical activity.

The report provided an update on the strategy and progress on the priorities. 

Resolved:

That the report, and the progress made against the priorities be noted.

To consider the Adults Social Care and Health Work Programme 2024/25

The Adults Social care and health Scrutiny Board’s Work Programme 2024/25 was circulated for members consideration.

Resolved:

That the work programme be noted.

The Council’s current published Key Decision Document, advising of key decisions due to be taken by the Council’s Cabinet was circulated for Member’s consideration.

 Resolved: - That the Key Decision Document be noted.

To consider any rule 13 or 14 decisions taken since the previous meeting.

The Chair reported that under Rules 13 (General Exception) and Rule 14 (Special Urgency) he had approved a request to delegate decision making powers  in respect of the Novation  of Avonleigh Gardens Care Home Contract to the Director of Adult Social Services.