Agenda item

The Strategic Director for Social Care and Education submits a report to update the Scrutiny Commission on the outturn of the Better Care Fund (BCF) activity and performance for 2017/18. The Scrutiny Commission are recommended to note the contents of the report and make any comments to the Strategic Director.

The Strategic Director for Social Care and Education submitted a report, which provided an update on the outturn of the Better Care Fund (BCF) activity and performance for 2017/18.

It was noted that the BCF programme was in its third year of delivery.  The programme aimed to achieve reductions in unplanned admissions to hospital, to reduce admissions in long term care and to reduce delayed transfers to care.  The detail of the Plan had been previously presented to the Commission on 5 September 2017 and a copy of that report was appended for reference, including the financial investments schedule.

The report submitted therefore provided a summary of the Plan’s delivery in 2017/18.

The Commission noted the performance figures against national metrics, emergency admissions, and delayed transfer to care (DTOC).  It was considered that the performance demonstrated positive results for the service and the Chair requested that the Commission’s thanks and appreciation be forwarded to all staff concerned with the results.

In analysing the results and data in the graphs submitted, it was recognised that some data seemed inconsistent over separate periods.  In response, it was noted that as the data referred to continuing health care for some individuals with very complicated health situations, including severe mental health complications, the data was often skewed.  Work continued to bring consistency of interpretation of the data and partnership approaches had been enhanced to minimise impacts.

In respect of the data concerning emergency admissions, it was reported that the position was generally positive; however emergency admissions activity had been adjusted to take account of coding changes affecting comparisons.

In respect of the comments in the report relating to permanent admissions, together with other areas, comment was made on the statement that ‘there was no significant cause for concern’.  Although appreciating the situation, it was suggested by Commission members that the service priorities, as reported in the previous item, would require enhanced communication.

In response, it was noted that as effectiveness was measured and case audits were undertaken, the comments relating to the context of the increasingly ageing population were accepted.  It was noted that feedback from individual case audits was accurate and had demonstrated positive performance.  This opinion had been backed up by patient groups and feedback received from Healthwatch.

Having regard to the data submitted concerning ‘End of Life’ care, it was noted enhanced recognition of the issue could be included in future performance reports.  It was suggested that a revision of the method of recording performance data could be investigated.

In considering the finance schedule, the reduction in the Clinical Response Team was discussed and it was noted that no significant impact was expected due to the alteration to the funding arrangements.  It was confirmed that no reduction in the service offer would result.

It was AGREED that:

1)    the report be noted;

2)    An update be submitted on the work with NHS regarding the Over 85s and end of life services;

3)    An update be submitted on nursing care home delays, including the trusted assessor process; and

4)    Information on work to develop communications be provided (in light of the strengths-based approach potentially changing the format and presentation of data).