Health and Adult Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Monday, 20th May, 2024 6.00 pm

May 20, 2024 View on council website  Watch video of meeting or read trancript
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Summary

The meeting focused on several key issues, including the role of the Director of Public Health, hospital discharge processes, NHS dentistry, and integrated neighborhood teams. The committee also discussed the forward plan for future meetings.

Director of Public Health Role

The committee discussed the role of the Director of Public Health (DPH) in Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole (BCP) Council. The discussion centered on the different models of practice for the DPH role, including strategic leadership, community advocacy, and operational management. The committee emphasized the need for the DPH to offer independent, expert advice and to focus on early intervention and addressing health inequalities. They also discussed the importance of not overburdening the role with too many responsibilities.

Hospital Discharge Processes

The committee reviewed the current state of hospital discharge processes under the Home First model, which aims to improve access to intermediate care and reduce hospital stays. The discussion highlighted the importance of early discharge planning and the need for comprehensive assessments of long-term needs in appropriate settings. The committee noted that funding for hospital discharge schemes has been reduced, and emphasized the need to prioritize schemes that provide the best outcomes for patients.

NHS Dentistry

Louise from Healthwatch provided an update on NHS dentistry, highlighting the ongoing difficulties people face in finding NHS dentists. The committee discussed the need for rapid and radical national reform of how dentistry is commissioned and provided. They also emphasized the importance of clear information for the public and the need for more oral health packs for communities facing health inequalities.

Integrated Neighborhood Teams

The committee received an update on the development of Integrated Neighborhood Teams (INTs). The discussion focused on defining what constitutes a neighborhood for the purposes of INTs and the importance of aligning these teams with local needs. The committee noted that the governance structure for INTs is taking shape and that the program will report into the Health and Wellbeing Boards for oversight.

Forward Plan

The committee discussed the forward plan for future meetings, including updates on maternity services, Tricuro's business plan, and waiting times within adult social care. They also considered adding a discussion on gender identity services in Dorset to the agenda, given concerns about referral rates and service provision.

The meeting concluded with an agreement to incorporate the portfolio holder's updates into the minutes and to keep a close eye on emerging issues such as access to GP services.