The Adults & Health Scrutiny Panel was scheduled to receive updates on the council's response to a recent Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection, preparedness for future pandemics, and progress on aids and adaptations for residents. The meeting also included a review of the council's savings tracker and questions for the Cabinet Member for Health, Social Care & Well-being.

Council Response to CQC Inspection

The panel was scheduled to receive a report detailing the outcome of a recent CQC inspection of Adult Social Care services. The report indicated that the overall rating for the local authority was Requires Improvement, with evidence suggesting shortfalls in several areas. Key themes highlighted included mixed experiences of care and support, negative feedback from unpaid carers regarding assessments, and challenges with the timeliness of assessments and reviews. The report also noted that while most service users felt safe, consistency in contact following safeguarding referrals was an area for development. Strengths identified included person-centred assessments, integrated multi-agency teams, and increased engagement through co-production activities. However, areas for development included accessibility of information, difficulties in contacting the local authority, and a significant backlog of financial assessments.

Preparedness for a Future Pandemic

A report was scheduled to be presented on the council's approach to pandemic preparedness, incorporating lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. The report outlined proposed governance structures, including the Health & Wellbeing Board and the Haringey Resilience Forum, which would be responsible for overseeing the multi-agency pandemic response plan. Key areas of focus included engaging and supporting vulnerable groups through improved relationships with the voluntary sector, reducing the spread of infections, vaccination strategies, and staff health and wellbeing. The plan also highlighted areas for improvement, such as ensuring sufficient financial resources and suitable accommodation for potential outbreaks, and developing infection prevention and control capacity.

Update on Aids & Adaptations / Disabled Facilities Grant

The panel was due to receive an update on progress regarding aids and adaptations for residents, including the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG). A project board had been established to oversee improvements in service delivery, aiming to enhance the timeliness of providing equipment and adaptations and improve communication with residents. Initiatives included creating a shortlist of adaptation suppliers, improving contact with residents throughout the process, and establishing an OT Duty Team to triage cases and reduce inappropriate referrals. The report indicated a significant reduction in the OT waiting list, from a peak of 1,105 cases to 436, and a reduction in the Adaptations Waiting List from 220 to 30 cases. The report also detailed progress against previous scrutiny recommendations, focusing on resident involvement in the procurement process, the offer of advocacy, written confirmation of communications, and explanations for delays.

Savings Tracker

The panel was scheduled to review the Savings Tracker, which provides a summary of action points from previous Panel meetings related to financial savings. Discussions were expected to cover specific savings initiatives, including improvements to practices and processes for care, contract reviews, Continuing Healthcare, Direct Payments, Grant Review, and Mental Health Service Review. The tracker highlighted potential risks and challenges in achieving savings targets, such as resource constraints within the Commissioning team and recruitment pressures.

Cabinet Member Questions

Councillor Lucia das Neves, Cabinet Member for Health, Social Care & Well-being, was scheduled to respond to questions from the panel. Topics anticipated for discussion included the effectiveness of prevention initiatives such as weight management, concerns about people with long-term health needs living in poor housing conditions, and the surge in RSV virus cases and vaccine uptake. The panel was also expected to discuss issues related to self-neglect and hoarding, and the implications of the creation of the new Adults, Housing & Health Directorate.

Work Programme Update

The panel was to receive an update on its work programme. This included a review of upcoming agenda items, such as the council's response to the CQC inspection, preparedness for a future pandemic, and an update on aids and adaptations. The work programme also included potential topics for future scrutiny, such as communications with residents, the impact of poor housing conditions on health and wellbeing, the Autism Strategy, and support for carers.