The Adult Social Care and Health Scrutiny Committee met to discuss the ongoing challenges at Stepping Hill Foundation Trust, review the progress of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy, and receive an update on winter readiness. Key decisions included noting the reports presented and agreeing to reschedule the Stepping Hill Foundation Trust update for a future meeting.

Stepping Hill Foundation Trust Estates and Funding Situation

Karen James, Chief Executive of Stepping Hill Foundation Trust, provided an update on the trust's estate, highlighting significant challenges posed by its aging infrastructure. A substantial maintenance backlog of £62 million is projected to rise to £136 million over the next five years if no action is taken. Currently, 63% of the trust's estate falls into the C and D categories, indicating poor condition and unsuitability for modern medical practices.

The trust receives approximately £13 million annually for capital expenditure, which must cover IT, equipment, and maintenance. However, this allocation is insufficient to address the backlog. While plans exist to rationalise the site and relocate support services, and a long-term vision to build a new elective care facility in Stockport town centre, these developments are hindered by national capital constraints. Recent upgrades to the A&E department and the demolition and re-provision of the outpatient department were highlighted as positive developments, but the fundamental issue of old capital stock remains unresolved.

Councillors expressed appreciation for the work of Stepping Hill staff and sought clarification on the backlog figures and funding mechanisms. It was explained that while business cases for developments exist, national capital regimes are restrictive, and there is currently no immediate solution to the backlog maintenance issues. The committee was informed that if an additional £10 million were available, the priority would be to rationalise the site by moving non-essential support departments. Discussions also touched upon the need for enhanced intermediate care facilities and step-up services to prevent hospital admissions, with a commitment from the council to work collaboratively with Stepping Hill and other partners.

Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy Progress Update

Judith Strobl, Director of Public Health, presented the second annual update on the Stockport Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy. The strategy, developed two years prior, aims to provide a joined-up response to mental health needs from prevention through to treatment and care. The strategy is overseen by a partnership chaired by Sarah Dillon, Director of Adult Social Care, and co-chaired by an individual with lived experience.

Key achievements highlighted include strengthening the co-production approach with a strong emphasis on lived experience and carer perspectives, particularly in relation to Ambition 1. Ambition 2 focuses on embedding mental health into all aspects of life, with progress in whole school approaches and workplace wellbeing programmes. Ambition 3 aims to promote awareness and understanding through training initiatives like Connect 5 and suicide prevention programmes, alongside the relaunch of the Five Ways to Feel Good campaign. Ambition 4 focuses on building the capacity of voluntary, community, faith, and social enterprise (VCFSE) organisations, evidenced by the successful Live Well Fund which supported 26 community-driven mental health projects. Ambition 5 details improvements in mental health support systems, including the operationalisation of the Neighbourhood Mental Health Team and the launch of a new adult eating disorder service.

The committee engaged in a detailed discussion, with councillors raising questions about reaching isolated individuals, the simplification of governance arrangements, and the impact of the VCFSE sector's capacity. The importance of early intervention in schools and the sustainability of such programmes were also discussed. The committee was assured that efforts are being made to reach those who may fall through the cracks, through various training programmes, signposting, and community outreach. The ongoing work to increase specialist and supported housing options was also noted. The committee was asked to comment on and note the report, with a commitment to receive more synchronised and timely updates in the future.

Winter Readiness Update

Sarah Dillon, Director for Adult Social Care, presented an update on the health and social care partners' preparations for winter surge demand. The report detailed a multi-agency approach involving Stockport Foundation Trust, primary care, Pennine Care, Age UK, and adult social care. Key focuses include the vaccination programme, the Warm and Well initiative, and increasing capacity in acute and community beds, including the use of virtual wards and discharge to assess beds.

The council's approach prioritises a home first wherever possible, with the REACH service supporting individuals to return home. The report also outlined plans for increased community urgent treatment centre capacity and improvements to the intermediate care strategy, with the forthcoming St Thomas's facility set to offer admission avoidance and step-up care.

Councillors raised questions regarding the eligibility for flu vaccinations, the potential impact of new COVID-19 variants, and the overall data available on local case rates. It was confirmed that while COVID-19 vaccine eligibility has changed, the flu vaccine campaign has started well locally. Anecdotal evidence suggests an increase in COVID-19 cases, but definitive data for the season is not yet available. The committee also inquired about the use of virtual wards and the impact of providers exiting services. It was explained that virtual wards are a national programme that Stockport is maximising, and efforts are underway to ensure sufficient provision of services and to reduce the length of stay in bedded environments. The report was noted, with a suggestion for a future conversation on lessons learned and good practice.

Scrutiny Work Programme

Caleb Harris, Assistant Director for Governance, presented the scrutiny work programme. The committee agreed to reschedule the update from Stepping Hill Foundation Trust to a future meeting. Councillor Keith Holloway raised the need for an update on the impact of changes within Greater Manchester and their potential effect on Stockport, which was supported by Councillor Helen Foster-Grime, who noted ongoing discussions with the Mayor of Greater Manchester and other local authority leads. The committee was assured that efforts are being made to keep them informed of developments.