Issue - meetings

The Panel considered the report of the Executive Director – Wellbeing, updating the Panel on the status of the adult care market and operational pressures in Southampton.

Guy Van Dichele – Executive Director Wellbeing (Health & Adults), Councillor White - Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care and Stephanie Ramsey – Managing Director, Southampton were in attendance and, with the consent of the Chair, addressed the meeting.

The Panel discussed a number of points including:

·  How the services were coping with the increased demand for adult social care services caused by the aging population and the effects of long term illnesses. Including steps taking to recruit social workers from South Africa.

·  The introduction of CareDirector and how the new system could enhance the Panel’s ability to review the performance of Adult Social Care in Southampton.

·  The concerns raised in the local press about the levels of care provided at Potters Court.  The Cabinet Member and Executive Director explained that they were confident that residents could get the care required.  It was noted that Potters Court was not a care home but rather a housing with care scheme where care could be provided at the resident’s request.

·  The adequacy of the Adult Social Care budget moving forward; and

·  The progress against the Adult Social Care roadmap introduced in March 2021.

RESOLVED that the Panel requested that:

(i)  following the bedding in of CareDirector, the Panel review Adult Social Care performance on a quarterly basis, commencing in June 2022.

(ii)  that the Panel review the progress made in delivering the targets outlined in the Adult Social Care transformation roadmap that was presented to the HOSP in March 2021.