Agenda item

This is a report from the Executive Member for Health and Adult Social Care, highlighting her priorities and challenges for the coming year.

The Executive Member for Health and Adult Social Care was in attendance to present a report on her priorities for the coming year.

Members were interested to hear more about developing services on the site of the Retreat and Cllr Runciman explained that the hope was for the provider to build an in-patient facility specifically focussing on serious mental health issues, complex personality disorders and eating disorders. In response to a question regarding the duplication of services offered by TEWV, Cllr Runciman noted that the two providers were in contact and that she had confirmed with both providers that they must complement each other.

In response to a question around social prescribing, local area co-ordination and the pressure that this can add to third sector organisations, Cllr Runciman agreed and suggested that this could be an issue for scrutiny to look into, as there are a number of issues that Scrutiny could potentially help resolve. Under further questioning, Cllr Runciman stated that she thought the evidence around the success of social prescribing and its ability to reduce pressure on other areas of the Health System (such as GP’s / Hospitals) was present. However, it was also noted that the inter-relationship of funding and ‘results’ in this area was often complicated and difficult to identify.

Following a question regarding the budget cuts to the substance misuse service, Cllr Runciman highlighted that she was due to visit the provider, Changing Lives, and it would be important to understand the investment required and the impact that it will have.

Following a question around the Healthy Start Programme and the removal of vitamin supplements from this programme, the Director of Public Health addressed the committee. The Director stated that there had been some issues that needed to be resolved with regards to vitamins however some families have had access through maternity services. It was also noted that the programme was not as robust as it should have been. In response to a further question, it was also noted that communication around the future of this programme was currently being planned. Members requested a further report to Scrutiny on the Healthy Start Programme, when available.

The Executive Member was also asked about the importance of encouraging active travel and she stated that there was a great deal of work happening in this area, however it must not be considered in isolation.

Cllr Runciman noted the importance of agreeing the ‘actual cost of care’ in relation to care home provision. In response to questions regarding the closure of care homes and being ’held to ransom’ by private providers, the Executive Member noted that this would only happen in scenarios where a care home has closed unexpectedly. The hope would always be that the Council can agree the actual cost of care and agree the places that the City require at this rate.

Members also put on record their support for the work around the masterplan for Bootham Park and encouraged Members and the public to engage with the consultation.

Finally, Members stated that they would discuss an update report on the Emergency Mental Health Support Line during the work plan item.