To receive any questions from and provide answers to the public in relation to matters relevant to the Council’s activities.
Minutes:
Members of the public were invited to put questions to the Mayor and Councillors on matters within the powers and duties of the Council.
Eight public questions were submitted as follows:-
· Relating to the closure of beds at Stepping Hill Hospital and why it was considered that this would not damage patient care.
The Executive Councillor for Health (Councillor Tom McGee) responded that there were reductions in budgetary provision across local authorities and the health service that needed to be managed across the health economy. Councillor McGee commented that it was not possible to continue to operate in the same way as before with less funding. It was further commented that bed closures did not necessarily result in a poorer service and that hospitals frequently adjusted bed provision and further that Stepping Hill Hospital had recently opened up new specialist wards as part of the Healthier Together Initiative. Councillor McGee stated that what was most important is that there was the right balance between what took place in hospitals and where community intervention and prevention were better placed to provide the right care for residents.
The Mayor agreed to group four public questions together as they all related to cuts to drug and alcohol treatment services:-
The Executive Councillor for Health (Councillor Tom McGee) responded that:-
· In relation to the suggestion that current practice was unsafe, it was commented that the drug and alcohol services provided by the Pennine Care NHS Trust had recently been the subject of inspection by the Care Quality Commission who had raised no concerns with regard to safety.
· There had been budgetary reductions of 17.5% and not the 40% asserted in the question.
· The Council had renegotiated its contract with the Pennine Care NHS Trust which had resulted in changes to service provision based on the specification of the Council which was good practice.
· There was significant evidence that group work was effective in drug and alcohol treatment. However one-to-one services were still provided in those circumstances where it remained necessary.
· Consultation on the budget was currently ongoing, however there were no proposals to reduce the public health funding specified in the contract and that the CCG received a 5.7% increase in funding which was directed to mental health provision.
· There was currently no waiting list for young people to access drug and alcohol services and work was being undertaken to reduce the access time to within seven days.
· There was an increase nationally in drug related deaths, however the local data suggests that this trend was lower within Stockport.
· The ‘Family and Friends Survey’ of the drug and alcohol service suggested that over 90% of respondents would recommend the service to others.
· Both Council staff and those employed by the Pennine Care NHS Trust were offered training on stress management.
· The suggestion that the work of the drug and alcohol service has halted was incorrect.
· In relation to the Stockport Together initiative and whether this would be rejected on the basis that the aim of Sustainability and Transformation Plans was to defund, demoralise, dismantle and privatise the NHS.
The Executive Councillor for Health (Councillor Tom McGee) responded that Stockport Together had existed as a concept for over two years in the context of reduced funding for health and social care. Sustainability and Transformation Plans were introduced a year later and Greater Manchester was not one of the affected areas as it was part of the devolved health and social care package for the conurbation.
· Relating to how the Council intended to provide sufficient and good care in people’s homes as part of the new Stockport Together arrangements.
The Executive Councillor for Adult Social Care (Councillor Wendy Wild) responded that the underfunding of adult social care was having a devastating consequence across the country and was one of the biggest challenges for the Council. It was further stated that earlier in the year the Council and Stockport CCG had agreed to pooled budget arrangements which were designed to privet, reduce and delay individuals from needing intensive support which should mean that there were more resources to provide good care in people’s homes.
· Relating to the nature of discussions with the public in respect of the outcome of the feasibility study on a proposed A6 to M60 Relief Road.
The Executive Councillor for Economy & Regeneration (Councillor Kate Butler) responded that the intention was that there would be a full and open consultations and that she was personally open to engaging with residents on this issue. It was further stated that no decision had been made in respect of whether the A6 to M60 Relief Road would be built.
A further public question had been submitted where the questioner was not present at the meeting and in accordance with the Code of Practice, the Chief Executive was requested to respond to the questioners in writing.