Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 3 March 2022.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 3 March 2022 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

Councillors and officers were invited to declare any interests they had in any of the items on the agenda for the meeting.

The following interests were declared:-

Personal Interests

There were no call-in items to consider.

To consider whether it is in the public interest to exclude the press and public from the meeting during consideration of the following item:

The Chair invited the Committee to consider whether to exclude the public and press from the meeting during consideration of agenda item 14 and agenda item 15 as they contained information that was ‘not for publication’.

RESOLVED – That in order to prevent the disclosure of information which was not for publication relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority), the disclosure of which would not be in the public interest, the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of agenda item 14 ‘Clinical Collaboration between Stockport NHS FT and East Cheshire Trust’ and the exempt information in the ‘not for publication’ appendix to agenda item 15 ‘St Thomas’ Gardens Development Update’.

To consider a report of the Director of Public Health.

The report details the work undertaken by the Scrutiny Review Panel of the Adult Social Care & Health Scrutiny Committee in respect to the Access to Health Services and the proposed recommendations.

The Scrutiny Committee is invited to consider the information in the report and approve the recommendations.

Officer contact: Ben Fryer, ben.fryer@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Director of Public Health submitted the draft final report on behalf of the Scrutiny Review Panel of the Scrutiny Committee’s Review of Access to Health Services (copies of which had been circulated) which detailed the work undertaken by the Scrutiny Review Panel of the Adult Social Care & Health Scrutiny Committee in respect to the Access to Health Services, findings and the proposed recommendations. The Scrutiny Committee was invited to comment on and make amendments to the report prior to its submission to the Cabinet on 28 June 2022.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         Noted the inconsistencies between general practices as it was reported that a local practice operates efficient services, triaging and offer telephone call backs.

·         In response, Members were advised that the Review Panel had taken a statistical analysis during the course of the Review and explored the way in which patients accessed services in different practices. It was reported that the findings showed that there was a variety of different models in place in individual general practices in Stockport, with some more reliant on online booking and others reliant on triaging and telephone bookings. It was noted that general practices across Stockport were doing their best to be available for their patients in a way that works for their patients, however had to manage within the constrained resources that they had available. The recommendations of the draft final report were framed to try and ensure that all practices were performing at consistently a high standard in terms of patient access.

·         Welcomed the inclusion of the recommendation that the council’s estates team should work proactively with GP surgeries and other local NHS providers to identify any property that can be used on a long term, short term, or sessional basis for clinical or non-clinical services to overcome the challenges posed to the NHS by its current estate in Stockport as a piece of work that could be done more intensively with health care providers.

·         Welcomed the consideration of a future report outlining the response to the recommendations detailed in the Review report.

·         That it was important for residents to understand the background relating to the current situation in relation to access to health services which was not purely a result of Covid given the numerous cutbacks and record underfunding in relation to the NHS services.

·         That other reports concur with the findings of the Review which included a high proportion of respondents felt that access to health services is difficult or very difficult in relation to patient experience and violence against staff was increasing.

RESOLVED – (1) That the draft ‘Scrutiny Review Panel: Access to Health Services Final Report’ be approved and adopted.

(2) That the thanks of the Scrutiny Committee be extended to all those who took part in the Scrutiny Review.

To consider a report of the Director of Adult Social Care and the Director of Public Health.

The report provides a comprehensive summary of progress against portfolio priorities, performance indicators and budgets during the second half of 2021/22, with a specific focus on the fourth quarter (January to March 2022) and is based on the 2021/22 Portfolio Performance and Resource Agreement (PPRA), which was considered by the Committee on 15 June 2021 and approved by Cabinet on 29 June 2021.

The Scrutiny Committee is recommended to:-

·       Consider the Annual Portfolio Performance and Resource Report;

·       Review the progress against delivering key projects, priority outcomes, targets and budgets for 2021/22;

·       Highlight key areas of and responsibility for taking forward corrective action to address any performance or resource issues;

·       Highlight any significant issues or changes to be fed back to the Cabinet alongside the Corporate Performance and Resource Report; and

·       Identify how areas of strong performance and good practice can be shared in other services.

Peter Owston, Strategy and Performance Manager (CSS)

peter.owston@stockport.gov.uk   (07891 949061)

Paul Graham, CSS Manager (Specialist) Finance

paul.graham@stockport.gov.uk   (474 4674)

The Director of Adult Social Care and Director of Public Health submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) which provided a comprehensive summary of progress against portfolio priorities, performance indicators and budgets during the second half of 2021/22, with a specific focus on the fourth quarter (January to March 2022) and is based on the 2021/22 Portfolio Performance and Resource Agreement (PPRA), which was considered by the Committee on 15 June 2021 and approved by Cabinet on 29 June 2021.

The Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care (Councillor Keith Holloway) attended the meeting to respond to questions from the Scrutiny Committee.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         Noted the high proportion of residents reporting high levels of anxiety and requested that this topic be included as a future item for consideration within the work programme for this municipal year.

·         Welcomed the improvements in relation to referrals, accessing services and Adult Social Care web content, however noted the further that improvements that could be made to make the website more accessible.

·         Requested that the service use lay people to test the forms and services available through the website.

·         Raised concerns in relation to red status of safeguarding outcomes and queried the work being done to improve this.

·         In response, it was stated that the team were aware that the measures around safeguarding were not where the service wanted them to be, in part related to the introduction of the new case management system which had resulted in data quality issues and would take time to resolve.  It was noted particularly around when the council intervenes and makes an assessment where there is a risk of safeguarding, it was necessary to ensure that the service user was happy, and the outcome had to reflect one that the resident would want rather than the professionals.

·         It was reported that there was a strong, multi-agency Adults Safeguarding Board with an independent Chair whose priority was to drive improvements in terms of identity and response to adults safeguarding in Stockport.

·         Requested that an update report from the Adults Safeguarding Board be included as part of the work programme for this municipal year.

·         Whether improvements had been made in relation to the implementation of the liquid logic system

·         In response, it was noted that although it was improving, the issues with the system were around the data migration between the two systems which had resulted in inaccuracies within the data. In terms of other elements such as the contract function and case management had worked very well once practitioners had become more experienced with the system.

·         Commented on the importance of digital support and digitally enabled connectivity, however recognised the value of face to face social contact and the necessary balance between the two. 

·         Welcomed the progress in relation to the Breast Cancer Screening programme and noted that the programme was still in a period of recovery. It was queried whether the below average performance figures pertained to general initial screening or further screening as people were recalled.

·         In response, Members were advised that the figures related to the initial screening uptake and the team were working hard with the new engagement officer, providers and commissioners to improve uptake and explore appointment options to meet requirements. The service was now offering 8am – 8pm, 6 days a week in order to meet recovery.

·         It was suggested that Public Health produce and publish communications for residents in relation to informed medical decisions such as vaccinations.

·         Raised concerns in relation to the Practice Quality & Safeguarding underspend as it was felt that Safeguarding was an area that should be utilising all the budget available.

·         Requested a written update in relation to the Foundation Living Wage to be circulated to Members of the Committee.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Stockport NHS Foundation Trust.

The report provides an overview of the latest Emergency & Urgent Care Campus (EUCC) proposal by Stockport NHS Foundation Trust (SFT), highlight key points from the Full Business Case (FBC) submitted to NHSEI and DHSC and, seeks further endorsement from the Committee.

The Scrutiny Committee is asked to endorse the Full Business Case for the Emergency & Urgent Care Campus.

Officer contact: James Thomson, james.thomson@stockport.gov.uk

The Director of Operations, Stockport NHS Foundation Trust submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) which provided an overview of the latest Emergency & Urgent Care Campus (EUCC) proposal by Stockport NHS Foundation Trust (SFT), highlighted key points from the Full Business Case (FBC) submitted to NHSEI and DHSC and, sought further endorsement from Adult Social Care & Health Scrutiny Committee.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         Members welcomed the progress that had been made in relation to the Emergency & Urgent Care Campus to create a fit for purpose estate for the public and population in Stockport.

·         Members welcomed the consideration of impact on parking spaces and assurance that there would not be a net loss of parking once the campus was in operation, however raised concerns in relation to the impact of parking to neighbouring properties of the campus during the construction phase and requested assurance that this was being considered.

·         In response, Members were advised that parking was a core consideration during the course of this process and the Trust was working with the construction team in relation to each phase of the development over the next two years to ensure that there was no impact on parking. Members were assured that there had been conversations to request that contractors park off site and whilst it would not improve the parking situation at this time, there would be no further impact particularly relating to the construction of the campus. It was noted that as an organisation they were very mindful of the parking situation overall and there were ongoing detailed conversations of how this was going to be improved long term, recognising that the current position was not in the best interest of residents, staff and visitors.

·         Requested additional information in relation to the funding bid process and timeline.

·         In response it was stated that the funding was approved as part of the hospital programme in 2018 for £30.6 million and Stockport was one of a number of hospitals who had secured funding at this time. Whilst the funding had been secured, from that point it was necessary for an approval process to be completed in line with Treasury rules around business case standards. It was stated that the Trust had secured outline business case approval and was due to attend the Joint Investment Committee in July 2022 for approval of the final business case. Following final approval, the Trust were due to start construction shortly after with the aim to complete the campus in 2024.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the Full Business Case for the Emergency & Urgent Care Campus be endorsed.

To consider a report of the Director of Public Health.

The report provides a second update of the progress of the motion on Automated External Defibrillators that was agreed at Full Council.

The Scrutiny Committee is requested to note the progress made against the actions set out in the motion agreed at full Council in November 2021 and agree that a further update on the progress be provided in 6 months time.

Officer contact: Jennifer Connolly on 0161 474 2442 or email: Jennifer.connolly@stockport.gov.uk

The Director of Public Health submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) which provided a second update of the progress of the motion on Automated External Defibrillators that was agreed at Full Council.

The Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care (Councillor Keith Holloway) attended the meeting to respond to questions from the Scrutiny Committee.

Members welcomed the progress made in relation to Automated External Defibrillators and requested clarification around the timescale of the receipt and publication of the material on the council’s website. In response, Members were advised that it was envisaged that in the next few months the council would be in a position to publish a clear picture of where the defibrillators were located on the website. It was reported that the delay in the publication of this material related to discrepancies in the data that had been provided to date which was in the process of being clarified with the data holders.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Director of Public Health.

This report has been prepared at the request of the Adults, Social Care and Health Scrutiny Committee.  It outlines the legal context, the issue of gambling related harm and the national, regional and local perspective, before summarising the actions we are taking in Stockport to address this issue.  

The Scrutiny Committee is recommended to comment on and note the report.

Officer contact: Jennifer Connolly on 0161 474 2442 or email: jennifer.connolly@stockport.gov.uk

The Director of Public Health submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) which had been prepared at the request of the Adult Social Care & Health Scrutiny Committee. The report outlined the legal context, the issue of gambling related harm and the national, regional and local perspective, and summarised the actions the council were taking in Stockport to address this issue. 

The Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care (Councillor Keith Holloway) attended the meeting to respond to questions from the Scrutiny Committee.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         Recognised the dangers associated with gambling and welcomed the progress to raise gambling related harm awareness.

·         That the ease of gambling through modern technology had resulted in an increased risk.

·         Sought clarification in relation to whether the council had control over gambling advertisements within the borough.

·         In response it was stated that the council had very limited control in relation to local advertisers, however the team would follow up the Committee’s concerns with the Town Centre Team.

·         Requested additional information as to the parameters of a gambling premise.

·         It was suggested that the team explore early help prevention opportunities for those who present with signs of problem gambling.  

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Director of Strategy.

The report provides details relating to the background and context information relating to the Integrated Care Systems (ICS), including the opportunities for Stockport, the Greater Manchester ICS Model, Stockport’s transition work and the emerging Stockport integrated health and care model.

The report also provides a further update and describes the opportunities afforded by the new legislation; highlights the progress and recommendations made by the Shadow Locality Board and its constituent working groups; highlights the progress made at Greater Manchester level; and provides an overview of the future direction of Stockport’s Locality arrangements.

The Scrutiny Committee is recommended to comment on and note the report.

Officer contact: Laura Mercer, 0161 218 1799,laura.mercer@stockport.gov.uk

The Director of Strategy submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) which provided details relating to the background and context information relating to the Integrated Care Systems (ICS), including the opportunities for Stockport, the Greater Manchester ICS Model, Stockport’s transition work and the emerging Stockport integrated health and care model.

The report also provided a further update and described the opportunities afforded by the new legislation; highlighted the progress and recommendations made by the Shadow Locality Board and its constituent working groups; highlighted the progress made at Greater Manchester level; and provided an overview of the future direction of Stockport’s Locality arrangements.

The Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care (Councillor Keith Holloway) attended the meeting to respond to questions from the Scrutiny Committee.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         Raised concerns in relation to lack of clarity around the delegation, governance and decision-making structure of the ICS given the approaching deadline.

·         In response it was stated that this year was a transition year and the council had recently received more clarity through the Greater Manchester Integrated Commissioning Board constitution, however the council were awaiting a scheme of delegation. Members were advised that the governance model was becoming increasingly clearer and a further Greater Manchester Integrated Commissioning Board which would provide the scheme of delegation and Locality Board meeting was planned for 1 July 2022.

·         Requested clarification in relation to management accountability of staff affected by the introduction of the ICS.

·         In response, Members were advised that delays at a national and Greater Manchester level had resulted in a degree of uncertainty, however as of 1 July 2022 the CCG staff would remain in their current position and continue their responsibilities whilst officially being transferred to Greater Manchester NHS Integrated Care.  In due course, there would be collaborative conversations to understand whether further integration was needed and staff would be consulted as appropriate.

·         Commented on the importance of Stockport’s local voice being heard at a Greater Manchester level.

·         Welcomed the holistic approach of the ICS and noted the wider determinants of health including transport, the environment, housing and education.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) Requested that Greater Manchester ICS senior colleagues be invited to a future meeting of the Committee to ensure accountability for the residents of Stockport.

(3) Requested that a standard update item relating to the ICS be placed on the Scrutiny Committee agenda moving forwards.

To receive an update on the Joint Scrutiny Review conducted by this Scrutiny Committee and Adults Social Care & Health Scrutiny Committee in 2020/21 in addition to a Cabinet Response against these recommendations.

The Scrutiny Committee is asked to note the update.

Officer contact: Kathryn Rees, 07989208640, kathryn.rees@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Health & Adult Social Care submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) which provided an update on the Joint Scrutiny Review conducted by this Scrutiny Committee and Corporate, Resource Management & Governance Scrutiny Committee in 2020/21 in addition to a Cabinet Response against these recommendations.

Members welcomed the update including the progress made and requested that a written report be provided in relation to the recent Stockport Family SEND pilot.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To seek suggestions for Scrutiny Review topics for inclusion in the 2022/2023 scrutiny work programme.

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service & Monitoring Officer (Legal & Democratic Governance) invited the Scrutiny Committee to choose a Scrutiny Review topic for inclusion in the 2022/23 scrutiny work programme.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         It was suggested that the factors impacting on ambulance wait times be selected as a topic for inclusion in the 2022/23 scrutiny work programme as a review could add real value and produce strong recommendations to improve the situation for residents across the borough. 

·         It was suggested that mental health services and mental health crises be considered as a future Scrutiny Review topic.

·         In response it was suggested that short, well focused report on mental health services be commissioned for consideration by the Committee as part of the work programme for this municipal year.

RESOLVED – (1) That the Council Meeting be recommended to include ‘Factors Impacting on Ambulance Wait Times’ within the 2021/22 Scrutiny Work Programme.

(2) That Councillors Gary Lawson (Lead Councillor); Lisa Smart, Wendy Wild and Angie Clark be nominated to sit on the proposed scrutiny review panel.

To consider a report of the Strategic Head of Service & Monitoring Officer (Legal & Democratic Governance).

The report sets out planned agenda items for the Scrutiny Committee’s next meeting and Forward Plan items that fall within the remit of the Scrutiny Committee.

The Scrutiny Committee is invited to consider the information in the report and put forward any agenda items for future meetings of the Committee.

Officer contact: Georgia Latham on 0161 474 3229, or email: georgia.latham@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service & Monitoring Officer (Legal & Democratic Governance) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out the planned agenda items for the Scrutiny Committee’s next meeting and any Forward Plan items.

The Chair requested that the comments and suggestions of the Committee raised during the course of the meeting be reflected in the Scrutiny Committee work programme for the 2022/23 municipal year.

Members suggested that, in addition to the reports requested, the quality and capacity of mental health provision in the borough and care sector workforce recruitment and retention be included as future items for consideration within the work programme for this municipal year

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the Strategic Head of Service & Monitoring Officer (Legal & Democratic Governance) be recommended to programme the following items into the Scrutiny Committee’s work programme for the 2022/23 Municipal Year:

·         Quality and Capacity of Mental Health Provision in Stockport

·         Care Sector Workforce - Recruitment and Retention

·         Update from the Adults Safeguarding Board

·         Stockport Family SEND Pilot

·         Update on the progress of the Foundation Living Wage

·         Standard item on the Integrated Care System

To consider a report of the Executive Director of Strategy & Partnerships, Stockport NHS FT and the Director of Transformation, East Cheshire NHS Trust.

The report provides an update Scrutiny Committee on plans for clinical collaboration between Stockport NHS Foundation Trust (SFT) and East Cheshire NHS Trust (ECT) to improve outcomes and deliver sustainable health services for local people.

(Note: This item includes ‘not for publication’ information that has been circulated to members of the Scrutiny Committee only)

The Scrutiny Committee is asked to note the report.

Officer contact: Angela Dawber, 0161 419 4016, angela.dawber@stockport.nhs.uk

The Executive Director of Strategy & Partnerships, Stockport NHS Foundation Trust submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) which provided an update on the plans for clinical collaboration between Stockport NHS Foundation Trust (SFT) and East Cheshire NHS Trust (ECT) to improve outcomes and deliver sustainable health services for local people.

The Scrutiny Committee asked questions, made comments and raised issues on the proposals relating to the information in the exempt report and appendices that were discussed and responded to in the ‘private’ session of the meeting.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Director of Adult Services.

The report provides a comprehensive update on the delivery of the proposed development of St Thomas’ Gardens, and in particular the Academy of Living Well.

(Note: This item includes a ‘not for publication’ appendix that has been circulated to members of the Scrutiny Committee only)

The Scrutiny Committee is recommended to comment on and note the report.

Officer contact: Vincent Fraga, Vincent.fraga@stockport.gov.uk

The Director of Adult Services submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) which provided a comprehensive update on the delivery of the proposed development of St Thomas’ Gardens, and in particular the Academy of Living Well.

The Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care (Councillor Keith Holloway) attended the meeting to respond to questions from the Scrutiny Committee.

The Scrutiny Committee asked questions, made comments and raised issues on the proposals relating to the information in the exempt appendix that was discussed and responded to in the ‘private’ session of the meeting.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.