Issue - meetings

Doug Wilson, Head of Strategy, Service Development & Resources, Department for People, LB Enfield.

(Report attached)

RECEIVED the written update, introduced by Doug Wilson (LBE Head of Strategy, Service Development & Resources, People Department).

NOTED

1.    The plans were detailed, but the Better Care Fund purpose was clear: to help people avoid admission to hospital, to reduce long hospital stays and minimise numbers who were permanently admitted to residential or nursing care, to increase the proportion of people returning to their normal place of residence, and to enable people to regain their independence where possible.

2.    Performance updates in the report were largely positive. The baseline of 2019/20 was used. Avoidable admissions had gone down, but hospitals and adult social services remained busy. However, more people were staying in an acute hospital bed for longer and the target for 21+ days was missed. When people were going into hospital they were more ill and staying longer, and Covid-19 had played a significant role in this. In testament to Adult Social Care in Enfield, the number of people living permanently in residential or nursing care had returned to pre-pandemic levels. The Council had invested in the Enablement service, which helped people to continue to live independently.

3.    The Better Care Fund plans for this year were yet to be finalised, but it was expected that the priorities of the last year would continue. An update would be provided to the Board in the Autumn once the plans were agreed for this year.

IN RESPONSE

4.    The Chair noted that pressures were high at all times, and differentiation could no longer be made between seasons. Ambulance service pressures were frequent. It was confirmed that the next report would provide an update on ambitions, and be clear in respect of the challenges and the collaborative work going on to alleviate those.