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Meeting between representatives of Social Services North West, the NHS Executive (NW) and the Social Services
Inspectorate (Social Care Group North) held at Birchwood 10 July 2000
Present:
Professor Joan Higgins, Regional Chair, NHSE (NW)
Councillor Colin Morris (Bolton), Chair, SSNW
Councillor Brian Strett (Wigan), Deputy Chair, SSNW
Councillor Frank Roderick (Liverpool), Minority party representative, SSNW
Chris Hannah, Director, Primary & Community Care, NHSE (NW)
Peter Rowe, Head of Primary & Community Care, NHSE (NW)
Peter Hewitt, Co-ordinator, SSNW
Peter J Viggers, Professional Assistant, SSNW
Ken Foote (Blackburn with Darwen), Chair, ADSS NW Branch
Paul Brearley, Assistant Chief Inspector, SSI (SCR(N))
1. Opening remarks:
Prof Higgins welcomed everyone to the meeting and introductions were made. Cllr Morris referred to the long
tradition of joint work between the two regional organisations, and emphasised the importance of continuing partnership
between health and social services. The background reports were referred to, and Prof Higgins welcomed these as
useful briefings, given that she was new to the role of Regional Chair.
2. Social Care of Older People:
Cllr Morris stressed particular concerns concerning the NHS Confederation's proposals about social care for
older people. SSNW was convinced that these should remain within the remit of local authority social services,
and had set out their reasons in detail. It was acknowledged that the NHS Executive is not responsible for the
views of the NHS Confederation, and that the concerns of social services authorities are understood. Papers from
the Local Government Association, advocating a constructive alternative, were tabled for information.
3. Reconfiguration of NHS organisations:
C Hannah set out the rapidly changing context in which the NHS will be working, with the attendant implications
for roles and responsibilities. There will for instance be one PCT for the whole of Manchester. Six PCTs will be
up and running from October 2000, 23 or more by April 2001, and the majority by 2002. As PCTs develop, health authorities
will reduce in number and assume a more strategic role. However during the change period they will be undertaking
their new role whilst still maintaining the existing one. There are likely to be some major changes for NHS Trusts
also, for instance the proposed Morecambe Bay PCT will provide a Mental Health service. There will not be one universal
model. The emphasis will always be on what suits local needs. There will certainly be consultation and co-operation
with local authorities. Developing a seamless service will be the constant message. During the ensuing discussion,
it was stressed that the aim is to devolve power closer to the local population, with even closer partnerships
between primary care and community care.
The question was raised of how SSNW can contribute constructively to the process of change and developing partnership.
Prof Higgins said she was keen to see open communication and closer working, and felt that the best point of influence
was the local health economy. As Regional Chair, she would do all she could, through Chairs of HAs and Trusts,
to promote such co-operation. It had already been proposed to hold an early meeting between HA Chief Executives
and Social Services Directors. Cllr Morris welcomed this and asked to be kept informed.
Action: C Hannah, P Brearley, K Foote to progress the meeting of HA Chief Execs/SS Directors, and keep P Hewitt
informed.
4. Mental Health:
K Foote referred to the reshaping of mental health services, where an ADSS survey across the region had revealed
the varying extent to which local authorities are involved in the debate. He felt there was a need to specify maybe
4 or 5 agreed bullet points as to how this work should be progressed. C Hannah felt it would be best if we approached
the matter collaboratively, with a joined-up discussion involving key players across the Region.
Action: C Hannah, K Foote to progress
5. Resource Allocation:
The issue of increased NHS resources was raised by SSNW, with particular reference to the £54 million
recently made available to Primary Care Groups. The resourcing of higher levels of NHS activity will certainly
have 'knock-on' effects in the social care system. The importance of developing a 'whole system approach' was recognised,
but the Department of Health now controls directly the allocation of funds to local NHS organisations, and the
details are not available yet. The value of joint working around Winter Pressures was recognised, and there is
every intention that the money should provide across the board benefits. The question of future PSS funding was
raised but again, details are not yet clear. Money is also feeding into other areas of joint concern, eg Intermediate
Care.
Action: P Hewitt to monitor developments, maintaining contact as appropriate with C Hannah and P Brearley
6. Continuing Care / Intermediate Care:
K Foote raised the urgency of revisiting the continuing care guidance, especially in the light of the Coughlan
Judgement. C Hannah stated that central guidance is still awaited. It was recognised that this could cause difficulties
"on the ground" and it was agreed that the pilot scheme in Cumbria could be a helpful guide.
Action: P Hewitt to check with Cumbria and link with K Foote and C Hannah
7. Performance Assessment:
Although the system for assessing the performance of local authorities is becoming more coherent, continuing
work is needed on the ways in which the health and social care performance arrangements can operate most effectively
at the interface. P Brearley and P Rowe said that joint work was in hand nationally and regionally to take this
forward.
Action: P Hewitt will contact P Brearley and P Rowe in the Autumn
8. The future:
In reviewing the meeting, Prof Higgins and Cllr Morris agreed that there is a strong message we can send out
jointly about the commitment to partnership between Health and Social Services. This needs to be fully understood
and carried into practice at local level across the whole region, as is already happening in many localities, particularly
in relation to winter/emergency pressures. It was agreed that a minute of the meeting be agreed and distributed
to all health and social services organisations in the North West. A joint covering letter from Prof Higgins and
Cllr Morris would emphasise the jointness of our approach.
Action: P Viggers and P Hewitt will draft minutes and seek agreement with C Hannah and P Brearley; also arrange
for covering letter.
9. Further meeting of this group:
It was agreed that a further meeting should be arranged for the early part of 2001, to review progress.
Action: P Hewitt to arrange with C Hannah and P Brearley
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