Agenda item

Report of Strategic Director, Resources and Digital

The Committee received the year end performance report for the period April 2022 to March 2023.

A deep dive look into waiting lists in terms of Adult Social Care was previously requested and the Committee received a presentation on this area of performance. 

ADASS benchmarking survey information was provided which looks at comparators both locally and nationally and with statistical neighbours. ADASS is looking at waiting lists across Adult Social Care and it was noted that there has been a significant increase since Covid, with people coming forward earlier into care.

In terms of those on the waiting list for an assessment there has been a slight reduction on last year’s figure, however it remains relatively static. It was noted that the bulk of the list, 58%, is for Occupational Therapy (OT) assessments. There is no DoLS waiting list.  It was reported that there has been a 50% increase from last year of those waiting over 6 months for an assessment.

There has been a significant decrease in the numbers waiting for care and support, and it was acknowledged that now care can be accessed more easily the system will start moving.

The number of overdue reviews of care plans has reduced significantly following targeted work.

Waiting lists are a national concern and work has been ongoing in Gateshead to address this issue. There has been agreement for additional investment in OT trainees, which has worked well in terms of the Social Worker trainee model, with much higher levels of interest than for other posts. The additional capacity as a result of the trainees will be used to reduce waiting times.

There is additional investment in hospital discharge capacity and reablement capacity, with the new Promoting Independence Centre opening in the Autumn, which will increase bed capacity and avoid hospital admissions.  Community reablement has been strengthened through the OT team, thus diverting people from assessments and long-term care packages. Consequently this will relieve the bottle neck in referrals for assessments and free up Social Worker capacity.

Work is ongoing to address sickness levels. In addition, caseload monitoring and tracking is underway.  A pilot is also underway using assistive technology to inform assessments and therefore improve timescales.

It was reported that annually an NHS Digital Social Care survey is required.  In terms of Gateshead, there has been an improvement across the board for all but one of the survey indicators; the proportion of people who use services who say that those services have made them feel safe and secure. Positively the indicator which measures the proportion of people who use services who feel safe has improved, therefore the indication is that other factors which make them feel safe, rather than the service specifically.  Work is underway with Healthwatch and partners to improve the offer around health and advice.  Overall satisfaction of people who use the service in Gateshead is as its highest level since 2017/18.

The Committee was provided with the PMIF Plan on a page which is a quarterly publication from the performance team outlining the indicators in relation to; people, prevention, practice, provision, pounds and partnership. This provides a balanced look at performance of Adult Social Care across the whole service.

It was reported that in terms of DoLS (liberty protection safeguards), this is the first time there has been a decrease in the number of applications received. It was noted that section 42 enquiries have increased since last year and are at the highest level in the past five years.  In addition, the percentage of concerns which progressed to an enquiry has increased and is now at the highest level since 2018/19. In terms of safeguarding concerns, this figure has reduced therefore this shows there are less inappropriate referrals.

It was questioned as to why the number of people waiting over six months has increased. It was noted that for some this is due to waits of OTs or Social Worker assessments. It was confirmed that prioritisation tools are used and there will be a number of people waiting for assessment who will be receiving temporary services.  People are also triaged to ensure they understand when and who to contact.

The point was made that some authorities are looking at home care providers in respect of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS). It was noted that there has also been an indefinite hold on the Liberty Protection Safeguards which were due to come in to replace DoLS because it was recognised some time ago by Government that the DoLS process is not fit for purpose. Therefore work is ongoing locally (an in conjunction with regional and national partners) to understand the implications of the Liberty Protection Safeguards delay.  

It was questioned whether there are separate community services for different communities. It was confirmed that there is a specific ISL within the Jewish community in order to be culturally appropriate.

RESOLVED    -           That the Committee noted the Year End performance and

recommended the report to Cabinet for consideration on 18 July 2023.