Agenda item

A report from the Head of Scrutiny and Member Development introducing the second session of the Board’s Inquiry.

The Head of Scrutiny and Member Development submitted a report regarding the Board’s inquiry into the Localisation of Health and Social Care Services.  Further reports were submitted from Leeds PCT; which provided information on GP Practice-Based Commissioning, Community Needs Assessment, Service Development and Public Consultation and Engagement; and from the Director of Adult Social Services which provided information in relation to the Leeds Joint Strategic Needs Assessment.

The Chair welcomed the following to the meeting:

• Christine Outram, Chief Executive, Leeds PCT
• John England, Deputy Director (Strategy & Performance), Social Services Department
• Dennis Homes, Chief Officer, Commissioning, Social Services Department
• Lisa Parkin, Leeds VOICE
• Councillor Angela Gabriel, South Inner Area Committee

Christine Outram addressed the Board.  She reported that there was a focus on how the PCT planned and commissioned health services based upon how to meet health needs, the tackling of inequalities, securing access to a comprehensive range of services and ensuring that commissioned services were safe and of high quality.  Commissioning decisions responded to public needs and consultation included Patient and Public Involvement Forums and surveys of patients and organisations.  There were also systematic processes for review of services which considered ways into improving delivery by considering the health needs of the population and information from hospitals and GPs.  Other issues outlined included the need to meet Government priorities and targets, partnership work and practice based commissioning.

Lisa Parkin gave the Board a brief overview of consultation that Leeds Voice had been involved with.  She also gave examples of good practice of health care provision within the Voluntary Sector and referred to the review of Community Development and the Community Health Development network. 

• Concern was expressed regarding the lack of dialogue between the PCT and Area Committees.  It was reported that the PCT had previously been represented on District Partnerships and there was a need to review PCT links to local communities through Area Committees.
• In relation to concerns and questions regarding Practice Based Commissioning, it was reported that the PCT would continue to deliver plans and strategies towards the localisation of services over the next three years.  Members attention was brought to the different consortia of practices across Leeds and the need to analyse and identify needs.  It was hoped that Practice Based Commissioning would cut the length of hospital waiting lists.

In brief summary, the following issues were discussed in relation to Members’ comments and questions:

• Preventative health issues.
• Publicising local services.
• The Voluntary Sector and how it could complement Practice Baced Commissioning and localisation of health services in local communities.
• It was reported that there were two main issues in relation to Adult Social Care:

  - Engagement – How to look at in more detail and the role   of the Local Involvement Network (LINk).

   - Statutory requirements – The Joint Strategic Needs   Assessment (JSNA) which was to be accried out by the   Council and PCT.  This formed part of the Council’s   Policy and Budgetary Framework.

• The possible effect on the VCF sector due to loss of Neighbourhood Renewal Funds.

The Chair thanked those present for their attendance.

RESOLVED – That the report and discussion be noted in line with the Board’s Inquiry into the Localisation of Health and Social Care Services.