No declarations of interest were made for matters under consideration.

(Access to Information Procedure Rules – Part 3B of the Constitution)

Reports and background papers for agenda items may be inspected by contacting the person shown after each agenda item.  Certain reports and background papers may be restricted. 

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Please contact the officer shown below in advance of the meeting if you wish to appeal. 

(Asad Shah - 01274 432280)

There were no appeals submitted by the public to review decisions to restrict documents.

Any referrals that have been made to this Committee up to and including the date of publication of this agenda will be reported at the meeting.

There were no referrals made to the Committee.

The report of the Director of Public Health (Document “K”) provides an update on COVID-19 in Bradford District. It describes the response to the COVID 19 pandemic between March and September. The latest data on cases, admissions and deaths are included. The report sets out how the Bradford District COVID-19 response is being managed, including delivery of the COVID-19 Vaccination programme. The report concludes with a section on horizon scanning, considering developments which may impact on how we control COVID-19 in the future.

Recommended –

The Committee it invited to note and comment on the report

(Caroline Tomes - 07929 829751)

The report of the Director of Public Health (Document “K”) provided an update on COVID-19 in Bradford District. The report described the response to the COVID 19 pandemic between March and September. The latest data on cases, admissions and deaths are included. The report further set out how the Bradford District COVID-19 response was being managed, including delivery of the COVID-19 Vaccination programme. The report concluded with a section on horizon scanning, considering developments which may impact on how COVID-19 would be controlled in the future.

The Director of Public Health was in attendance and with the invitation of the Chair, gave a PowerPoint presentation on Covid-19 Update that included the following contents:

•         Latest data and epidemiology

•         Response across the district

•         Testing

•         Vaccination programme

•         New variant (Delta sublineage AY.4.2)

•         Horizon scanning

She further added that by giving an overview of the key points in the Covid-19 legislation. A breakdown on the snapshot of the graphs contained in the report was detailed to the committee. She had stressed that there had been a change in the geographical spread of Covid-19 in the period of the first six months of the pandemic. Figures across the country had seen an increasing rise in numbers across the country. It was stated that it was not sure on the specific reasons of increase of rate of infection, however it had been noted across the country. This graphs also detailed the wave of the pandemic through different age groups showing infection rates having varied over time. At the beginning of the pandemic. As opposed to early periods, the infection in younger people had also increased.

A question and answer session ensued:

·         How long would the Covid-19 vaccine and booster jab last?

o   This information was not transparent to date, although current studies suggested that vaccination remained effective for at least six months;

·         How effective was the Covid vaccine and booster jab?

o   There were three different forms of vaccine that affected individuals according to different immune systems. However, the vaccine and booster did not prevent Covid but seemed to vastly lower the chance of death or hospitalisation.

·         What was the foundation of progression towards the prevention of Covid?

o   Engagement measures designed to limit the impact of coronavirus entailed rigorous conversations within Bradford communities. This engagement work also involved PCR testing of asymptomatic people across a defined area of the district using door to door approach coupled with pop up testing sites, open access to both mobile and fixed testing sites (usually reserved for symptomatic people only) and, due to the number of cases among younger people, most critical was the PCR testing in specified secondary schools. Efforts had also been made to improve and circulate easily understandable information as possible for people to get help with vaccines. Extended office working hours; officers going out and meeting people in workplaces; meeting other agencies that the Council was currently working in partnership with to deliver Covid prevention solutions.  The  ...  view the full minutes text for item 28.

The report of the Strategic Director of Health and Wellbeing (Document “L”) is to update committee on the achievements of the Re-Imagining Days Programme and Re-Opening of Day Services.

Recommended –

That the committee note the report.

(Julie Robinson-Joyce – 01274 434143)

The report of the Strategic Director, Health and Wellbeing (Document “L”) updated the committee on the achievements of the Re-Imagining Days Programme and Re-Opening of Day Services.

The Joint Commissioning Manager was in attendance and with the invitation of the Chair, presented the report to the committee. She explained that the Re-Imagining Day Services Programme began in order to move from a very traditional model of day care to a diverse range of options for people that would give them more of a choice and control over the support they receive; involve working more closely with communities and creating flexible models that can evolve as needed.

The vision developed together with people who used Adult Social Care was to work to remove barriers so people can live an inclusive life with chances to:

·         Be supported to stay healthy and well

·         Be valued and have the respect of others

·         Be part of communities that are important to them

·         Be connected to where they live and where activities take place

·         Be supported to achieve their goals

·         Be in the company of friends

·         Enjoy new things and become more confident

·         Be more independent, learn new skills and get out and about

·         Work and earn their own money

A question and answer session ensued:

·         How were day centres being reopened during the lessening of Covid-19 restrictions?

o   Day Centres were reopened by inviting small groups that had socialised together during past sessions; this was suggested to the members and gladly welcomed. However, Members had expressed concerns about returning to full activities and numbers and some were apprehensive about coming. As the first members attended, then others gained the confidence and began to attend;

·         How were attendees coping with the reopening of the Day Centres?

o   A lot had been very isolated during the lockdown period and this opportunity to socialise again added to their wellbeing and physical health through having a nutritious hot meal, exercise and social interaction. The atmosphere at the sessions were very relaxed and full of chatter and laughter. Members have said how nice it is to see friends again and not just talk over the phone. For some, this is the first time that they have had any social interaction over the past 18 months and even using the Access bus to attend has given them the confidence to venture out to other places such as shopping in town;

·         What was being taken into account during reopening restructuring of activities?

o   All elements involved during reopening were around staff and attendees taking into consideration the safety off all involved. Different organisational models were being developed for the sake of purpose for growth within individual centres. The core factor being about helping people prepare for centres with the rebalancing and creating easier ways for people to participate in the process.

The Chair stated that despite staff working tirelessly to reopen Day Centres with new measures and restructured activities there would still be a sense of nervousness in people in  ...  view the full minutes text for item 29.

The Committee receive a report (Document “M”) of the work programme 2021/22.

Recommended –

That the Committee notes the information in Appendix A,

(Caroline Coombs – 01274 432313)

The report of the City Solicitor (Document “M”) presented the work programme 2021/22.

No resolution was passed on this item.