The Strategic Director, Health and Wellbeing, will present a report

(Document “E”) which provides a summary of the key lessons and experiences of Adult Social Care faced during the COVID-19 pandemic and implications on the departmental plan for the future.

Members are requested to note and provide feedback on the key issues raised and the direction of travel set out in Section 4 of Document “E”.

(Imran Rathore - 01274 431730)

The Strategic Director, Health and Wellbeing, presented a report

(Document “E”) which provided a summary of the key lessons and experiences that Adult Social Care services had faced during the COVID-19 pandemic and the implications on the departmental plan for the future.

It was explained that the report built on the presentation to the Committee on 21 July 2020 which had set out, in detail, the Adult Social Care response to COVID-19.

The report revealed that planning for a possible lockdown had begun in early March and included a business continuity risk assessment ensuring that the department was able to step down some services to continue providing core services to the most vulnerable.  This had enabled the service to take a targeted and needs based approach to the people who were currently supported and to deploy resources to respond and manage Covid-19 specific additional demand. 

The key learning from the service’s approach and experience over the last few months was outlined in the report and included that staff had been flexible and positively embraced the virtual working environment; there had been issues with Information Technology but this had also provided benefits to some residents by facilitating additional contact with distant relatives; there had been insufficient Personal Protective Equipment but this had been rectified and stocks were  closely monitored and that relationships with the Independent Care Sector were enhanced due to a greater understanding and increased communication. The psychological impact of the pandemic had been acknowledged; particular actions needed to be intensified and it had been recognised that some carers needed a break.

It was explained that the situation was seen as an opportunity to listen and to define what was needed in the district.  A survey of learning disability service users had revealed that 25% of those people missed the service they previously had whilst other people wanted other things.

It was confirmed that what had worked well was keeping people well and in their own homes.  It was explained that prior to the pandemic there were high levels of vacancies in care homes.  The service had invested heavily in the care sector but it was recognised that some care workers suffered with poor working conditions including zero hour contracts and a lack of sick pay and holidays.  The need to consider a fair deal for the care market and to value those people on the front line of care was stressed. 

A representative from the Bradford Care Association addressed the meeting and reiterated those concerns.  She believed that the care sector was reaching crisis levels and urged the Government to provide more funding for pay and to allow a move away from zero hour contracts.

A Member referred to the impact of lockdown on people with mental health issues and requested reassurance that those people could re-energise and control would be given back to those service users.  In response the Strategic Director acknowledged that the Members concerns were shared by all.  Assurances were provided that efforts were being made to restore contact with those people.  Great strides had been made and intended to continue to embrace new ways of working.

The Strategic Director was thanked for her commitment to drive the happy, healthy and at home agenda and the huge difference that had made to people was acknowledged.

In response to discussions about the Ethical Care Charter the Overview and Scrutiny Lead explained that the Committee had previously considered working arrangements in care homes and concerns had been raised about a number of issues including 15 minute visits and zero hour contracts.  The Committee received an annual report on the performance of Adult Services and in addition considered the budget implications each year.

Members questioned the status of the Ethical Care Charter and were advised that the Adult Green Paper was still outstanding.   A Social Care Task Force was meeting and the draft report included a number of suggestions including free PPE for the care sector.  It was explained that the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services were lobbying Government and it was agreed to keep Members updated on national activity. 

Resolved –

That the report be noted.

ACTION: Strategic Director, Health & Wellbeing