Report of the Executive Director of Adult Social Services

The report describes key developments across Health and Social Care in Manchester relating to Adult Learning Disability services.

The Committee considered the report of the Executive Director of Adult Social Services that outlined key developments across Health and Social Care in Manchester relating to Adult Learning Disability services.

Key points and themes in the report included:

·      Developments surrounding the commissioning strategy for Adults with a Learning Disability;

·      Developments surrounding the Planning for People with Learning Disability Board, noting that the board would focus on the whole Learning Disability agenda, including improving equalities in health, housing, preparation for adulthood, criminal justice services, social care, commissioning, and work within the community;

·      The NHS Transforming Care agenda;

·      Healthcare, with an additional focus surrounding the local response to the recent national Care Quality Commission (CQC) report that looked at the experiences of people with a Learning Disability and Autistic people, when they needed physical health care and treatment in hospital;

·      Transition to Adulthood, noting the approach for citizens who were transitioning into adulthood, as well as support for their carers/families throughout the process; and

·      Information in relation to the Manchester City Council/Manchester Local Care Organisation In-House Provider Services review, including Supported Accommodation, Day Services and Short Breaks.

The report was accompanied by a presentation that highlighted the key areas of activity described within the report.

Some of the key points that arose from the Committee’s discussions were: -

·         Noting that the voice of the citizen and lived experience were missing from the report, noting that it was important to hear this voice to understand the challenges experienced;

·         The need to recognise that the term Learning Disability covered a wide spectrum of conditions and needs;

·         Further information was sought in relation to the work discussed to understand inequalities experienced by people with Learning Disabilities from minority communities;

·         Concern was expressed in relation to the Transforming Care section of the report that described delays in admission notification from some Mental Health wards when they had new admissions; and

·         Welcoming the update and the approach taken to transitions, however noting that consideration had to be given as to how people who may have been supported by families for many years suddenly found themselves in need of support due to a change in their support arrangements, such as a result of bereavement or parents going into care.

The Executive Director of Adult Social Services addressed the Committee and advised that it had been agreed that as this report was a wide ranging, scene setting document it would not be appropriate for them to be present at this meeting. Attendance at the meeting had been discussed with key partners in the city who support engagement and co-production with citizens. She invited Members to identify areas of work that the Committee would like further detailed reports on, and citizens would be invited to contribute to those future meetings. She further noted the discussion regarding the most appropriate way for Members to engage with teams and citizens and if agreed, visits for Members could be facilitated outside of the formal scrutiny meeting format. The Committee welcomed this proposal.

The Executive Director of Adult Social Services stated that the issue highlighted as a concern by the Member in relation to delays in admission notification from some Mental Health wards when they have new admissions was being addressed through staff training.

The Executive Director of Adult Social Services commented that the range of needs for people with a Learning Disability was understood and there was significant data available to understand needs for the service due to established relationships with Learning Disabled citizens across the city. She stated this knowledge and understanding of the projected demand on the service also informed the work of the Better Outcomes Better Lives programme, with its emphasis on appropriate support and prevention. She stated that if Members came across any resident who was in need of support to refer them and they could be assessed, noting this was important to avoid any issues escalating to a crisis situation. 

Joanne Oakes, Lead Nurse advised that two organisations, BHA and Breakthrough UK had been commissioned to understand inequalities experienced by people with Learning Disabilities from minority communities. She advised that they would utilise a number of opportunities, such as Primary Care Networks and establishing focus groups to engage with specific community groups. She advised that the outcomes of this work would be reported.

The Executive Member for Healthy Manchester and Adult Social Care paid tribute to all of the teams involved in the breadth of work described within the report.

The Chair concluded this item of business by thanking all the officers for contributing to a detailed report. She advised that the Committee would consider a further detailed report on the Manchester place based Joint Health and Social Care Commissioning Strategy (2023-2028) at an appropriate time. She further reiterated her support for visits to be arranged for Members of the Committee to meet with teams and service users.

Decision

To note the report.

[Councillor Curley declared a personal and non-prejudicial interest in this item as he is a Board Member of Breakthrough UK]