Agenda item

Members of the Adults and Health Scrutiny Panel are asked to consider and comment on the transformation processes underway to develop and implement a new model of day opportunities for people with learning disabilities including complex needs and autism or for older people and those living with dementia.

The Chair welcomed the following representatives from the Adult Social Care Planning and Oversight Group, formerly the Co-Production Steering Group, to the meeting:

-       Sharon Grant OBE, Chair Healthwatch Haringey, and Chair of the Oversight Group

-       Patrick Morreau, The Lewis and Mary Haynes Trust

-       Mary Langan, Autism Partnership Board, Learning Disabilities Partnership Board

-       Gordon Peters, Chair of the Older People’s Reference Group

Charlotte Pomery, Assistant Director Commissioning, introduced the report, as set out, and it was noted that members of the Panel had recently visited both The Haynes and Ermine Road. With this in mind, and following feedback from service users and carers, the Chair explained that the Panel  wanted to consider further the transformation processes underway to develop and implement a new model of day opportunities for people with learning disabilities, including complex needs and autism, for older people and for those living with dementia.

The Panel was informed that the day opportunities project was being managed through the programme structure for Corporate Plan Priority 2, reporting to the Priority 2 Board. It was noted the Adult Social Care Planning and Oversight Group had received regular reports on progress, highlighting a number of issues that needed to be addressed. In response to questions, the Panel was informed that two sub-groups, one from Ermine Road and one for The Haynes, comprising users, carers, staff and other stakeholders had recently been established. This was to ensure carers and service users were meaningfully engaged in the development and implementation of the new model.

During the discussion a wide range of issues were considered, including:

-       Literature relating to “co-design” / “co-production” and concerns relating to how this related to the day opportunities model in Haringey.  

-       Some of the difficulties experienced by service users in relation to the reassessment process and the transition to new forms of provision. This included concerns about the design and functionality of Haricare, Haringey's directory for adults who need care and support.

-       The importance of dementia awareness training. The Panel was informed the Council had identified up skilling and training staff as an important outcome and it was noted work had taken place to ensure providers did the same.

-       The need for effective communication with users, carers and staff throughout the process. The Panel was informed a variety of formats and channels had been used. This had included using the individual reassessment process, regular coffee mornings with carers and updates to Partnership Boards. However, it was recognised that at times throughout this wide ranging process some carers had highlighted that they would have liked more information about the process. This was acknowledged to be an ongoing need and would be monitored through programme arrangements and the Oversight Group.       

-       The importance of carers to the new model and the need to ensure support and help was provided to help them care for their loved ones whilst also living a fulfilling life themselves.

-       The importance of developing a person centred approach to ensure meaningful and stimulating activities for all service users.

In response to concerns raised about the capacity and sustainability of the new model, the Panel was informed substantial work had been undertaken with local providers to stimulate the day opportunities market for older people and people with learning disabilities. Ms Pomery explained work was also underway to ensure mainstream providers, such as leisure services, supported people to access services. It was noted that this had resulted in the establishment of a number of new provisions with an increased set of choices for users.

To ensure the voices of service users and carers were effectively heard and understood, the Panel was informed that a review, led by Dr Roger Green, Centre for Community Engagement Research, Goldsmiths University of London, had been carried out in 2016. This had focused on Haringey’s Adult Services Partnership Arrangements. The aim of the review was to:    

-       Examine the membership, terms of reference, ways of working, and reporting mechanisms of the Adults Partnership Board, the Learning Disabilities Partnership Board and the Autism Partnership Board.

-       Consider the principles and practices of co-production and partnership board ‘best practice’ elsewhere and how they might possibly inform these partnership arrangements.

In view of concerns raised during the meeting the Panel was informed that a key recommendation from the review, concerning day opportunities, was that a shared commitment and understanding to co-production and co-design should be developed and that the role, purpose, number, modus operandi etc of the various partnership boards should be considered via a community workshop during the spring. With this in mind, the Panel agreed they should be kept informed of developments in this area.      

In conclusion, Cllr Arthur, Cabinet Member for Finance and Health, provided an update concerning  future transport arrangements for The Haynes . The Panel was informed, following an options appraisal, that the current mini bus model would be retained with a driver employed to collect and deliver residents to and from The Haynes.

AGREED:

(a)  That the update on Day Opportunities in Haringey be noted.

(b)   That further updates on Day Opportunities, including work to stimulate the market and action to ensure effective communication, be considered by the Panel during 2017/18.