Agenda and minutes

As noted above.

To receive any declaration of interest by any Member or Officer in respect of any item of business.

Councillor Dyfed W Jones declared a personal interest in item 4 – Audit Wales : Urgent and Emergency Care : Flow out of Hospital and item 5 – Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board as he is an Independent Member of the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health and following legal advice he was able to take part in the discussion.

Mr Fôn Roberts, Director of Social Services declared a personal interest interest in item 4 – Audit Wales : Urgent and Emergency Care : Flow out of Hospital and item 5 – Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board as he is an Associate Member of the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health and following legal advice he was able to take part in the discussion.

To submit, for confirmation, the minutes of the previous meeting held on 15 October, 2024.

The minutes of the previous meeting held on 15 October, 2024 were confirmed as correct.

To submit a report by Audit Wales.

The Chair welcomed Ms Fflur Jones and Mr Alan Hughes from Audit Wales to the meeting.

The report of the Wales Audit was presented for consideration by the Committee.

The Head of Adults’ Services reported that Audit Wales conducted research on Flow Out of Hospital – North Wales Region and the relationship between the Health Board and Social Services which resulted in several recommendations as to how to facilitate the improvement journey for patients to enable the service to be more effective and to consider the experience of the individuals.

Ms Fflur Jones, Audit Wales reported that the report summarises as to how the North Wales Region addresses the risk resulting from delays of patients being discharged from hospital and the implications for the patient in terms of their recovery, rehabilitation and independence and addressing their needs within the care services.  She further said that the partner organisations understand and shows a commitment to improving patient flow out of hospital.   Improving patients flow from hospital is a key feature of plans across the partners, which align to the Welsh Government’s six goals for urgent and emergency care.  Partners also need to maximise the use of the Regional Integration Fund (RIF), to improve the services provided.  She noted that consistent training needs to be undertaken by Health Care staff.   Audit Wales has outlined 16 recommendations within the report and a positive response has been received.

In considering the report, the Committee discussed the following main matters:-

·     In terms of delayed hospital discharges, how does the North Wales Region compare with other Regions on a National level.  Ms Fflur Jones responded that page 11 of the reports highlights the number of delayed discharges per 100,000 of population between April 2023 and February 2024 which compares with the average delays across Wales.  Appendices attached to the report also highlights comparisons across the region. 

·     Reference was made that 10 out of the 16 recommendations by Audit Wales requires joint working between the Local Health Board and the Local Authority.  Questions were raised as to how Audit Wales will monitor the effectiveness of this collaborative working.  Ms Fflur Jones said that it will be the responsibility of the Health Board and Local Authority to monitor and document the effectiveness of the collaborative working in response to the recommendations of Audit Wales.  She noted that organisations use different systems to track and monitor against the recommendations put forward by Audit Wales.  Assurances is required by Audit Wales that required monitoring and progress is undertaken.

·     Reference to the Welsh Governments Health Minister recently announcing a challenge to Health Boards and Local Authorities to improve hospital discharge and community care.  It was noted that the Audit Wales report refers to the lack of information shared between the Health Board and the Local Authorities.  Questions were raised as to whether there are improvements regarding sharing information between the Health Board and the Local Authorities.  The Director of Social Services responded that an improved arrangements needs to be put in  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

To submit a report by the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board.

The Chair welcomed Mr Dyfed Edwards, Chair of the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and Mrs Carol Shillabeer, Chief Executive – Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board to the meeting.

The Chair noted that a report had been presented by the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board to this Committee.  In considering the report, the following were points of discussion by the Committee:-

·     Questions raised as to how it is intended to further develop joint working between the Health Board and the Local Authority’s Social Services Department.

·     Reference was made that the voice of the patient is important when dealing with their care needs.

·     Reference was made that report notes significant progress made by the Health Board in addressing the critical issues which led to special measures intervention.  Questions raised as to what the key challenges and risks will impact on the ability of the Health Board to maintain its’ continued improvement journey.

·     Questions were raised as to what degree does the Health Board share and learn from good practice examples in other areas to improve services in rural areas like Anglesey and how can Elected Members forward their electorate concerns to the Health Board.

·     Reference was made that following discussions at this Committee in November 2023 it was agreed that the Health Board would identify a contact point for response to statutory consultation processes associated with significant planning applications.  Questions were raised as to whether the Health Board has identified a contact point to respond to the statutory consultation process on planning applications.

·     Reference was made to the long delays with the Accident and Emergency Department and questions were raised as to how the Health Board will address this issue.

·     Questions were raised as to what examples can the Health Board provide to demonstrate an improvement in organisational culture in the Health Board over the last 12 months.

·     Reference was made to the waiting list for Additional Learning Needs assessment. Questions were raised as to how the Health Board and the Local Authority work in collaboration to reduce the waiting list.

·     Questions were raised as to the effect on the health service when people do not attend GP and hospital appointment.

·     Questions were raised as to the turnover of staff within the Health Board due to pressures of working in the health sector.

·     Reference was made that the dental service for under 16, has closed recently at the Penrhos Stanley Hospital.  Questions were raised as to the provision afforded for dental services for the under 16 on Anglesey.

·     Questions were raised as to how communication with patients awaiting treatment can be improved.

·     Questions were raised as to what degree does funding for end-of-life hospice care have an impact on the effective hospital discharge.

The response of the representatives Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and Officers to the questions raised were as follows:-

·     The Chair of the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board expressed his appreciation for the positive collaboration between the Health Board and the Isle of Anglesey County Council and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.