Agenda item

To present the report of the Director of Social Services.

The North Wales Regional Partnership Board Annual Report (Part 9 : Health and Social Services) 2024/2025 was presented for consideration by the committee.

The Portfolio Member for Adults’ Services and Community Safety said that the aim of the North Wales Partnership Board is to work collaboratively across health and social care services to help support resilient communities and to ensure a seamless service for individuals that require care and support.  He referred that the Board includes members from the 6 local authorities in North Wales, the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, North Wales Fire & Rescue Service, North Wales Police, North Wales Ambulance Service and the third sector organisations.  He expressed that the Board has developed considerably since its establishment to be an effective equal partnership across the region. Workshops have been established to discuss different elements of the work of the Board which has added value.  The 6 Portfolio Members with responsibility for Social Services across the North Wales local authorities also meet on a monthly basis.

The Director of Social Services reported that the Authority benefits from the work undertaken regionally as the Authority is an equal partner within the Regional Partnership Board.  He referred to the local projects to Anglesey as is noted within the report.  As a partner in the Partnership Board the Authority is able to secure  additional grants funding towards projects for the benefits of the residents of Anglesey.  This aligns with the priorities set out in the Council Plan 2023-2028.  He further noted that the partner organisations can learn lessons as regards to different projects from each other, with every county having now established a similar project as the Cartrefi Clyd project, established by this Authority.  £4 million investments have been undertaken in these projects across North Wales.  

Mr Jospeh Griffiths from the North Wales Regional Partnership Board said that a number of projects have been established on Anglesey.  Canolfan Glanhwfa in Llangefni is an example which has a Dementia support facility.  An Extra Care facility has also been supported in Menai Bridge.   He referred to the Regional Integrated Fund which is shared between the 6 local authorities and the Health Board and examples of the projects that have benefited from the funding was highlighted within the report.  

The following were points of discussion by the Committee:-

·             Reference was made that it is noted in the report that the Regional Partnership Board questions its own governance structure.  It was noted that there is a lack of regional scrutiny process within the Board. It was suggested that each local authority should scrutinise one of the 6 models of care provision highlighted within the report or a Regional Scrutiny Committee needs to be established. 

·             Reference was made that it was considered that the report is unclear as to the value the support given from the Board to people requiring additional support within the health and social care provision.

·             Reference was made to the Action Plan included within the report.  It was noted that there is a lack of costing associated within the projects in the Plan.

·             Reference was made that the reports highlighted several successes achieved by the Board, however, questions were raised as to the projects that have not been as successful and whether lessons have been learnt.

The Portfolio Member for Adults’ Services responded that he agreed that there are challenges and specific areas needs to be addressed.  He noted that the Board is focusing on the longer term than previously.  He agreed that there are areas that need to be strengthened and to learn from projects that have not materialise as expected. 

Mr Joseph Griffiths, North Wales Regional Partnership Board said that he agreed that the Action Plan, which was attached to the report, can be enhanced with the projected costing next to each project.  He noted that the Board focuses on the lesson learnt from projects that have been challenging. 

·             Reference was made that the Dementia facility located at Canolfan Glanhwfa, Llangefni is exemplary in the support afforded to the residents.  Questions were raised as to how the Board will address the distance for people to travel from the north of the Island and from rural areas to the facility afforded. 

·             Reference was made to the Pilot Scheme for Year 9 pupils in Secondary Schools to attract young people to be interested in a career in social care and health services.  Questions were raised as to whether the scheme will continue to be afforded within the Secondary School.

Mr Joseph Griffiths, North Wales Regional Partnership Board responded that the Board is aiming to afford funding to support people to travel from rural area to the Canolfan Glanhwfa, Llangefni.  He noted that he would afford details of the project and contact details to the Committee thereafter. 

The Head of Adults’ Services said that the Authority has appointed three Officers who visits individuals within their home environment and within their communities as regards to Dementia support.  He noted that people need to be encourage and supported to integrate with other people.  A Dementia Hub has been developed in Canolfan Glanhwfa which will have expertise attending and supporting individuals with dementia diagnosis.

The Director of Social Services said that Anglesey was the first Authority to undertake the provision of a social care and health course for Year 9 pupils.  He noted that negotiations were undertaken with Headteachers of the Secondary Schools, in the first instance, before affording the opportunity to pupils and the feedback thereafter was exemplary.  The young people appreciated the opportunity to attend these courses which also highlighted the career pathways within social care and the health sector.  He further said that the course will be afforded again this year to the Year 9 pupils in the Secondary Schools of the Island.  He noted that other professionals within the social care sector will also attending the Secondary Schools to highlight the work that they undertake and the career path opportunities available. 

It was RESOLVED :-

·         That the Committee confirms it has read, understood and taken into account the work that is required to be undertaken by the Regional Partnership Board.

·         That the Committee notes the work and progress in 2024/2025 on the work areas that are being taken forward through the North Wales Regional Partnership Board.