Decision details

The Council is developing plans to respond to seasonal pressures for the period between October 2021 and March 2022 in consultation and partnership with NHS partners. The seasonal pressure plan will potentially include the commissioning of both Care and Support at Home and residential based service provision as well as other services that support hospital discharge or enable people to remain independent at home.

The health and social care system faces increased pressures during this period, particularly in the winter months, that place increased demands on services. This year this is likely to be exacerbated by continued pressures as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Seasonal pressure plans are designed to ensure discharges from hospital, avoid admission to hospital or increase the flow across health and social care and access to services during pressured periods.

The Cabinet Member for Adults Services has approved;

(1)   the commencement of procurement arrangements for additional care provision to enable the health and social care system to meet demand initially over winter 21/22 and with the potential to extend procured provision until the end of March 2023; and

(2)   the commitment of £1.3m of Winter Pressures Grant for the remainder of 21/22 to support additional capacity being procured; and to

(3)   delegate authority to the Executive Director Adults and Health to extend existing contracts and award contracts for newly commissioned provision as may be required to meet the proposals detailed in the report. 

None