Agenda and minutes

Members and officers must declare any pecuniary or personalinterest in any business on the agenda. They should also make declarations at any stage such an interest becomes apparent during the meeting. Consideration should be given to leaving the meeting if the nature of the interest warrants it.  If in doubt please contact Democratic Services before the meeting.

28.1     No interests were declared.

The Committee is asked to agree the minutes of the meeting held on 13 January 2021 (cream paper).

29.1     Resolved – that the minutes of the meeting held on 13 January 2021 are approved as a correct record and are signed by the Chairman.

The Committee is asked to consider the responses by the West Sussex Clinical Commissioning Group to recommendations made at the 11 November 2020 meeting and by the Covid-19 Task and Finish Group.

The Committee is also asked to consider the response by the Chairman of the West Sussex Health and Wellbeing Board and Cabinet Member for Adults and Health to the recommendations of the Covid-19 Task and Finish Group.

30.1     Resolved – That the responses to recommendations made at the 11 November 2021 meeting and by the Covid-19 Task & Finish Group are noted.

The Committee will consider the outcome of public consultation on proposals by the West Sussex Clinical Commissioning Group and Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.

31.1     The Committee considered a report and presentation by Sussex NHS Commissioners, NHS East Sussex Clinical Commissioning Group and Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.

31.2     Summary of responses to committee members’ comments and questions: -

·         The consultation had been as comprehensive as possible with face to face sessions reaching over 500 people across West Sussex, including staff and Healthwatch. A dedicated website, social media and news media were used. 200 questionnaires were returned and NHS England was assured by the process

·         Based on consultation responses, there was wide support for wards that allowed different sexes to mix in shared living spaces, but zoning would ensure safety and privacy with all bedrooms being single sex and having locks

·         Community services would be developed in taking into account people’s wishes

·         The Committee raised concerns over the closure of Orchard ward in Chichester before all alternative options had been explored and was told that only a small number of people in Orchard ward were from Chichester and that this was the best solution that could be delivered within resources the available

·         People were already travelling to facilities, but talks were underway with the County Council over what potential transport solutions could be put in place

·         Help with travel costs would be at the point of transfer only

·         Parking at the Swandean site in Worthing was being reviewed

·         Crisis cafes are only one example of services available to those in crisis so aren’t necessary in every town

·         The Chairman concluded by the debate by recommending that the Committee support the proposals as informed by the public consultation

31.3     Resolved – the Committee is assured that responses to the consultation have been taken into account in the revised proposals and supports the development of a centre of excellence as set out in the Decision-Making Business Case, including the rationale for the continuation of mixed sex wards in some cases.  However, some concern was expressed relating to the provision of services for older people with mental health problems in the west of the county and asks that the Committee consider the mitigations for this particular part of the proposals further, before Orchard Ward is relocated in October 2021, as well as an opportunity to consider the development of mitigations identified, regarding transport issues to ensure that they are sufficiently robust.

Extract fromthe ForwardPlan dated 15 February 2021 – attached.

Anextract fromanyForwardPlan publishedbetween the date of despatchof the agenda and the date of the meetingwill be tabled at the meeting.

The Committee is asked to consider whetheritwishes to enquireinto any of the forthcoming decisions withinits portfolio.

32.1     Resolved - the Committee notes the Forward Plan of Key Decisions.

Members to mention any items which they believe to be of relevance to the business of the Scrutiny Committee, and suitable for scrutiny, e.g. raised with them by constituents arising from central government initiatives etc.

If any member puts forward such an item, the Committee’s role at this meeting is just to assess, briefly, whether to refer the matter to its Business Planning Group (BPG) to consider in detail.

33.1     The following suggestions were made: -

·         The effect of Covid-19 on community networks

·         The award of block contracts for residential care and support services

·         Dentistry

33.2     Resolved – that: -

1. The effect of Covid-19 on community networks be referred to the Environment and Communities Scrutiny Committee for consideration for future scrutiny
2. The award of block contracts for residential care and support services and dentistry be considered for inclusion in the committee’s work programme by its Business Planning group

The next meeting of the Committee will be held virtually on 23 June 2021 at 10.30 am. 

Any member wishing to place an item on the agenda for the meeting must notify the Director of Law and Assurance by 8 June 2021.

34.1     The next meeting of the Committee will take place at 10.30 on 23 June 2021.