Issue - meetings

The Board received a report from the Director of Adult Services, outlining the proposed developments in relation to Domiciliary Care delivered through the Council.

With regards to the current picture it was noted that in Halton there were currently 9 providers who worked in four different zones as agreed through the last tender process carried out in 2014.  The providers supported a total of 736 people and delivered in excess of 350,000 hours of care per year with an annual expenditure of more than £4.3 million.

It was reported that the amount of care and the overall expenditure was set to rise over the coming years at an estimated rate of between 2-3% per year and although there were some excellent examples of high level care within the sector, it was clear that improvements would be needed to meet the needs of an ageing population in the coming years.  The current contract would run until June 2017 and Officers were currently in the process of conducting a review of the domiciliary service in Halton.  It was noted that this review would support the development of a new service specification and would form the basis of the tender process that would be undertaken towards the end of 2016.

Members were advised that the review had already started and the report went on to highlight some of the key principles that were at the heart of an outcome based domiciliary care service.  The report also provided details of: the consultation so far undertaken; the new model of care; and opportunities for new ways of working.

It was noted that there were significant changes that would need to happen in relation to full implementation, however the design, action plans and overall implementation plan would be completed as part of the National Lottery funding bid. 

Members were advised that further information would be brought back to the Board at a future meeting with, as requested by Members, case studies included.

RESOLVED:  That the Board notes the report.