Issue - meetings

            The Board considered a report of the Director of Adult Social Services, which summarised how the Council had developed the Discharge to Assess/Home First Model in Halton and the issues associated with sustaining that model/approach. 

            One of the key pieces of guidance issued during the pandemic was the National Introduction of the COVID-19 Hospital Discharge Service Requirements.  This guidance provided a renewed focus on the Discharge to Assess Model. 

            This new approach demonstrably improved the outcome for vulnerable adults, significantly older people whilst reducing the need for long-term services and hospital utilisation.

            It was noted that the changes made across the Intermediate Care and Discharge to Assess/Home First Model, alongside the impact of hospital pressures resulted in a shift in financial spend.  Due to the flexibility of the joint working arrangements, budgets against services were appropriate and were able to be realigned.   However, it was noted that whilst this was a temporary solution to an increasingly pressured budget, it was expected that these pressures would continue throughout the coming financial year and beyond and would need to be addressed.

            The Board extended their thanks and best wishes to David Parr - Chief Executive, who was due to retire from Halton Borough Council on 31^st March 2022

RESOLVED:  The Board noted the report.