Issue - meetings

Cabinet Member: Adult Social Care

Forward Plan Ref: 2015/051

Contact: Benedict Leigh, Strategic Commissioner Adults Tel: (01865) 323584

Report by Director for Adult Social Services (CA9).

To seek a decision in respect of the current contract for learning disability health services.

The Big Plan was approved by Oxfordshire County Council Cabinet on 17 March 2015 and by Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Governing Body on 27 March 2015. The final version of this plan, incorporating changes as agreed at Oxfordshire County Council cabinet and Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group, is attached as Annex 1.

The Big Plan proposes significant changes to the way we provide healthcare to people with learning disabilities. Since the Big Plan was approved, commissioners have been working through a number of suggestions and comments from people with learning disabilities, families, GPs and providers.

In the light of this feedback Oxfordshire County Council and Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group have decided to review both the timetable and approach to the implementation of the Big Plan.

Cabinet is:

(a)            RECOMMENDED to approve the Learning Disability Strategy for Oxfordshire;

(b)             ASKED to note the extension of Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust’s contract for health services with Oxfordshire County Council

(c)            RECOMMENDED to approve the transfer of the contract for Learning Disability health services to Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group as soon as an acceptable contract has been agreed.

Recommendations agreed.

Cabinet considered a report seeking a decision in respect of the current contract for learning disability health services.

Councillor Laura Price, Shadow Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care was grateful that concerns had been taken seriously and the transfer was safe and well managed. She queried the revised target dates and sought detailed information on the transfer of specialist skills, the adjustments in staff numbers, information on numbers of speech therapists and the cost implications of the transfer process. She was concerned that there was a risk that the Council may accrue costs by delay.

Kate Terroni, Deputy Director Joint Commissioning explained the difference in dates and the expected timescales. She commented that they were keen not to lose the specialist skills. Councillor Heathcoat added that they had been keen to take on board people’s concerns. Dates were not exact because of the need for flexibility to ensure a safe transfer. It was a complex area and discussions between all parties ensured an understanding of what was needed. There were staffing and financial implications but she believed it would be an exemplar service. Cabinet thanked Kate Terroni for all her efforts in achieving the current position.

Councillor Heathcoat moved the recommendations.

RESOLVED:           to:

(a)            approve the Learning Disability Strategy for Oxfordshire;

(b)            note the extension of Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust’s contract for health services with Oxfordshire County Council

(c)            approve the transfer of the contract for Learning Disability health services to Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group as soon as an acceptable contract has been agreed.