Agenda item

Frimley Health and Care Integrated Care Systems Long-Term Strategy

Minutes:

The Director of Adults and Communities introduced an update report detailing the steps being taken to develop the Frimley Health and Care Integrated Care Systems (ICS) Long-Term Strategy.

Frimley Health and Care had first developed a five-year Strategy in 2016.  Since then, partners from across health and local government had been working together with local communities to improve the health and wellbeing of individuals and were using their collective resources more flexibly as part of a commitment to achieve the best possible value.  Significant progress had been made implementing the Strategy and Frimley Health and Care was considered a leading ICS.  The development of a five-year Strategy presented an opportunity to refresh the ambition and ensure the work undertaken delivered on its priorities.

The Panel discussed the lack of mental health provision in Slough.  Concern was raised that mental health services at Wexham Park Hospital had been moved to Prospect Park Hospital and many people were experiencing difficulties visiting inpatient family members and friends.  The cost of frequent travel to Reading was unaffordable for many Slough residents and this created financial pressure for families during an already difficult time.

Colin Pill, Healthwatch representative, reported that financial support was available to people wishing to travel to Reading Prospect Park Hospital and grant application forms were available at the hospital.

The Director of Adults and Communities explained the importance of an integrated mental health and social care approach and commended the excellent service provided by Slough Mental Health Team.  He explained that it was often preferable for people to be supported to live independently, rather than spending extended periods of time as a hospital inpatient.

Discussion took place about patients experiencing extended periods in hospital due to a delay in preparing social care arrangements.  The Director of Adults and Communities explained that managers attended a weekly meeting and reported to him the patients who had not been discharged on time, including the reasons and an action plan to progress each case. 

Referring to page 20 of the report Members noted that the Frimley Health and Care public survey had closed on 14th June 2019.  The Director of Adults and Communities explained that there would be a range of future opportunities for Members to contribute to the development of the Strategy in the coming months.  Members were keen for the survey to be published widely and for copies of the survey to be made available in public libraries and community centres.

Resolved – That the report be noted.

Supporting documents: