Agenda item - Better Care Fund (BCF): Assurance Against BCF Delivery

31.1    This item was introduced by Chas Walker, Programme Director, Integrated Service Transformation. Also presenting were Steve Hook and Tanya Brown-Griffith.

31.2    Mr Walker told the Board that, NHS England (NHSE) approval for the local Better Care Fund (BCF) plan had been conditional as NHSE wanted to see more challenging targets set. Targets have subsequently been revised to NHSE’s satisfaction. The Section 75 agreement that supports the local BCF has also been refreshed. BCF expenditure is on track at the end of Quarter 2. However, 2 key metrics are currently off-track: discharge delays and hospital admissions for people 65+.

31.3    Mr Hook told members that discharge rates are improving, with current performance better than last year and better than the start of this year. There is additional discharge support via the national BCF support programme; investment in therapists now means that many therapies are being delivered to people while they are still inpatients; and the Home First and Admission Prevention teams are working successfully to reduce unnecessary admissions and to speed discharge. Other initiatives include the introduction of personal health grants and a move to a 24/7 discharge model. Ms Brown-Griffith added that the development of a Neighbourhood Health Alliance would help target unnecessary admissions. The Alliance will work to identify and support the people at highest risk of admission.

31.4    Monica Fletcher asked about work on flu. Ms Brown-Griffith responded that the target is for a 10-15% increase in vaccination uptake. Performance so far this year has been positive.

31.5    Tom Lambert asked about CVS involvement in the Neighbourhood Health Alliance. Ms Brown-Griffith confirmed that this forms a key part of planning for the roll-out of the Alliance.

31.6    The Chair asked about reablement centres. Mr Hook replied that there are currently 2 centres which will support improvements in the reablement pathway. These are at Craven Vale and Ireland Lodge. Services are also looking at providing a reablement offer to people when they present for adult social care assessment.

31.7    RESOLVED – that the Board:

·       Notes performance against the BCF Plan for Quarters 1 and 2;

·       Notes the sign-off of the Section 75 agreement between the Council and NHS Sussex as one of the national conditions of the BCF;

·       Agrees the revisions to 3 metrics targets in the BCF Plan for 2025/26 as part of the final approval of the 2025/26 BCF Plan; and

·       Notes the latest information on the national guidance for BCF planning for 2026/27.