Agenda item - Winterbourne View Improvement Programme -Stocktake

Report of Executive Director of Adult Services (copy attached).

33.1    The Board considered a report of the Executive Director of Adult Services which informed members how the requirements of the Winterbourne View Joint Improvement Programme were being delivered in Brighton & Hove and provided an update on local progress.  The report was presented by the Commissioning Manager, Learning Disabilities & Autism.  

33.2    Councillor Meadows was pleased to hear of one person who was moving back into the city after 9 years in hospital.  This was a good achievement.  She believed that smaller, family style homes were better for people with learning disabilities.  Out of city placements can be very expensive.  Councillor Meadows asked if any work was being carried out to bring people back to the city and if money from the Crisis Service could be used for this work.  

33.3    The Commissioning Manager reported that moving people back to the city was complex as people required tailored services.  Newly commissioned services are often required.  Officers were pro-actively working on plans for individuals and funding issues are considered as part of this work.

33.4    Frances McCabe asked how extensive independent advocacy was in the service.   The Commissioning Manager explained that independent advocacy was a requirement for every individual in specialist hospitals.  There was also access for advocacy to people with complex needs in the city.

33.5    Frances McCabe asked if all people would be offered an advocate.  The Commissioning Manager explained that it would depend on individual circumstances.  It would not necessarily be offered to everyone.

33.6    Geraldine Hoban asked if out of area hospital placements were funded by the CCG.  The Commissioning Manager confirmed that they were all CCG funded.  Geraldine Hoban asked if patients were still the responsibility of the CCG when they returned home.  The Commissioning Manager explained that the Department of Health expected the use of pooled budgets, but this was not in place locally.  Therefore cases were dealt with on an individual basis to ensure appropriate funding arrangements were in place. 

33.7    The Chair stated that the intention was to bring as many people as possible back to the city. 

33.8    RESOLVED – (1) That the content of the Winterbourne View Joint Improvement Programme – Brighton & Hove Response: Initial Stocktake of Progress against key Winterbourne View Concordat Commitment submission, attached to the report at as Appendix One be noted.

(2)       That the progress made in Brighton & Hove regarding the future commissioning arrangements for people requiring treatment and assessment placements, be noted.