Apologies for absence were received from Pat Harris and Amanda Moss (Non-voting Co-opted Members. 

It was reported that, in accordance with the wishes of the Conservative Group, the membership of the Sub-Board had been amended to include Councillor Barbara Lewis in place of Councillor Tolchard (Chairwoman).  In the absence of the Chairwoman, Councillor Foster (Vice-Chairwoman) chaired the meeting.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting of the Adult Social Care and Health Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Board held on 7 November 2024.

The minutes of the meeting of the Sub-Board held on 7 November 2024 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairwoman.

To receive an update on the new scheme including how it is working and how it is helping the community, primary and secondary care, to include access to pharmacies, shortages of staff and medication and what is being done nationally to support our communities and address the issues.

Key lines of enquiry:

·         Update on the new scheme; how it is working and how it is helping the community, primary and secondary care, to include access to pharmacies, shortages of staff and medication and what is being done nationally to support our communities and address these issues.

·         What action is being taken to address the shortage of supply of drugs for example ADHD and HRT medication? 

·         What support is available for pharmacists to support their mental health and wellbeing? 

·         What Workforce planning is there for pharmacies?

·         Do the pharmacists provide any support to help vulnerable and elderly people to take their prescribed medication? What checks and balances are there around what GP’s prescribe to individuals, especially around repeat prescriptions?  And what safeguards are put in place by GP’s and what support do they provide particular to those making regular repeat prescription requests which may be before their previous prescription in case of overusing?

The Director of Public Health together with Director of Primary Care, NHS Devon gave a presentation, as circulated prior to the meeting, which provided an update on Pharmacy First and an outline of the new Pharmacy First Strategy.

Members raised questions in relation to why there was an age restriction for certain types of health issues for example urinary infections being treated at pharmacies (a written response would be provided for this question); if funding would be provided to pharmacies to provide a private space for consultations; the need for more publicity regarding what services were available for residents at local pharmacies; whether pharmacies had adequate workforce to meet the demand for services; why antidepressants were not listed on the structured medical reviews (a written response would be provided for this question); and whether appointments could be made available for residents wishing to use the services available at pharmacies

Members were advised that not all pharmacies were located in buildings which could be altered to create a private consultation space.  There was a minor improvement grant scheme available through NHS Devon that pharmacies could apply to, in order to make modifications to their existing buildings. 

Members noted that there was wider publicity required to raise awareness of what services were available at pharmacies but there were some issues that need to be resolved such as workforce to enable the service to operate effectively.  There were also some pharmacies who do not wish to be part of the Pharmacy First service due to issues with capacity. 

Members were informed that NHS Devon were reviewing how the Pharmacy First service was working and had made suggestions to Pharmacies within the service to offer an appointment service as this would help to balance workforce and workforce planning issues.

Resolved (unanimously):

1.         that the Director of Public Health be requested to ensure greater promotion of the Pharmacy First service is progressed for the benefit of the residents of Torbay; and

2.         that an annual update on Pharmacy First is added to the Adult Social Care and Health Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Board Work Programme.

Prior to consideration of the item in Minute 30, the press and public were formally excluded from the meeting, for this item only, on the grounds that the item involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 1 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

To receive an outline and overview of the Memorandum of Understanding between Torbay Council and Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust.

(Note:  this report includes an exempt appendix which has been circulated separately.)

The Director of Adult Services together with Care Group Director, Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust gave a presentation, as circulated prior to the meeting, on the Adult Social Care Memorandum of Understanding between Torbay Council and Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust. 

Members considered the exempt report and discussion focused around key areas within the Adult Social Care sector where any challenges had been identified; how the service assists members of the community by ensuring they were aware of what care was available to them and what could be managed independently at home; work being undertaken to prevent unnecessary admissions to hospitals; and future technologies which may be available for patients requirements at home. 

Resolved (unanimously):

1.         that the Adult Social Care and Health Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Board notes the contents of the submitted report; and

2.         that an annual update on Adult Social Care Memorandum of Understanding between Torbay Council and Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust is added to the Adult Social Care and Health Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Board Work Programme.

To receive a verbal overview and update on the co-production work of Adult Social Care Improvement Board.

The Divisional Director of Adult Social Care provided a verbal update of the co-production work of Adult Social Care Improvement Board. 

Members raised questions in relation to how it was ensured that greater co-production was undertaken to ensure wider engagement with residents for their awareness to take part in consultations; if Healthwatch had been involved with the Adult Social Care Improvement Board co-production; and what staff resources were available for the co-production activities.

Members were advised that a piece of work was completed with family members of residents residing in care homes and through this exercise, people were identified to be involved with the process. 

Members noted that the Adult Social Care Improvement Board had a good relationship with Healthwatch as a partner, but Healthwatch were not involved on leading with the co-production activities. 

Members were advised that the Adult Social Care Improvement Board had a good relationship with a local company whose team provided resource to work on the co-production activities.  There was a need for a review to be carried out into all of the co-production work and the available resource to ensure what the co-production work entails to ensure correct engagement.  

Members were further advised that to complete the co-production activities, it was important to identify people who were interested and knowledgeable in the relevant service areas to assist with the activities. 

A copy of the Co-Production Update presented, and the original Presentation was circulated after the meeting. 

To receive an update on the implementation of the actions of the Sub-Board and consider any further actions required (as set out in the submitted action tracker).

The Sub-Board noted the submitted action tracker.