To receive a verbal update on the Better Care Fund Plan 2017-19.

The Director Social Care Health and Housing delivered a presentation that outlined details of the Better Care Fund (BCF) 2017-19 that had been submitted for approval to NHS England.  The submission detailed a plan of action on how the Council would achieve integration by 2020 aligned with the STP and partners including housing.  Approval was expected at the beginning October.

Plans for 2017/19 focussed on five schemes that included:-

·         Prevention and early intervention

·         Integrated and improved outcomes trough Out of Hospital Services

·         Integrated Health and Care Hubs

·         Enhanced Care in Care Homes

·         High Impact Change Model

In light of the presentation Members of the Committee raised the following concerns:-

·         How the data protection regulations would be overcome to allow partners to share medical data.  The Director advised the role of an accelerated STP and Accountable Care Organisation was to unpick this issue and find a solution.  The Council would focus on this important area of work with its STP partners.

·         Whether the overwhelming number of national and local boards set up to deliver integration exceeded the benefit to patients.  The Director advised the STP had appointed and funded analysts to fully understand the extent of change that could be made.  A tracker had been created and the Health and Welling Board would oversee the data gathered.

·         A Member briefing would be organised to consider the performance metrics and point to new ways of working to ensure the timely transfer of patients into the right care settings.

RECOMMENDED the Committee:

1.    Welcomes the achievements of the Better Care Fund plan 2016/17 and noted the many challenges.

2.    Notes the funding secured to make the business case for establishing hubs and looks forward to hearing about progress as to how integration of health and social care will be brought about.

3.    Looks forward to arrangements being made for a Member briefing about improving transfers of care and issues around prevention.