Agenda item

Purpose: To keep the Board up to date on progression with the BCF and wider integration programme (Please note that Appendix A to this report is included within the separate information only pack, circulated with this agenda)

Tandra Forster introduced the report (Agenda Item 9) to Members of the Health and Wellbeing Board regarding the Better Care Fund (BCF) and wider integration programme. Tandra Forster reported Berkshire West would be showcasing its BCF projects in February and as part of this a Team from NHS England would be visiting. The team would not just be looking at the BCF projects but also wider integration work. They would also be attending and observing one of the Locality Group meetings.

Tandra Forster referred to Appendix C and explained that it was a performance report that showed how well the national conditions for the BCF were being met. The report had to be submitted to NHS England on a quarterly basis and quarter two had already been submitted. Shairoz Claridge reported that West Berkshire was progressing well in comparison to other areas particularly in relation to increasing seven day working provision.

The submission dates for the quarterly returns to NHS England did not align with meetings dates for the Board and therefore wording was being agreed with Democratic Services to enable delegated authority to the Corporate Director (Communities Directorate).

Dr Bal Bahia reported that the ACG tool had been used in Newbury to help identify patients. Regular meetings were taking place with the Primary Care Team to ensure pathways were agreed for patients with the most complex needs. Tandra Forster reported that good work was taking place with some GP Practices.

Tandra Forster reported that conversations were already taking place regarding what the BCF would look like in 2016/17. There would be a 1.9% increase in the total amount of funding available.

Tandra Forster drew Board Members’ attention to the Hospital at Home Project, which had undergone a great amount of change including enhancement of the Rapid Response Team. The project would now be much more focused on care homes and enhanced support in these settings to avoid unnecessary admissions. The title of the project would be changing and the new name would be brought to the Board in January 2016. Shairoz Claridge reported that six to seven people had already used the Rapid Response Service.

Three voluntary organisations had shown a keen interest in the Personal Recovery Guide Project and performance was improving. This would help inform decision making in 2016/17. Shairoz Claridge added that the project was being viewed in a broader aspect rather than just urgent care services. It was important to obtain robust data around this.

Regarding seven day working a, the aim was to have a wider remit of skills available seven days per week. Shairoz Claridge referred to the frail elderly strand of work and reported that colleges within the Commissioning Support Unit were finalising a finance model. The output would be a new pathways for the  frail elderly.

All Local Authorities and CCGs were required to evaluate their CF projects. Pricewater House Cooper was helping to support this process.

It was hoped that the approach to the BCF in 2016/17 would be improved as a result of lessons learnt in 2014/15.  Tandra Forster reported that operational guidance had not yet been provided however, it was hoped that it would be available soon given that the Spending Review had taken place.

Regarding the Personal Recovery Guide Project, Dr Bal Bahia reported that Care Coordinators were now working with GP Practices to increase signposting, which should in turn increase uptake.

Councillor Hilary Cole queried when the showcasing event was taking place in West Berkshire and the date of 3^rd February 2016 was confirmed.

Councillor  Cole queried the cost of  the internal audit being carried out at the CCG by Price Waterhouse Cooper. Shairoz Claridge reported that this formed part of the CCGs routine internal audit work.

RESOLVED that the cost information would be reported back to Councillor Cole outside of the meeting.

Regarding wording going to Democratic Services, Councillor Graham Jones suggested that both himself and Dr Bahia needed to be part of the sign off process.

RESOLVED that the Board noted the BCF report and approved the quarter two data return.