COMMISSIONING OF LEARNING DISABILITY CARE AND SUPPORT
To consider an a exempt report by the Cabinet Member for Health and Care, Dorset County Council, for consultation with the Shadow Executive Committee. NOT FOR PUBLICATION
Minutes:
The Committee
considered an exempt report by the Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care –
Dorset County Council on the creation of a framework of speciality providers of
Learning Disability Services for 2019-2024. The framework would provide for an increasing
level of complex needs using a whole-life approach to give greater choice and
opportunity to develop services with customers. There would be financial savings
and transparent service prices which would be regularly reviewed. Arrangements would also be aligned as much as
possible with Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, but it was recognised that
they had a different approach to that of the Dorset area. The Dorset County Council Cabinet approved
the recommendations in the Cabinet Member’s report on 18 July 2018, subject to
the views of the Shadow Executive Committee.
The Committee
discussed the future of learning disability care and support, which included:
·
Despite
changes being discussed to health and social care on a national basis, it was
recognised that the framework was needed and would not be changed as a result
of national funding changes.
·
There
was an aspiration to provide as much support as possible for people within
Dorset, but there would be exceptions as the Council was not in a position to
be able to deal with all specialist cases.
·
The
Council was working in partnership with the Clinical Commissioning Group
regarding community based health care.
·
The
budget for the framework and the service requirements were analysed in detail,
but an emphasis was put on the importance and duty to provide the services to
those in need.
·
Efficiencies
within the framework year on year were summarised, which would include the cost
of care packages, freedom for users by using personalised budgets, and the
introduction of ‘micro-providers’ particularly in rural areas. Pilots were underway in North Dorset at the
Somerset border where a similar system was already in place.
·
The risk
management associated with a ‘micro-provider’ model in rural areas.
·
The
importance of improving and promoting communications around removing the stigma
associated with benefits, which would include helping people claim, and
providing advice and guidance for self-funders.
·
Performance
management of the framework which would be monitored in detail by the Brokerage
Team.
Decision
That the Cabinet
Members’ report be supported.