Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Chief Executive Officer, Care Dorset.

The shareholder committee considered a report, which provided an update on matters relating to Care Dorset since the previous meeting.

The Chair of the Board introduced Chris Brophy, a Non-Executive Director on the Care Dorset Board.

The Chair of the Board reported that recruitment for an additional Non-Executive Director with commercial and business expertise was ongoing. In addition it was noted that a governance effectiveness review had been commenced to ensure that governance arrangements remained aligned with recognised good practice and continued to support the organisation’s strategic objectives. A final report was expected in the new year.

The Chief Executive Officer reflected on where Care Dorset was as the company approached its four-year anniversary, noted the areas covered by the annual performance report, progress made and savings delivered. There was recognition of the contribution made by all colleagues for services delivered. It was acknowledged that there was more to do to grow, become more commercially capable, support people and provide value to the shareholder.

The Chief Executive Officer provided an overview of the areas covered by the update report.

The shareholder committee considered the issues covered by the report and during discussion the following points were raised:

·       Congratulations were given on the Good rating achieved following a recent Care Quality Commission inspection for the Lawns residential care home in Weymouth

·       A question was raised in respect of the self-funded occupancy levels set out in the report. The Chief Executive Officer noted that there were differences in the price per bed across care homes and the difference in figures would need to be checked

·       In respect of financial performance and closing the gap in finances, this was being monitored and it was noted that there had been a focus on marketing activity and a deferment of some planned activity to the following year. A further note in respect of this would be provided following the meeting from the Care Dorset Chief Financial Officer

·       The importance of keeping the financial position under review was highlighted

·       In response to a question on the figures in the report related to self-funded occupancy, the Chief Executive Officer provided clarification on the figures and noted that 53% was the number of beds occupied by self-funders or those with another funding route. In respect of the number of empty beds, the Chief Executive Officer confirmed the current position and noted that there were around 20 beds empty

·       It was confirmed that Care Dorset’s supported living services provided move on accommodation.

The report was NOTED.