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Health and Social Security - Approved Panel Minutes - 9 November 2017

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Health and Social Security Scrutiny Panel

Record of Meeting

Date: 9th November 2017

 

Present

Deputy R. Renouf , Chairman Deputy T. McDonald

Senator S. Ferguson

Deputy J. Hilton

Apologies

Deputy G. Southern

Absent

 

In attendance

Ms S. Duhamel, Director for Employment and Social Security [Item 1]

Mr C. Dunne, Director of Adult Services, Health and Social Services [Item 1]

Miss K. Boydens , Scrutiny Officer Mr T. Leveridge, Scrutiny Officer

Mr A. Harris , Scrutiny Officer [Item 3]

 

Ref Back

Agenda matter

Action

 

1. Records of Meetings

The Panel noted and approved the records of its meetings held on 11th, 25th and 26th of October. The Chairman signed the records accordingly. Minor amendments were requested on the record dated 19th October. The Officer explained that the record would be amended and included on the next agenda for approval.

 

30/10/17 Item 1

517/36

2. Long-Term Care Scheme

The Panel received officials from the departments of Social Security and Health and Social Services. The Panel discussed issues relating to the Long-Term Care Scheme (LTC Scheme) following a meeting with Les Amis on 30th October 2017.

The Panel asked the officials to explain the assessment process and the use of a deflator for registered group homes. The officials explained the uniqueness of Les Amis and in particular advised that the services offered by Les Amis varied from providing care in group homes to supporting clients with their own tenancies.

The Director of Adult Services explained that clients living in group homes were assessed on an individual basis but a percentage (deflator) was removed from the overall budget. If a client had to leave a group home, a reassessment  of  the  remaining  clients'  living  situation  should  be undertaken. The Director made clear that the reassessment would be undertaken on their living situation only and not on their care needs.

The officials highlighted a specific instance where a reassessment had not been undertaken which had impacted on Les Amis. The officials explained  that,  aside  from  this  example,  the  Scheme  was  working effectively.

 

 

 

The Director of Adult Services explained that the Health Department had previously also provided support to clients in group homes, however had changed  the  business  model  to  ensure  clients  were  provided  with individual packages in the community.

The Director of Adult Services also explained that if a client exceeded the LTC  level  4  (maximum  level  under  the  LTC  Scheme)  the  Health Department would "top up" their benefit. Furthermore, it was advised that the deflator was only applied to the "top-up" supplied by the Health Department. The "top up" budget was a separate budget to the LTC fund and was held and managed within the Health Department.

The Panel discussed younger adults in particular who received the LTC benefit. It was calculated that they were left with approximately £35 per week for social and associated activities. The Panel questioned whether this was an adequate amount and whether different amounts should be applied to different age categories. The officials explained that this was a political decision.

A brief discussion followed regarding the cost of living in carers when an individual was being supported at home. The Panel questioned whether the co-payment would need to increase to reflect the increase in costs such as water and electricity. The Director of Employment and Social Security explained that this was being explored by the Department.

The Panel thanked the officials for their time. The Panel resolved to write to Les Amis to seek further information on the issues raised during the meeting.

KB

19/10/17 Item 4

517/37

3. Redesign of Health and Social Services Governance Model

The Panel noted a final draft of its report and a press release. Subject to minor amendments, the Panel agreed that the report would be published on Friday 10th November 2017.  

AH

19/10/17 Item 5

4. Living on Low Income: Proposition

The Panel noted its draft Proposition and was advised that the manpower and financial implications had been discussed with Treasury Officials. The Officer explained that the draft was due to be discussed with the Greffier of the States. The Panel was advised that a new draft would be circulated for final approval pending the discussion with the Greffier. It agreed that it would draft a press release to accompany the Proposition.

KB/RR

19/10/17 Item 6

511/2/2

5. Future Hospital Review Panel

The Panel noted that progress was being made in relation to the review. It noted that the Review Panel would question Ministers on the plans for the  Future  Hospital  during  public  hearings  on  10th,  13th  and  16th November.

 

19/10/17 Item 7

511/2/3

6. Care of Children in Jersey Review Panel

The Panel noted that the Review Panel had met on 8th November to discuss the Council of Ministers' progress on implementing the Care Inquiry's recommendations. It noted that the Review Panel had agreed to question the Chief Minister on progress at regular intervals until the end

 

 

 

of the term. The Panel also noted that the Review Panel was due to meet the Care Commissioner during the week commencing 13th November.

 

19/10/17 Item 8

511/2/4

7. Brexit Review Panel

The Panel noted that the Review Panel had met with officials from a range of departments. During the meeting officials had provided a general overview of what the departments were doing to mitigate the impact of the UK's exit from the EU on the Island.

 

 

8. Quarterly Hearing with the Minister for Social Security: Question Plan

The Panel  discussed possible question areas in preparation for the Quarterly Hearing with the Minister on 23rd November. The Panel agreed that the final question plan would be approved via email.

 

 

9. Health Cover for UK/EU students

The Panel noted a submission from a member of the public regarding health cover for UK and EU students. The Panel was advised that the Education and Home Affairs Scrutiny Panel was already looking into this issue and that no further action was required.

 

 

10. Consideration of Future Reviews

The Panel noted that proposals for a new organ donation scheme were due to be lodged in 2018. It resolved to write to the Minister for Health and Social Services seeking information on the scheme prior to any legislation being lodged.

TL

 

11. Future Meetings

The Panel noted that its next scheduled meeting would take place on 23rd November 2017 at 9:30a.m in the Le Capelain room, States Building.