Doncaster Metripolitan Council
Councillors:
56
Wards:
22
Committees:
25
Meetings (2025):
88
Meetings (2024):
113
Meeting
Health and Adults Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Panel - Doncaster
Meeting Times
Scheduled Time
Start:
Thursday, 13th February 2025
10:00 AM
Thursday, 13th February 2025
10:00 AM
End:
Thursday, 13th February 2025
2:00 PM
Thursday, 13th February 2025
2:00 PM
Actual Time
Started:
Thursday, 13th February 2025
12:00 AM
Thursday, 13th February 2025
12:00 AM
Finished:
Thursday, 13th February 2025
12:00 AM
Thursday, 13th February 2025
12:00 AM
Meeting Status
Status:
Confirmed
Confirmed
Date:
13 Feb 2025
13 Feb 2025
Location:
Council Chamber, Civic Office, Waterdale, Doncaster DN1 3BU
Council Chamber, Civic Office, Waterdale, Doncaster DN1 3BU
Meeting Attendees
Guest
UNISON
Jim Board
UNISON
Expected
Chair
Councillor Glynis Smith
Present, as expected
Committee Member
Councillor Laura Bluff
Present, as expected
Committee Member
Councillor Bev Chapman
Absent
Committee Member
Councillor Linda Curran
Present, as expected
Committee Member
Councillor Yetunde Elebuibon
Present, as expected
Committee Member
Councillor Sean Gibbons
Apologies
Committee Member
Councillor Sue Knowles
Present, as expected
Agenda
0
A. Items where the Public and Press may not be excluded
1
Apologies for Absence
Minutes
Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Linda Curran and Councillor Sean Gibbons.
2
To consider the extent, if any, to which the public and press are to be excluded from the meeting.
3
Declarations of Interest, if any
Minutes
There were no declarations of interest made.
4
Minutes of the Health and Adult Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Panel held on 8th February 2024 and 28th November 2024
Attachments:
Minutes
RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting held on 8th February 2024 and 28th November 2024, be approved as a correct record, and signed by the Chair.
5
Public Statements
[A period not exceeding 20 minutes for
Statements from up to 5 members of the public on
matters within the Panel’s remit, proposing action(s)
which may be considered or contribute towards the
future development of the Panel’s work programme].
Statements from up to 5 members of the public on
matters within the Panel’s remit, proposing action(s)
which may be considered or contribute towards the
future development of the Panel’s work programme].
Minutes
There were no public statements made.
6
Health Inequalities and Inclusion Health in Doncaster
Attachments:
- Document H&ASC O&S Health Ineq & Incl Health RL App Ver 2 130225 05 Feb 2025
Minutes
The Panel received a report which described a picture of health inequalities and inclusion health in Doncaster and provided examples of local approaches to demonstrate the impact this can have on narrowing health inequalities. It was reported that Team Doncaster partners needed to continue working together to address these inequalities and maintain and enhance a pro-equity approach for equitable access, excellent experience, and optimal outcomes for everyone. A presentation was provided, and the following areas were discussed.
· What are Health Inequalities?
· Inequalities between who?
· Impact of Health Inequalities – Living shorter lives
· Standardised mortality ratio
· Health Foundation Report - Health Inequalities in 2040
· Reducing Healthcare Inequalities
· COREPLUS5 in Doncaster
· How are we working to tackle health inequalities in Doncaster?
A discussion took place around the following areas;
Annual Health Checks in Severe Mental Illness (SMI) – It was questioned whether there was a National or Local Target set for Annual Health Checks in Severe Mental Illness. Members heard that there were 3 health check functions that included the NHS Health Check, checks for cardiovascular risk and for blood pressure (people of 40-70 years old which were offered every 3 years). It was explained that there were 2 focused health checks for people with a Severe Mental Illness (SMI) which included people with Bipolar Affective Disorder, for Psychosis or for Schizophrenia which was offered every year. It was added that there were annual health checks for people with learning disabilities (when you turn 14 then for the rest of your life it was a broader offer of a physical health check that was delivered). It was clarified that there was an ambitious stretch target of 95% in Doncaster. It was explained that nationally the target was 60% as of September 2024, and Doncaster at 68% was the highest in South Yorkshire.
It was clarified that there was a mechanism in place to pay GPs and that RDaSH had been contracted in terms of the delivery of the service looking at how can we do things differently, for example, peer support for people to support them to their appointments. It was felt that this was working well for that particular cohort and was helping this service go in the right direction. It was noted that RDaSH were working to a set of promises to reach a greater proportion of a particular cohort of the population to access their annual health check.
Health BusIn the Gypsy Roma Traveller (GRT) Community - Reference was made to the health bus service update and what it was able to offer the community. It was explained that from the lens of health inclusion and health inequalities, it was about closing the gap on a multi-level or intersectional manner. It was acknowledged that the bus was also a tool to help narrow the historical communication gap. In terms of referrals and how the Gypsy Roma and Traveller community were accessing health services in general, it was considered difficult to collect accurate data at a local level as Gypsy Roma and Travellers ethnicity could not be recorded by many healthcare providers. Members heard how work had been undertaken with Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals to help organise interpretation and translation services and learn how information from the community was used to respond to its specific needs.
Annual Health Check Targets for People with Learning Disabilities – Reference was made to the STOMP Project, and it was asked whether the majority of premature deaths occurred in individuals with learning disabilities. Disappointment was expressed that the national target of 75% of people with learning disabilities receiving an Annual Health Check, had been removed for 2025. It was also questioned whether that would have a detrimental effect on the health of Doncaster’s learning disability population.
It was acknowledged that the planning guidance produced this year was high level and shorter than it was previously. Assurances were provided that if the planning guidance did not include a national target, this did not mean that the target was not considered as important. It was explained that it would remain within the GP Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) targets and that data still needed to be collected. It was noted that within Doncaster this was something that was cited on, measured and where a great deal of work had been undertaken demonstrating its importance.
Clarification was provided that health checks for those individuals with Learning Disabilities remained with GPs to provide this primarily. In terms of reaching the cumulative target of 75% by the end of the year, it was shared that Doncaster was ahead at the end of year result in November 2024 compared with in November 2023. On this basis it was considered that there was no reason why this target should not be delivered by the end of 2025.
Easy to Understand Information – The Chair stated how as a Panel, it would be really helpful to see the Easy-to-Understand Information when it was discussed.
Action: To circulate examples of Easy-to-Understand Information to circulate to the Panel.
Health on the High Street – The Chair of the Panel asked what was taking place in Doncaster in terms of accessible health and commented on the success of the Health Bus. Reference was also made to Barnsley’s offer as part of their own Health on the High Street initiative, which had provided a permanent place within its town centre. It was explained that it was crucial for Doncaster that this was done correctly and supported a move towards a more preventative shift in dealing with health. It was confirmed that it was part of a set of priorities developing Doncaster in the long term and that further communications should be circulated in March 2025. It was suggested that this could be a topic for scrutiny in the future.
Desensitization Kit - Clarification was provided that a Desensitization Kit was more commonly used within inclusion health groups. It was explained that the kits provided a way to demonstrate a process or procedure to a person or group for them to learn what to expect, for example, getting prepared for an injection or a screening procedure.
Engagement of People with Substance Abuse – A Member raised concern about how services were able to engage with people experiencing substance abuse that were not currently seeking help and asked what was being done. An outline was provided of what was available as part of Substance Misuse services within Doncaster, how they engaged with those requiring their service and how the offer was advertised.
Inclusion of Health Care Workers as a Health Inequalities Group – Reference was made to how healthcare workers themselves were supported with their own health issues. It was explained that healthcare workers were not identified as its own health inequalities group. An outline was provided of what the Health and Wellbeing offer looked like for staff. This included a 24/7 Mental Health Hub, financial support, access to counselling, menopause for women, screening provided on site, lots of services around and lead to policies around SL and how that was managed. Reference was made to the Same Day Health Centre which provided a local opportunity to access healthcare by people who were not registered with a Doncaster GP.
Action: Further information to follow.
Inclusion of Elderly People- Regarding the inclusion of elderly people, particularly those living within a care home, assurance was sought regarding what was being undertaken within the community. It was recognised that there was an opportunity bringing in people from care homes, residential homes, and Extra Care Homes as part of that broader community. It was outlined that planning for the future of residents in Care Homes had been picked up though Ethnic Minority Health Needs Assessment and through action planning, as there was a more diverse and different population in Doncaster. It was acknowledged that people who lived in these care homes were not part of its own specific health inclusion group but represented a variable community. In terms of Health and Wellbeing, it was explained that a dental survey of people living in care homes had just been completed to assess dental oral health.
Concern was raised that resident’s health worsened after returning from hospital. It was acknowledged that the provision was better than previously but that more could be done. Members were informed that all care homes had a link with Primary Care Networks (PCNs) who were part of Enhanced Health in Care Homes. There was an expectation that there was a multi-disciplinary team who would have regular catch-up with the care home where they would discuss residents, ongoing issues, concerns and what that care looks like. Regarding support for people going in and out of hospital due to their ongoing healthcare needs, it was explained that a great deal had been put in place to support care homes around decision making. Reference was made to care providers having access to the ISTUMBLE App which empowered them to make good decisions when a person experienced a fall. It was continued that this had proven to be effective in reducing conveyances to hospital through focused work raising awareness of care homes and the support available to improve their confidence. It was explained that there were services that could go into care homes and respond, in particular, if you have a residential care home then either Emergency Care Practitioners could go in and carry out an immediate assessment and also the Community Urgent Response Team who could no longer provide that input but could monitor, and also provide a follow up. It was recognised that the staffing provision within care homes could often change, and it was important to make sure that staff were up to date in terms of what support was available. Finally, Members were told that there were regular forums in place that helped facilitate better communication and what was available in terms of support.
The Chair highlighted the improvements taking place within the GRT community and also in respect of Project 6, learning how users of that service had felt that they had been “seen and heard” during the Panels previous visit. It was felt that Members were met with such honesty as part of what was considered a positive experience.
RESOVLED: That the Panel note the report be noted, including the examples of the work happening across Doncaster to tackle health inequalities, with a particular focus on inclusion health groups.
· What are Health Inequalities?
· Inequalities between who?
· Impact of Health Inequalities – Living shorter lives
· Standardised mortality ratio
· Health Foundation Report - Health Inequalities in 2040
· Reducing Healthcare Inequalities
· COREPLUS5 in Doncaster
· How are we working to tackle health inequalities in Doncaster?
A discussion took place around the following areas;
Annual Health Checks in Severe Mental Illness (SMI) – It was questioned whether there was a National or Local Target set for Annual Health Checks in Severe Mental Illness. Members heard that there were 3 health check functions that included the NHS Health Check, checks for cardiovascular risk and for blood pressure (people of 40-70 years old which were offered every 3 years). It was explained that there were 2 focused health checks for people with a Severe Mental Illness (SMI) which included people with Bipolar Affective Disorder, for Psychosis or for Schizophrenia which was offered every year. It was added that there were annual health checks for people with learning disabilities (when you turn 14 then for the rest of your life it was a broader offer of a physical health check that was delivered). It was clarified that there was an ambitious stretch target of 95% in Doncaster. It was explained that nationally the target was 60% as of September 2024, and Doncaster at 68% was the highest in South Yorkshire.
It was clarified that there was a mechanism in place to pay GPs and that RDaSH had been contracted in terms of the delivery of the service looking at how can we do things differently, for example, peer support for people to support them to their appointments. It was felt that this was working well for that particular cohort and was helping this service go in the right direction. It was noted that RDaSH were working to a set of promises to reach a greater proportion of a particular cohort of the population to access their annual health check.
Health BusIn the Gypsy Roma Traveller (GRT) Community - Reference was made to the health bus service update and what it was able to offer the community. It was explained that from the lens of health inclusion and health inequalities, it was about closing the gap on a multi-level or intersectional manner. It was acknowledged that the bus was also a tool to help narrow the historical communication gap. In terms of referrals and how the Gypsy Roma and Traveller community were accessing health services in general, it was considered difficult to collect accurate data at a local level as Gypsy Roma and Travellers ethnicity could not be recorded by many healthcare providers. Members heard how work had been undertaken with Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals to help organise interpretation and translation services and learn how information from the community was used to respond to its specific needs.
Annual Health Check Targets for People with Learning Disabilities – Reference was made to the STOMP Project, and it was asked whether the majority of premature deaths occurred in individuals with learning disabilities. Disappointment was expressed that the national target of 75% of people with learning disabilities receiving an Annual Health Check, had been removed for 2025. It was also questioned whether that would have a detrimental effect on the health of Doncaster’s learning disability population.
It was acknowledged that the planning guidance produced this year was high level and shorter than it was previously. Assurances were provided that if the planning guidance did not include a national target, this did not mean that the target was not considered as important. It was explained that it would remain within the GP Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) targets and that data still needed to be collected. It was noted that within Doncaster this was something that was cited on, measured and where a great deal of work had been undertaken demonstrating its importance.
Clarification was provided that health checks for those individuals with Learning Disabilities remained with GPs to provide this primarily. In terms of reaching the cumulative target of 75% by the end of the year, it was shared that Doncaster was ahead at the end of year result in November 2024 compared with in November 2023. On this basis it was considered that there was no reason why this target should not be delivered by the end of 2025.
Easy to Understand Information – The Chair stated how as a Panel, it would be really helpful to see the Easy-to-Understand Information when it was discussed.
Action: To circulate examples of Easy-to-Understand Information to circulate to the Panel.
Health on the High Street – The Chair of the Panel asked what was taking place in Doncaster in terms of accessible health and commented on the success of the Health Bus. Reference was also made to Barnsley’s offer as part of their own Health on the High Street initiative, which had provided a permanent place within its town centre. It was explained that it was crucial for Doncaster that this was done correctly and supported a move towards a more preventative shift in dealing with health. It was confirmed that it was part of a set of priorities developing Doncaster in the long term and that further communications should be circulated in March 2025. It was suggested that this could be a topic for scrutiny in the future.
Desensitization Kit - Clarification was provided that a Desensitization Kit was more commonly used within inclusion health groups. It was explained that the kits provided a way to demonstrate a process or procedure to a person or group for them to learn what to expect, for example, getting prepared for an injection or a screening procedure.
Engagement of People with Substance Abuse – A Member raised concern about how services were able to engage with people experiencing substance abuse that were not currently seeking help and asked what was being done. An outline was provided of what was available as part of Substance Misuse services within Doncaster, how they engaged with those requiring their service and how the offer was advertised.
Inclusion of Health Care Workers as a Health Inequalities Group – Reference was made to how healthcare workers themselves were supported with their own health issues. It was explained that healthcare workers were not identified as its own health inequalities group. An outline was provided of what the Health and Wellbeing offer looked like for staff. This included a 24/7 Mental Health Hub, financial support, access to counselling, menopause for women, screening provided on site, lots of services around and lead to policies around SL and how that was managed. Reference was made to the Same Day Health Centre which provided a local opportunity to access healthcare by people who were not registered with a Doncaster GP.
Action: Further information to follow.
Inclusion of Elderly People- Regarding the inclusion of elderly people, particularly those living within a care home, assurance was sought regarding what was being undertaken within the community. It was recognised that there was an opportunity bringing in people from care homes, residential homes, and Extra Care Homes as part of that broader community. It was outlined that planning for the future of residents in Care Homes had been picked up though Ethnic Minority Health Needs Assessment and through action planning, as there was a more diverse and different population in Doncaster. It was acknowledged that people who lived in these care homes were not part of its own specific health inclusion group but represented a variable community. In terms of Health and Wellbeing, it was explained that a dental survey of people living in care homes had just been completed to assess dental oral health.
Concern was raised that resident’s health worsened after returning from hospital. It was acknowledged that the provision was better than previously but that more could be done. Members were informed that all care homes had a link with Primary Care Networks (PCNs) who were part of Enhanced Health in Care Homes. There was an expectation that there was a multi-disciplinary team who would have regular catch-up with the care home where they would discuss residents, ongoing issues, concerns and what that care looks like. Regarding support for people going in and out of hospital due to their ongoing healthcare needs, it was explained that a great deal had been put in place to support care homes around decision making. Reference was made to care providers having access to the ISTUMBLE App which empowered them to make good decisions when a person experienced a fall. It was continued that this had proven to be effective in reducing conveyances to hospital through focused work raising awareness of care homes and the support available to improve their confidence. It was explained that there were services that could go into care homes and respond, in particular, if you have a residential care home then either Emergency Care Practitioners could go in and carry out an immediate assessment and also the Community Urgent Response Team who could no longer provide that input but could monitor, and also provide a follow up. It was recognised that the staffing provision within care homes could often change, and it was important to make sure that staff were up to date in terms of what support was available. Finally, Members were told that there were regular forums in place that helped facilitate better communication and what was available in terms of support.
The Chair highlighted the improvements taking place within the GRT community and also in respect of Project 6, learning how users of that service had felt that they had been “seen and heard” during the Panels previous visit. It was felt that Members were met with such honesty as part of what was considered a positive experience.
RESOVLED: That the Panel note the report be noted, including the examples of the work happening across Doncaster to tackle health inequalities, with a particular focus on inclusion health groups.
7
Overview and Scrutiny Work Plan 2024-25 and Councils Forward Plan of Key Decisions
Attachments:
- Document MASTER WORK PLAN FINAL 202425 05 Feb 2025
- Document Forward Plan 1 Mar 25 to 30 June 25 Cabinet 05 Feb 2025
Minutes
The Senior Governance Officer presented the Scrutiny Work Plan and the Council’s Forward Plan of Key Decisions to the Panel for its consideration.
RESOLVED: That the report and items agreed for the workplan, be noted.
RESOLVED: That the report and items agreed for the workplan, be noted.
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