Doncaster Metripolitan Council
Councillors:
56
Wards:
22
Committees:
25
Meetings (2025):
93
Meetings (2024):
113
Meeting
Health and Adults Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Panel - Doncaster
Meeting Times
Scheduled Time
Start:
Thursday, 3rd July 2025
10:00 AM
Thursday, 3rd July 2025
10:00 AM
End:
Thursday, 3rd July 2025
2:00 PM
Thursday, 3rd July 2025
2:00 PM
Meeting Status
Status:
Confirmed
Confirmed
Date:
03 Jul 2025
03 Jul 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
Agenda
0
A. Items where the Public and Press may not be excluded
1
Apologies for Absence
Minutes
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 at the meeting.
4
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
Mr Doug Wright a Doncaster resident and Member of the Health and Social Care Party explained that reading his statement now, stops him or anybody else hearing what the Panel says later in the meeting. He asked the Chair to consider, for the next meeting, to invite people to speak at this part of the meeting or later on because a Member of the public does not know what you are going to say in advance. It seems pointless him making his points when it should quite clearly be done later in the meeting.
He also stated that this next point was more complicated and the Councillors would not be aware about this but a calendar of meetings shows the JHOSC (Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee) on 23rd July in Sheffield Town Hall. Very simple there are 4 meetings that are going to be held, why are they all in Sheffield and why is one not in Doncaster, at least. Sheffield is the biggest place for health services, Doncaster is the next biggest. Can we start off with the next biggest Council after July followed by the September one, the next one come to Doncaster and shared with Barnsley and Rotherham. It is a long way to Sheffield when you haven’t got a car and it would be easier if it was taken in turns. There are 1.3m people in South Yorkshire and they will at least be able to attend a meeting local to where they live in the next 6 to 9 months.
The Chair thanked Mr Wright and appreciated what he was identifying about the meeting procedure rules and that he has raised the point that Sheffield was some distance away but this was agreed between the 6 Councils that make up the JHOSC and would refer his comments to the other authority representatives.
He also stated that this next point was more complicated and the Councillors would not be aware about this but a calendar of meetings shows the JHOSC (Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee) on 23rd July in Sheffield Town Hall. Very simple there are 4 meetings that are going to be held, why are they all in Sheffield and why is one not in Doncaster, at least. Sheffield is the biggest place for health services, Doncaster is the next biggest. Can we start off with the next biggest Council after July followed by the September one, the next one come to Doncaster and shared with Barnsley and Rotherham. It is a long way to Sheffield when you haven’t got a car and it would be easier if it was taken in turns. There are 1.3m people in South Yorkshire and they will at least be able to attend a meeting local to where they live in the next 6 to 9 months.
The Chair thanked Mr Wright and appreciated what he was identifying about the meeting procedure rules and that he has raised the point that Sheffield was some distance away but this was agreed between the 6 Councils that make up the JHOSC and would refer his comments to the other authority representatives.
5
Minutes of the Health and Adult Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Panel held on 13th February, 2025 and 20th March 2025
Attachments:
Minutes
RESOLVED that: The minutes of the Health and Adult Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Panel dated 13th February and 20th March 2025, be agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.
6
Doncaster’s Dementia Strategy: Progress and Next Steps
Attachments:
- Document Dementia Report - Overview and Scrutiny July 2025 25 Jun 2025
- Document APPENDIX 1 - Team Doncaster Dementia Strategy 2023-25 25 Jun 2025
- Document APPENDIX 2 Team Doncaster Dementia Strategy Delivery Plan 23-25 25 Jun 2025
Minutes
The Panel gave consideration to a report on progress on Doncaster’s last Dementia Strategy and outlined plans to continue partnership work to further improve the experience of Doncaster people living with dementia and their carers.
Additionally Members were also provided with an introduction from Dr Nabeel Alsindi, GP Integrated Care Board, Chair of the Dementia Partnership Board who introduced the Co-chairs of the Dementia Partnership Board and expressed that it was important for the Panel to hear about their personal experiences of living with dementia.
Phil Bargh Carer and Co-chair of the Dementia Partnership Board personal lived experience
Phil explained that we probably all knew people with dementia and never thought it would happen to them. Himself and his wife were the same and they had already lost his mother-in-law with dementia. He explained his wife started to go dizzy but they didn’t think much about it at first but she was diagnosed with vascular dementia in 2022. Symptoms included struggling to remember things and wandering around through the night. She had blood tests and a head scan but it was some time before there were any results, which caused some stress, because like anyone they wished for results. A small test was undertaken and she got some questions right but quite a few were wrong. Phil explained his wife had not accepted the diagnosis up to the present day, but they had been provided with a lot of support. He explained that the smallest of things could unsettle her and with her memory not being as good as it has been she could become quickly stressed. He stressed that his wife’s memory was deteriorating and she could get very upset, slam doors but emphasized that this was not his wife, this was the dementia and that life was now about keeping her well.
Their family lived in Australia and could not see them as often as they would like to, but did have contact through the internet. He also explained that, due to being in their early 80’s, many of their friends had passed away but his wife still managed to go shopping with a couple of friends and enjoyed her trips out. Unfortunately following her last driving test that she was required to take, she had to relinquish her driving license, and although she didn’t drive very far, it was another part of her independence she had lost. She was very upset and could not understand why she had to give up driving and now had to rely on himself for transport. Phil stressed that his wife would go anywhere, loved a day out and would go out at anytime of the day.
Phil explained that his wife attended Crossroads at Denaby where she also saw a family member that also had dementia. They were able to have catch ups and play cards and she enjoyed their time there. The group undertook a lot of support work for people who had dementia, including providing days out to the coast.
Phil continued by outlining the work he had undertaken as co-chair, alongside Wendy Sharps, with the Partnership Board. He highlighted that Transport for carers was essential and important as it could be difficult to find transport to attend doctor and hospital appointments and reported that many carers had stated that a community bus would provide so much needed support. He reported that Firefly had been approached to propose extending its service to helping people with dementia and it was hoped some progress could be made.
He explained he had made friends through involvement with the Denaby Group and the partnership board where he could share his thoughts and problems and was very grateful for that.
Phil thanked the Members for listening to his story.
The Chair thanked Phil for sharing and being very informative about his circumstances.
Wendy Sharps person with Dementia and Co-Chair of the Dementia Partnership Board personal lived experience
Wendy stated that when she was 40 she was diagnosed with dementia and achieving the diagnosis, nearly 5 years later, felt to her like a horror story. Her symptoms started when she was 35 with multiple visits to GPs who said she was stressed and depressed. She did not believe this, but CT scans and MRI results stated nothing was wrong. She explained at Sheffield they undertook invasive treatment and again that didn’t show any signs of dementia.
Once diagnosed she received good support at the day services she attended twice a week, provided by Tickhill Hospital until there was a change in service provision. A care support package was provided but she stressed getting the diagnosis was difficult.
Wendy stressed services had improved, with for example, CT scans being available more quickly and there was always someone at the end of a phone to help and not leaving you feeling like you were alone.
Wendy explained that through her journey and experience she had helped improve services for people diagnosed with dementia through the Making it Real Board co-producing the Dementia Strategy and producing a fold up booklet for people to keep on their person at all times, detailing the rights for people who had dementia. Wendy was a member of the Dementia collaborative and Dementia Partnership Board. She was able to input not just her own thoughts and ideas but the people she represented and their voices were taken seriously, to provide changes whether they be small or large. She stated that co-production was a brilliant way of developing things to ultimately help people.
Wendy provided details of an experience she had when requiring emergency treatment by paramedics and the hospital. She described she had broken her back and the ambulance, stressing the staff were excellent, had to wait outside Accident and Emergency for 2 hours.
Once transferred to the hospital care staff were informed that she had dementia and she stressed straight away, staff were not listening to her. She explained that when requesting to go to the toilet she was told to wet herself and she would changed later. Wendy explained that her daughter had accompanied her thankfully but even so, she said she was very upset and for the first time in front of one of her children, cried. Her daughter subsequently ensured everything was rectified, with medical staff apologising and providing support she required.
Wendy stated “My marbels may be floating but I still have a voice” and that she was fighting for the people who could no longer properly communicate things themselves.
Wendy explained that when she was admitted to a ward she was identified as having Dementia and again staff did not speak directly to her. Wendy stressed her wish to return home but felt her progress was hampered. The physio visited her in hospital and she needed a back brace fitting and reported that due to staff covering two wards there were delays. Wendy explained she therefore made her daughter fit the back brace and she borrowed the walking frame from a lady in the next bed and got herself up and walking about. The staff wished for her to stay sat down due to staffing low levels but again stressed to them her need to return home. During her hospital stay and with regard to her regular medication she indicated that this was being missed because two staff were required to administer this. Wendy confirmed that she luckily had her own supply with her, so was able to administer it herself.
Following assessment, to return home all she required was a toilet seat, but this was being delayed, so her niece collected it from NRS and she was then able to go home. In total she was in hospital for a week.
Wendy explained that she complained about the treatment she had received in relation to the lack of dignity, due to the hospital being short staffed. A dementia hospital nurse contacted Wendy following the complaint with an apology and discussions about improvements that could be made. The hospital has used Wendy’s experience to train staff and if someone with dementia was admitted they were now able to have their carer with them 24/7 to assist if required, ensuring nurses were able to continue with their day jobs. Hospital staff were now recognising Wendy at the hospital after going through her story as part of their training. She explained that small changes had been made and staff, including doctors were now speaking to her face to face, not to her family or personal assistant.
Following her hospital stay and dementia care, Wendy outlined the Teams she was involved with including SALTS (Speech and Language Therapy for people who could have difficulties with speech or swallowing) and OT’s (Occupational Therapists) and NRS (equipment suppliers for people who live in Doncaster). She explained that OT’s could now prescribe equipment to assist, for example, Wendy required a chair to help her stand up in the correct manner which helped her live at home avoiding returning to hospital care. The Adaptations Team assisted with helping Wendy live a normal life including a new shower floor, toilet and stairlift. She explained that a young woman who attended her home and arranged for the work, introduced herself and explained clearly what they would be providing and interacted really with her but unfortunately some staff were not as engaging and she has explained this to Council Management to ensure good services were provided in the future.
Wendy stated “Adaptions means the acts of change and things to suit a new situation or purpose”. Adaptations provided gave her a new lease of life.
Wendy emphasised that when Councillors and Officers were looking at the Dementia Strategy they must keep in mind that it was important for people to have a normal life by helping to keep them in their own home as long as possible. She emphasized this would save the Council money and stressed it kept her out of crisis.
She outlined a couple of services in place for people with Dementia including, Silverlink that provided a day service where she was dropped off and picked up by her assistant and Crossroads that helped her husband with respite.
To conclude Wendy stated that the Partnerships and Councillors needed to think about and plan for the future and was delighted when she was asked to be involved with Adult Social Care to help make changes for people and spread the word about facilities and support available. She stressed much more improvement was required, including transport support to access services and day groups.
The Chair thanked Wendy for her input into the meeting and stressed she was a fantastic advocate of people with Dementia. He said that they all appreciated the time she spent in hospital initially was disappointing but with regard to the service offered since she returned home, pleased the quality was good. He said everyone appreciated her humour and it was good to see and without this and her positivity she would not be where she was today. He recognised that what the OT’s helped with ensured the quality of life she had today and disappointed to hear that someone who visited her home failed to introduce themselves correctly but pleased she had raised this with appropriate people.
The Chair wished to hear a little more from Wendy with regards to:
Respite that Wendy or her carers were offered - Wendy explained that respite had been offered by Crossroads Care with Donmentia providing some respite packages and free day trips but unfortunately she could not find any other respite support services.
Transport Services – with regard to appointments Wendy explained that people with Dementia could easily miss them because they couldn’t travel safely on public transport. Ambulance transport was available but due to the length of the journeys and having to be ready from 8am and possibly being the last drop off this was not a good experience for people with Dementia due to the anxiety this created. She stressed that people with Dementia needed to be transported quickly and safely and reiterated this was being investigated by Adult Social Care, for example, something similar to Firefly for cancer patients.
Comments from Wendy’s personal assistant – Kyla explained the support Wendy was receiving was amazing but it had been a long process to get to this point and they were still finding out more as time continued. She stressed following Wendy’s stay in hospital it took nearly 12 months before she was able to go upstairs again.
Wendy finalised this discussion by outlining that when her grandchildren sleep over, she was able to put them to bed, read them a story and give them cuddle and you could not put a price on that. When you think about care you would not think about simple daily life that people take for granted.
Wendy explained that her PA looked after her whilst her husband was working and stated that she did not wish to have a relationship with her husband whilst he was also her carer as she felt there could be resentment. She highlighted that Direct Payments were important to help with such support. Wendy’s PA enabled her husband to continue working, still be a husband and Wendy still be a wife.
Nabeel Alsindi, GP and Place Medical Director, NHS South Yorkshire ICB reflected on what Phil and Wendy had explained to the Panel and highlighted that they provided more information than he could as a doctor for 15 years and GP for 10 years who had seen thousands of patients with memory problems. He said this is what living with dementia was like every day and if he had related on all the experiences as a medic, he would never be able to provide the insight they had at this meeting and through they work they undertook.
He explained that this was why co-production with people with lived experience was at the heart of strategy development and delivery. With regard to the partnership board it truly felt like a collaboration with the NHS and Council being in the minority. He highlighted that transport was a regular topic and provided a different slant on what was important to people when you had the opportunity to hear direct stories. He stressed that carers or staff that supported people with dementia and professionals would not be able to make such an impact, without the input from Wendy and Phil.
To accompany the report and discussion a presentation was provided addressing the Dementia Strategy outline and vision and working together in partnership to evidence achievements and make a difference to peoples lives.
Dr Nabeel Alsindi provided a timeline for the strategic review of the existing Dementia Strategy, the vision, achievements to date and case studies were provided by the Business Development Manager, Crossroads Care and National Dementia Development Manager Royal Voluntary Service.
The Director of Adults, Wellbeing and Culture (DASS) provided information relating to the current survey and next steps leading to co-production of a new strategy in December 2025.
The following areas were addressed in detail by the Panel:
Transport – In reference to the conversations earlier in the meeting in response to a question relating to community transport, it was explained that transport was regularly raised. It was noted that there were 4 community transport operators in South Yorkshire funded by South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA). That provided subsidised transport and were working out cheaper than a taxi but a little more expensive than the bus, but it was a door to door service. It was noted that 1600 people last year accessed health appointments through community transport making up 12% of the dial a ride journeys. It was stressed that community transport provided a good service helping people undertake everyday experiences for example going to the shops and having a hair cut. There was a 10% target increase next year and a new computer software installed that estimated journey times, enabling a 10 minute warning so that people were ready for their pick up time ensuring less delays. User and Non-user consultation was ongoing with service marketing being undertaken in October to coincide with national community transport week.
Dementia diagnosis rates – It was confirmed that the consultant vacancy was out to advert but the pressures were not only around this vacancy but it was confirmed the MDT’s (Multi-disciplinary Teams) continued assessments twice per week in all localities. There had been an increase in referrals with diagnosis continuing regardless of the vacant post. It was noted that there was a national shortage of consultants but there had been interest in the advertised post.
Reaching the 75% diagnosis rate – It was explained that the contract for Rotherham and Sheffield was different to Doncaster with GP’s undertaking assessments. GPs in Doncaster had not received the same offer therefore Doncaster’s assessments were still being undertaken in the same way. It was also recognised that some people in care homes may not have been diagnosed with only 41% of people in Doncaster with Dementia registered on the Dementia list which was well below average. It was now practice to receive referrals from residential homes whereas previously all residential home residents were assessed. It was stressed that the Integrated Care Board was aware of position and it was being investigated.
Diagnosis times – It was outlined that RDaSH currently had a target to reduce waiting times to 4 weeks but it was noted that they had no control over the time it took for the CT head scans to be undertaken through primary care but once they were complete the 4 week assessment began.
It was noted that Doncaster was currently meeting its diagnosis targets but this was currently not the case within Rotherham and Sheffield therefore additional support had been provided in those areas.
With regard to supporting people whilst they awaited diagnosis, Mindset Service provided a pre-diagnosis service with people being supported by a memory advisor. Work was being undertaken with GP services to improve support in relation to information and guidance and where people could be signposted to.
The Director of Public Health highlighted to the Panel the lived experience from Phil and Wendy at this meeting and with regard to aspects of their diagnosis, it was important to note there was not one single test to diagnose dementia but a number of tests including blood tests and brain scans but important to note not every patient would have every level of tests. MDTs would consider the raft of tests to ensure the right diagnosis ensuring all support services were available.
The Role of the provider was highlighted but also the commitment from the ICB that designed and commissioned the requirements of Doncaster residents.
The ICB representative outlined that there was disparity in how services were provided across South Yorkshire and he was working on improvements that could be made and to ensure the equity of provision to improve services.
Taxi driver Dementia training – it was explained that Doncaster’s Licensing Team incorporated a safeguarding training course followed by a competency test. The training included case studies relating to domestic violence, modern day slavery, criminal and sexual child exploitation and discharge from hospital for an older person. The training was not dementia specific but included examples of neurological conditions and raised awareness about mental health vulnerabilities. The training was refreshed every 3 years.
With regard to improving access to transport options recent research undertaken was acknowledged. The working group addressed private disability confidence and customer service in relation to private hire vehicles. The idea for taxi drivers who successfully completed the training to receive a gold standard award and be added to a priority listing to pick up people with dementia had been discussed and endorsed but unfortunately the funding for the project was unsuccessful but work was still ongoing to progress the proposals.
Information provision to people with dementia – in response to a Member questioning access to information to ensure the right choices and decisions were made about future care and support, the wish to bring further reports to the Scrutiny Panel in October on work with Carers and adult social care, was noted. At that meeting feedback on progress would be provided. People have requested further information and advice relating to when in hospital what would happen and what help would be provided to help plan ahead, what were a persons safeguarding rights if they felt vulnerable. The information would be co-produced to avoid jargon so it made sense to everyone who needed support.
Feedback from carers on current level of support – It was explained that as part of a current survey there was an entire section relating to carers, where this information and data would be gathered and reported on.
Council’s free Dementia training – in response to a query relating to how many carers were accessing the training, it was outlined that data was collated by the workforce development team and in 2024/25, 356 carers accessed the Tier 1 Dementia training with 167 accessing the 3 day Tier 2 training. The plan was to increase these numbers for the current year and analyse data to understand whether they were paid or unpaid carers and how could more unpaid carers access the training and support to help them undertake their role.
Later stages of Dementia – the Chair highlighted his concerns relating to care for people who were in the later stages of Dementia. It was explained that the Dementia Strategy needed to be as preventative as possible so more people could live a normal everyday life. It was recognised that people do not wish to go into a care home but to stay at home as long as possible, living well and staying in touch with the things they like to do. The Panel was reminded about a statement from Wendy about when she left hospital she did not want to go to a care home. It was stressed that lots of people with dementia have good lives in care homes but in Doncaster too many people were moving from hospital directly into a care home in later life without the chance to move back home again. In reality the Panel acknowledged when someone spends a period of time in hospital they could start to lose independence, familiar routines with decisions being made that prevented people returning home again. There was therefore a lot more work to be undertaken because people could live well at home.
Again in the current survey people were being asked about end of life care, were people aware of their options and support they could get in that process. It was outlined that as part of the Dementia pathway, a dignified death was important, with lots that could be undertaken including advanced care planning. The Panel was made aware of the broader palliative care strategy for South Yorkshire and as part of the baseline assessment work a review would be undertaken to support other work identified at this meeting.
Wendy highlighted that when she was diagnosed with dementia one of the first areas offered was a Power of Attorney and to put in place her wishes particularly with medical care and service support. People were addressing this with her earlier rather than when it was too late.
Deprivation of Liberty – A Member of the Panel questioned how could the Strategy take account of everyone’s personal circumstances as there were so many. He continued to outline his own lived experience caring for his father. Due to his father’s deterioration overnight a Power of Attorney could not be undertaken. His father was discharged into a care home where the staff were excellent.
He highlighted the care home applied for DoLs (Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards) that protected people who lack the capacity to consent to their care and treatment arrangements and that it was in the persons best interest and lawful. He continued to outline the requirements of the DoLs.
He stated that he visited his father regularly and even when he didn’t know who he was they had some amazing times together with laughter.
The Member asked the people in the room to make a commitment and become a Dementia friend, through dementia.org.uk.
The Director thanked the Councillor for highlighting this and recommended that people became a Dementia Friend. He explained that the DoLs was very technical and based around the legal idea of mental capacity. What people living with Dementia sometimes experienced was being by-passed and people talk to the person next to you and assume you have no capacity to understand. The Mental Capacity Act was clear in that you must assume a person has capacity and in charge of their own life. He explained that this Strategy would think about people individually and not to generalise. The strategy was developed through co-production based on peoples lived experience and not making assumptions.
RESOLVED that:-
i. The achievements of Doncaster’s last Dementia Strategy alongside the commitment to go further to improve information, advice, treatment and support for Doncaster’s people living with dementia and their carers, be noted; and
ii. The Panel’s discussion and report, be noted.
Additionally Members were also provided with an introduction from Dr Nabeel Alsindi, GP Integrated Care Board, Chair of the Dementia Partnership Board who introduced the Co-chairs of the Dementia Partnership Board and expressed that it was important for the Panel to hear about their personal experiences of living with dementia.
Phil Bargh Carer and Co-chair of the Dementia Partnership Board personal lived experience
Phil explained that we probably all knew people with dementia and never thought it would happen to them. Himself and his wife were the same and they had already lost his mother-in-law with dementia. He explained his wife started to go dizzy but they didn’t think much about it at first but she was diagnosed with vascular dementia in 2022. Symptoms included struggling to remember things and wandering around through the night. She had blood tests and a head scan but it was some time before there were any results, which caused some stress, because like anyone they wished for results. A small test was undertaken and she got some questions right but quite a few were wrong. Phil explained his wife had not accepted the diagnosis up to the present day, but they had been provided with a lot of support. He explained that the smallest of things could unsettle her and with her memory not being as good as it has been she could become quickly stressed. He stressed that his wife’s memory was deteriorating and she could get very upset, slam doors but emphasized that this was not his wife, this was the dementia and that life was now about keeping her well.
Their family lived in Australia and could not see them as often as they would like to, but did have contact through the internet. He also explained that, due to being in their early 80’s, many of their friends had passed away but his wife still managed to go shopping with a couple of friends and enjoyed her trips out. Unfortunately following her last driving test that she was required to take, she had to relinquish her driving license, and although she didn’t drive very far, it was another part of her independence she had lost. She was very upset and could not understand why she had to give up driving and now had to rely on himself for transport. Phil stressed that his wife would go anywhere, loved a day out and would go out at anytime of the day.
Phil explained that his wife attended Crossroads at Denaby where she also saw a family member that also had dementia. They were able to have catch ups and play cards and she enjoyed their time there. The group undertook a lot of support work for people who had dementia, including providing days out to the coast.
Phil continued by outlining the work he had undertaken as co-chair, alongside Wendy Sharps, with the Partnership Board. He highlighted that Transport for carers was essential and important as it could be difficult to find transport to attend doctor and hospital appointments and reported that many carers had stated that a community bus would provide so much needed support. He reported that Firefly had been approached to propose extending its service to helping people with dementia and it was hoped some progress could be made.
He explained he had made friends through involvement with the Denaby Group and the partnership board where he could share his thoughts and problems and was very grateful for that.
Phil thanked the Members for listening to his story.
The Chair thanked Phil for sharing and being very informative about his circumstances.
Wendy Sharps person with Dementia and Co-Chair of the Dementia Partnership Board personal lived experience
Wendy stated that when she was 40 she was diagnosed with dementia and achieving the diagnosis, nearly 5 years later, felt to her like a horror story. Her symptoms started when she was 35 with multiple visits to GPs who said she was stressed and depressed. She did not believe this, but CT scans and MRI results stated nothing was wrong. She explained at Sheffield they undertook invasive treatment and again that didn’t show any signs of dementia.
Once diagnosed she received good support at the day services she attended twice a week, provided by Tickhill Hospital until there was a change in service provision. A care support package was provided but she stressed getting the diagnosis was difficult.
Wendy stressed services had improved, with for example, CT scans being available more quickly and there was always someone at the end of a phone to help and not leaving you feeling like you were alone.
Wendy explained that through her journey and experience she had helped improve services for people diagnosed with dementia through the Making it Real Board co-producing the Dementia Strategy and producing a fold up booklet for people to keep on their person at all times, detailing the rights for people who had dementia. Wendy was a member of the Dementia collaborative and Dementia Partnership Board. She was able to input not just her own thoughts and ideas but the people she represented and their voices were taken seriously, to provide changes whether they be small or large. She stated that co-production was a brilliant way of developing things to ultimately help people.
Wendy provided details of an experience she had when requiring emergency treatment by paramedics and the hospital. She described she had broken her back and the ambulance, stressing the staff were excellent, had to wait outside Accident and Emergency for 2 hours.
Once transferred to the hospital care staff were informed that she had dementia and she stressed straight away, staff were not listening to her. She explained that when requesting to go to the toilet she was told to wet herself and she would changed later. Wendy explained that her daughter had accompanied her thankfully but even so, she said she was very upset and for the first time in front of one of her children, cried. Her daughter subsequently ensured everything was rectified, with medical staff apologising and providing support she required.
Wendy stated “My marbels may be floating but I still have a voice” and that she was fighting for the people who could no longer properly communicate things themselves.
Wendy explained that when she was admitted to a ward she was identified as having Dementia and again staff did not speak directly to her. Wendy stressed her wish to return home but felt her progress was hampered. The physio visited her in hospital and she needed a back brace fitting and reported that due to staff covering two wards there were delays. Wendy explained she therefore made her daughter fit the back brace and she borrowed the walking frame from a lady in the next bed and got herself up and walking about. The staff wished for her to stay sat down due to staffing low levels but again stressed to them her need to return home. During her hospital stay and with regard to her regular medication she indicated that this was being missed because two staff were required to administer this. Wendy confirmed that she luckily had her own supply with her, so was able to administer it herself.
Following assessment, to return home all she required was a toilet seat, but this was being delayed, so her niece collected it from NRS and she was then able to go home. In total she was in hospital for a week.
Wendy explained that she complained about the treatment she had received in relation to the lack of dignity, due to the hospital being short staffed. A dementia hospital nurse contacted Wendy following the complaint with an apology and discussions about improvements that could be made. The hospital has used Wendy’s experience to train staff and if someone with dementia was admitted they were now able to have their carer with them 24/7 to assist if required, ensuring nurses were able to continue with their day jobs. Hospital staff were now recognising Wendy at the hospital after going through her story as part of their training. She explained that small changes had been made and staff, including doctors were now speaking to her face to face, not to her family or personal assistant.
Following her hospital stay and dementia care, Wendy outlined the Teams she was involved with including SALTS (Speech and Language Therapy for people who could have difficulties with speech or swallowing) and OT’s (Occupational Therapists) and NRS (equipment suppliers for people who live in Doncaster). She explained that OT’s could now prescribe equipment to assist, for example, Wendy required a chair to help her stand up in the correct manner which helped her live at home avoiding returning to hospital care. The Adaptations Team assisted with helping Wendy live a normal life including a new shower floor, toilet and stairlift. She explained that a young woman who attended her home and arranged for the work, introduced herself and explained clearly what they would be providing and interacted really with her but unfortunately some staff were not as engaging and she has explained this to Council Management to ensure good services were provided in the future.
Wendy stated “Adaptions means the acts of change and things to suit a new situation or purpose”. Adaptations provided gave her a new lease of life.
Wendy emphasised that when Councillors and Officers were looking at the Dementia Strategy they must keep in mind that it was important for people to have a normal life by helping to keep them in their own home as long as possible. She emphasized this would save the Council money and stressed it kept her out of crisis.
She outlined a couple of services in place for people with Dementia including, Silverlink that provided a day service where she was dropped off and picked up by her assistant and Crossroads that helped her husband with respite.
To conclude Wendy stated that the Partnerships and Councillors needed to think about and plan for the future and was delighted when she was asked to be involved with Adult Social Care to help make changes for people and spread the word about facilities and support available. She stressed much more improvement was required, including transport support to access services and day groups.
The Chair thanked Wendy for her input into the meeting and stressed she was a fantastic advocate of people with Dementia. He said that they all appreciated the time she spent in hospital initially was disappointing but with regard to the service offered since she returned home, pleased the quality was good. He said everyone appreciated her humour and it was good to see and without this and her positivity she would not be where she was today. He recognised that what the OT’s helped with ensured the quality of life she had today and disappointed to hear that someone who visited her home failed to introduce themselves correctly but pleased she had raised this with appropriate people.
The Chair wished to hear a little more from Wendy with regards to:
Respite that Wendy or her carers were offered - Wendy explained that respite had been offered by Crossroads Care with Donmentia providing some respite packages and free day trips but unfortunately she could not find any other respite support services.
Transport Services – with regard to appointments Wendy explained that people with Dementia could easily miss them because they couldn’t travel safely on public transport. Ambulance transport was available but due to the length of the journeys and having to be ready from 8am and possibly being the last drop off this was not a good experience for people with Dementia due to the anxiety this created. She stressed that people with Dementia needed to be transported quickly and safely and reiterated this was being investigated by Adult Social Care, for example, something similar to Firefly for cancer patients.
Comments from Wendy’s personal assistant – Kyla explained the support Wendy was receiving was amazing but it had been a long process to get to this point and they were still finding out more as time continued. She stressed following Wendy’s stay in hospital it took nearly 12 months before she was able to go upstairs again.
Wendy finalised this discussion by outlining that when her grandchildren sleep over, she was able to put them to bed, read them a story and give them cuddle and you could not put a price on that. When you think about care you would not think about simple daily life that people take for granted.
Wendy explained that her PA looked after her whilst her husband was working and stated that she did not wish to have a relationship with her husband whilst he was also her carer as she felt there could be resentment. She highlighted that Direct Payments were important to help with such support. Wendy’s PA enabled her husband to continue working, still be a husband and Wendy still be a wife.
Nabeel Alsindi, GP and Place Medical Director, NHS South Yorkshire ICB reflected on what Phil and Wendy had explained to the Panel and highlighted that they provided more information than he could as a doctor for 15 years and GP for 10 years who had seen thousands of patients with memory problems. He said this is what living with dementia was like every day and if he had related on all the experiences as a medic, he would never be able to provide the insight they had at this meeting and through they work they undertook.
He explained that this was why co-production with people with lived experience was at the heart of strategy development and delivery. With regard to the partnership board it truly felt like a collaboration with the NHS and Council being in the minority. He highlighted that transport was a regular topic and provided a different slant on what was important to people when you had the opportunity to hear direct stories. He stressed that carers or staff that supported people with dementia and professionals would not be able to make such an impact, without the input from Wendy and Phil.
To accompany the report and discussion a presentation was provided addressing the Dementia Strategy outline and vision and working together in partnership to evidence achievements and make a difference to peoples lives.
Dr Nabeel Alsindi provided a timeline for the strategic review of the existing Dementia Strategy, the vision, achievements to date and case studies were provided by the Business Development Manager, Crossroads Care and National Dementia Development Manager Royal Voluntary Service.
The Director of Adults, Wellbeing and Culture (DASS) provided information relating to the current survey and next steps leading to co-production of a new strategy in December 2025.
The following areas were addressed in detail by the Panel:
Transport – In reference to the conversations earlier in the meeting in response to a question relating to community transport, it was explained that transport was regularly raised. It was noted that there were 4 community transport operators in South Yorkshire funded by South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA). That provided subsidised transport and were working out cheaper than a taxi but a little more expensive than the bus, but it was a door to door service. It was noted that 1600 people last year accessed health appointments through community transport making up 12% of the dial a ride journeys. It was stressed that community transport provided a good service helping people undertake everyday experiences for example going to the shops and having a hair cut. There was a 10% target increase next year and a new computer software installed that estimated journey times, enabling a 10 minute warning so that people were ready for their pick up time ensuring less delays. User and Non-user consultation was ongoing with service marketing being undertaken in October to coincide with national community transport week.
Dementia diagnosis rates – It was confirmed that the consultant vacancy was out to advert but the pressures were not only around this vacancy but it was confirmed the MDT’s (Multi-disciplinary Teams) continued assessments twice per week in all localities. There had been an increase in referrals with diagnosis continuing regardless of the vacant post. It was noted that there was a national shortage of consultants but there had been interest in the advertised post.
Reaching the 75% diagnosis rate – It was explained that the contract for Rotherham and Sheffield was different to Doncaster with GP’s undertaking assessments. GPs in Doncaster had not received the same offer therefore Doncaster’s assessments were still being undertaken in the same way. It was also recognised that some people in care homes may not have been diagnosed with only 41% of people in Doncaster with Dementia registered on the Dementia list which was well below average. It was now practice to receive referrals from residential homes whereas previously all residential home residents were assessed. It was stressed that the Integrated Care Board was aware of position and it was being investigated.
Diagnosis times – It was outlined that RDaSH currently had a target to reduce waiting times to 4 weeks but it was noted that they had no control over the time it took for the CT head scans to be undertaken through primary care but once they were complete the 4 week assessment began.
It was noted that Doncaster was currently meeting its diagnosis targets but this was currently not the case within Rotherham and Sheffield therefore additional support had been provided in those areas.
With regard to supporting people whilst they awaited diagnosis, Mindset Service provided a pre-diagnosis service with people being supported by a memory advisor. Work was being undertaken with GP services to improve support in relation to information and guidance and where people could be signposted to.
The Director of Public Health highlighted to the Panel the lived experience from Phil and Wendy at this meeting and with regard to aspects of their diagnosis, it was important to note there was not one single test to diagnose dementia but a number of tests including blood tests and brain scans but important to note not every patient would have every level of tests. MDTs would consider the raft of tests to ensure the right diagnosis ensuring all support services were available.
The Role of the provider was highlighted but also the commitment from the ICB that designed and commissioned the requirements of Doncaster residents.
The ICB representative outlined that there was disparity in how services were provided across South Yorkshire and he was working on improvements that could be made and to ensure the equity of provision to improve services.
Taxi driver Dementia training – it was explained that Doncaster’s Licensing Team incorporated a safeguarding training course followed by a competency test. The training included case studies relating to domestic violence, modern day slavery, criminal and sexual child exploitation and discharge from hospital for an older person. The training was not dementia specific but included examples of neurological conditions and raised awareness about mental health vulnerabilities. The training was refreshed every 3 years.
With regard to improving access to transport options recent research undertaken was acknowledged. The working group addressed private disability confidence and customer service in relation to private hire vehicles. The idea for taxi drivers who successfully completed the training to receive a gold standard award and be added to a priority listing to pick up people with dementia had been discussed and endorsed but unfortunately the funding for the project was unsuccessful but work was still ongoing to progress the proposals.
Information provision to people with dementia – in response to a Member questioning access to information to ensure the right choices and decisions were made about future care and support, the wish to bring further reports to the Scrutiny Panel in October on work with Carers and adult social care, was noted. At that meeting feedback on progress would be provided. People have requested further information and advice relating to when in hospital what would happen and what help would be provided to help plan ahead, what were a persons safeguarding rights if they felt vulnerable. The information would be co-produced to avoid jargon so it made sense to everyone who needed support.
Feedback from carers on current level of support – It was explained that as part of a current survey there was an entire section relating to carers, where this information and data would be gathered and reported on.
Council’s free Dementia training – in response to a query relating to how many carers were accessing the training, it was outlined that data was collated by the workforce development team and in 2024/25, 356 carers accessed the Tier 1 Dementia training with 167 accessing the 3 day Tier 2 training. The plan was to increase these numbers for the current year and analyse data to understand whether they were paid or unpaid carers and how could more unpaid carers access the training and support to help them undertake their role.
Later stages of Dementia – the Chair highlighted his concerns relating to care for people who were in the later stages of Dementia. It was explained that the Dementia Strategy needed to be as preventative as possible so more people could live a normal everyday life. It was recognised that people do not wish to go into a care home but to stay at home as long as possible, living well and staying in touch with the things they like to do. The Panel was reminded about a statement from Wendy about when she left hospital she did not want to go to a care home. It was stressed that lots of people with dementia have good lives in care homes but in Doncaster too many people were moving from hospital directly into a care home in later life without the chance to move back home again. In reality the Panel acknowledged when someone spends a period of time in hospital they could start to lose independence, familiar routines with decisions being made that prevented people returning home again. There was therefore a lot more work to be undertaken because people could live well at home.
Again in the current survey people were being asked about end of life care, were people aware of their options and support they could get in that process. It was outlined that as part of the Dementia pathway, a dignified death was important, with lots that could be undertaken including advanced care planning. The Panel was made aware of the broader palliative care strategy for South Yorkshire and as part of the baseline assessment work a review would be undertaken to support other work identified at this meeting.
Wendy highlighted that when she was diagnosed with dementia one of the first areas offered was a Power of Attorney and to put in place her wishes particularly with medical care and service support. People were addressing this with her earlier rather than when it was too late.
Deprivation of Liberty – A Member of the Panel questioned how could the Strategy take account of everyone’s personal circumstances as there were so many. He continued to outline his own lived experience caring for his father. Due to his father’s deterioration overnight a Power of Attorney could not be undertaken. His father was discharged into a care home where the staff were excellent.
He highlighted the care home applied for DoLs (Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards) that protected people who lack the capacity to consent to their care and treatment arrangements and that it was in the persons best interest and lawful. He continued to outline the requirements of the DoLs.
He stated that he visited his father regularly and even when he didn’t know who he was they had some amazing times together with laughter.
The Member asked the people in the room to make a commitment and become a Dementia friend, through dementia.org.uk.
The Director thanked the Councillor for highlighting this and recommended that people became a Dementia Friend. He explained that the DoLs was very technical and based around the legal idea of mental capacity. What people living with Dementia sometimes experienced was being by-passed and people talk to the person next to you and assume you have no capacity to understand. The Mental Capacity Act was clear in that you must assume a person has capacity and in charge of their own life. He explained that this Strategy would think about people individually and not to generalise. The strategy was developed through co-production based on peoples lived experience and not making assumptions.
RESOLVED that:-
i. The achievements of Doncaster’s last Dementia Strategy alongside the commitment to go further to improve information, advice, treatment and support for Doncaster’s people living with dementia and their carers, be noted; and
ii. The Panel’s discussion and report, be noted.
7
Overview and Scrutiny Work Plan and the Council's Forward Plan of Key Decisions
Attachments:
- Document MASTER WORK PLAN DRAFT 202526 25 Jun 2025
- Document Forward Plan 1st July to 31st Oct 25 25 Jun 2025
Minutes
The Senior Governance Officer presented the Overview and Scrutiny Work Plan for 2025/26 and the Council’s Forward Plan of Key Decisions for information.
RESOLVED that the report, be noted.
RESOLVED that the report, be noted.
Previous Meetings
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