Social Work And Health Committee - 09/09/2013

At a MEETING of the SOCIAL WORK AND HEALTH COMMITTEE held at Dundee on 9th September, 2013.

Present:-

BAILIES

COUNCILLORS

Councillor Ken LYNN, Convener, in the Chair.

The minute of meeting of this Committee of 19th August, 2013 was held as read.

Unless marked thus * all items stand delegated.

I DECLARATION OF INTEREST

No declarations of interest were made.

II KEMBACK STREET ADULT RESOURCE CENTRE

(a) DEPUTATIONS

The Committee agreed to hear deputations against the proposals from George Stewart and Jane Smith, Kemback Street Families and Carers' Group, Ian Hood, The Learning Disability Alliance, Scotland, and Moira Leck, Downs Syndrome Scotland. After they had stated their case and answered questions from members of the Committee, they were thanked for their attendance and withdrew.

Thereafter, the Committee agreed to hear Alex Davidson, Independent Consultant and after he had stated his case and answered questions from members of the Committee he was thanked for his attendance and withdrew.

(b) CONSULTANTS REPORT

On a reference to Article VIII of the minute of meeting of this Committee of 25th March, 2013 there was submitted Report No 367-2013 by Alex Davidson, Independent Consultant relative to the above.

The Committee noted the undernoted recommendations:-

(i) the publication of the keys to life provides an opportunity to revisit and revise engagement with carers in learning disability services, and the Council and partners should use their robust User Involvement Strategy, and appropriate, inclusive and co‑productive methods to further develop engagement;

(ii) reconfirm the Social Work Departments information and communication strategy for ongoing connection to service users and carers to inform the above activity. This would be aware of communication needs and assistive tools. The National Standards for Community Engagement provide a set of measurable performance for engagement;

(iii) a strategy for support of older carers should be developed with the Carers Centre and Advocacy Services to best support future consultation;

(iv) a continued assets approach for future development, involving wider partnership with arts, cultural and sports organisations, the voluntary sector to develop an infrastructure for inclusive day services should be developed, using the City of Culture application as a key opportunity for future development and legacy. Services should continue to develop on an assets based approach, localising activities and support services (such as the proposed Drop-in Centre and further self-advocacy and involvement);

(v) relationships to Community Planning regarding the issues for disability and learning disability in the wider community should be addressed (travel, access, services and activity, inclusion, health improvement and support);

(vi) age appropriate support needs should be specifically examined given the current use of traditional day service models;

(v) the Learning Disability Service should continue its approach to develop service responses based on an outcomes approach;

(vi) in the event of a decision to close the centre, transfer arrangements and guarantee of continuity of service (based on agreements reached with individuals and families) should be closely managed, involving current staff (and, if appropriate, specialist support from health services) in the short-term to help service user moves; and

(vii) meetings dedicated to carers issues, as currently developed and used, for example, in the Wellgate Centre should continue, as should dedicated focus for carers in developing the keys to life strategy.

(c) OUTCOME OF CONSULTATION

On a reference to Article VIII of the minute of meeting of this Committee of 25th March, 2013 there was submitted Report No 345-2013 by the Director of Social Work outlining the process and outcome of the consultation on the future of Kemback Street Adult Resource Centre.

Councillor Lynn, seconded by Councillor Back, moved that the Committee:-

(i) note the process and outcome of the consultation on the future of Kemback Street Adult Resource Centre;

(ii) agree to the closure of Kemback Street Adult Resource Centre by 29th November, 2013;

(iii) remit to the Director of Social Work to ensure that any transfer of supports for individuals is arranged in a way that respects and responds to the needs of each individual and their family and, in particular, ensure that staff from the Kemback Street Adult Resource Centre transfer to the Wellgate Day Support Service along with the service users who they support and that staff from the Kemback Street Adult Resource Centre remain at the Wellgate Day Support Service for as long as each individual service user needs in order to support those service users who move; and

(iv) agree the proposed actions detailed in Sections 4.5.7 and 4.6 of the report.

As an amendment, Councillor Keenan, seconded by Bailie Wright, moved that the Kemback Street Centre remain open for the delivery of services and that the Committee should note and recognise the dedication of the staff who have continued to offer an excellent service to the users of Kemback Street during the uncertainty of their own position.

On a division, there voted for the motion - Councillors Lynn, Guild, Alexander, Black, Bowes, Campbell, Cordell, Dawson, Hunter, McDonald, Melville, Murray, Lord Provost Duncan, Depute Lord Provost Roberts and Bailie Sawers (15); and for the amendment - Councillors Keenan, Asif, Bidwell, Brennan, Cruickshank, Ferguson, Gordon, McGovern, Bailie Wright and Bailie Scott (10) - whereupon the motion was declared carried.

Ken LYNN, Convener.