Agenda item

Purpose

1.    To update Members (following the Cabinet report in October 2021) on the delivery of the Health and Care Portsmouth vision for developing a local integrated intermediate care offer which offers Discharge to Assess, (D2A) rehabilitation, reablement and recovery support, primarily in people's home and in community beds where necessary that meets the needs of Portsmouth citizens.

2.    To seek the necessary approvals to enable Adult Social Care to continue to work with Health & Care partners in the city to permanently establish a Discharge to Assess unit comprising beds within Harry Sotnick House.

RECOMMENDED that the Cabinet Member

1.    Agree to the transfer of staff to Solent NHS Trust via either TUPE or s113 of the Local Government Act 1972 as appropriate to deliver D2A services within the Harry Sotnick House site.

2.    Agree that the Director of Adult Care continue negotiations and enter into the necessary agreements with Health & Care partners, in consultation with the s.151 officer and the City Solicitor, (or their delegates) to establish a permanent jointly funded and commissioned D2A unit within Harry Sotnick House.

1.    Agreed to the transfer of staff to Solent NHS Trust via either TUPE or s113 of the Local Government Act 1972 as appropriate to deliver D2A services within the Harry Sotnick House site.

2.    Agreed that the Director of Adult Care continue negotiations and enter into the necessary agreements with Health & Care partners, in consultation with the s.151 officer and the City Solicitor, (or their delegates) to establish a permanent jointly funded and commissioned D2A unit within Harry Sotnick House.

Andy Biddle, Director of Adult Care, introduced the report.

In response to questions from members, Mr Biddle explained that physiotherapy and occupational therapy are essential to rehabilitation which is why the recommendations are being made. Transferring responsibility for the Southsea Unit to Solent NHS allows patients to benefit from their specialities. 

It is anticipated the Southsea Unit will be up and running by the end of September 2022. If it is not ready then the prospect of closing any beds would be unpalatable and cause anxiety. If HR matters can be resolved then the unit should be ready in time. If progress is derailed then a report would be brought back to the portfolio. There has been considerable work since the beginning of the calendar year on aligning communications between the council and Solent NHS.

With regard to staffing, if staff transfer under TUPE they normally transfer with the council's terms and conditions. However, a restructure would cause difficulties. The council would have to ensure reasonable stability of employment in order not to see any detriment to staff. Councillor Winnington acknowledged the council was resolving details and would want to avoid the threat of redundancy.

With regard to the closure of Jubilee House, it is an old building and sub-optimal. There have been concerns in the past about its integrity and reports have gone to the Health Overview & Scrutiny Panel in the last few years. Councillor Winnington noted that more care settings are being considered for the site and patients from Hampshire had been discharged there during the pandemic.

Richard Webb, Finance Manager, explained that officers were working with the Portsmouth Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) to consider permanent funding provision for 40 beds; currently there is permanent funding for 30 beds with temporary NHS funding for 10 beds. Officers will not know with certainty about NHS funding for the additional 10 beds until the end of the financial year but they can fund at least 30 beds.

Mr Biddle explained that the CCG had been replaced by the Integrated Care System (ICS) with effect from 1 July. The ICS comprises the Integrated Care Board (an NHS body with statutory duties and functions) and the Integrated Care Partnership (which prepares a strategic plan and guides the Board). He anticipates a decision being made by the Board as it is a statutory NHS body. Councillor Winnington noted the Board had strong local representation as its membership includes, for example, Portsmouth's Chief Executive and social care and public health directors from across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. He was confident funding would be secured for the future. Members noted that Discharge to Assess units have made a massive difference to people's lives and are much needed; the Southsea Unit builds on fantastic work.

DECISIONS

1.    Agreed to the transfer of staff to Solent NHS Trust via either TUPE or s113 of the Local Government Act 1972 as appropriate to deliver D2A services within the Harry Sotnick House site.

2.    Agreed that the Director of Adult Care continue negotiations and enter into the necessary agreements with Health & Care partners, in consultation with the s.151 officer and the City Solicitor, (or their delegates) to establish a permanent jointly funded and commissioned D2A unit within Harry Sotnick House.