The Assistant Director for Care and Health and Commissioning for People introduced the report of the Director of Care and Health, which provided a performance report in relation to Adult Social Care and Health, designed based on discussions with Members through working group activity in 2020 and 2021.

It was outlined that care home numbers remained stable despite demographic changes and pressures within the system due to hospital discharges, and that vacancies had slightly reduced to 18.8%. Further explanation was given to that figure, where it was anticipated that NHS England would amend the capacity tracker to only show available beds which would alter the way in which the vacancy rate was reported to members. The quality of care homes was also reported on, with 32% of homes being rated ‘requires improvement’ or ‘inadequate’, with the quality improvement team working hard to improve standards and addressing areas of action plans.

Members discussed the different performance indicators in detail including domiciliary care and discharge to assess. It was felt that performance indicators for health services would enable members to have a better understanding of the system and officers undertook to provide this at future meetings. Concerns were raised in relation to the care homes rated as ‘requires improvement’ or ‘inadequate’ and it was queried whether the names of care homes that the local authority suspends placements to due to performance should be publicised. The Chair outlined that the Head of Legal Services would need to consider the issue and report back to the Committee.

Resolved – That the report be noted.