Issue - meetings

To consider a report by the Head of Adult Services (copy attached) which outlined the progress of the North East Wales Emergency Duty Team (NEWEDT).

                                                                                                         10.10 a.m.

A copy of a report by the Head of Adult and Business Services, which outlined the progress of the North East Wales Emergency Duty Team (NEWEDT), had been circulated with the papers for the meeting.

The Head of Adult and Business Services introduced the report which provided information on the developments in the NEWEDT service particularly in relation to:-

·        Feedback from a workshop held to Review the Service Operational Model.

·        Request by Conwy County Council to become a Member of the NEWEDT.

·        Information and Systems.

·        Review of 2011 -12 Service Outcomes and Performance Indicators.

·        Key Service Objectives 2012-13.

NEWEDT provided an emergency social work service, based and managed in Wrexham, for the Counties of Wrexham, Flintshire and Denbighshire during the hours when mainstream services were closed.  It was explained that Conwy County Borough Council had requested to become Partners in the NEWEDT.  The focus of the review of the Service Operational Delivery Model had incorporated service strategy; governance arrangements; organisational structure and management accountability, including consideration given to potential efficiency savings.  Action points identified by the review had been included in the report and were being progressed.

Following agreement at the Partnership Operational Management Board a Consultant had been interviewed and commissioned to complete a business case on behalf of the Partner Authorities with the main focus being the feasibility of a proposed enlargement of the current Partnership and thorough analysis of risk.

The report also provided details relating to the Information and Systems, Review of 2011 -12 Service Outcomes and Performance indicators, Performance Data, Key Services Objectives 2012 -13 and an outline of the Consultation process.

In reply to a question regarding response times and distance travelled to attend emergencies, the EDT Regional Co-ordinator confirmed that 45 minutes would be the maximum response time within the County.  However, work was undertaken with a number of other Agencies who provided assistance if required.  The Head of Adult and Family Services confirmed that response times in respect of Doctors acting under Section 12 of the Mental Health Act 1983 had now improved.

Councillor E.A. Jones highlighted the equalities aspect of the process and the importance of ensuring the protection of the rights of vulnerable people.  The Head of Adult and Family Services confirmed that Welsh speaking staff were available to provide the service.  He also provided an outline of the process adopted, which could if required, be conducted in various other languages.

The Committee were informed of the emergency service arrangements for the Christmas period, details of which had been included on the internet, and it was agreed the emergency number could be circulated to Members of the Committee.

In response to a question from Councillor J.A. Davies, the Head of Adult and Family Services provided details of the provision of training for members of staff, particular reference was made to the provision of training to ensure staff recognise mental illness relate problems.

The Democratic Services Officer responded to a question from Councillor J. Butterfield and provided details of the process adopted for addressing issues, concerns and recommendations made by the Committee.

Following a brief discussion, it was:-

RESOLVED – that the Partnerships Scrutiny Committee:-

(a)   receives and notes the contents of the report, and

(b)   the emergency telephone number be circulated to Members of the Committee.