Appendix 11a

Visit of the Adult Social Care and Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee to Highfield Health and Wellbeing Centre

Friday 11th January 2008

In attendance

Councillor Stansfield

Councillor Mrs Taylor

Councillor Lee

Councillor Mrs Ridyard

Councillor Haskett

Councillor Bell

Councillor Houldsworth

Present

Jennifer Jaynes, Assistant Director, Integrated Care Services

Ann Armstrong, Judith Jackson and Linda Lonsdale Integrated Care Services

Laura Latham, Business Services

Members were welcomed to Highfield Health and WellBeing Centre by Mrs J Jaynes. She explained that the Centre had been purpose built in 1991 to provide older persons which a quality day facility. She explained that Highfield Health and Wellbeing Service helps older people aged 65 and over to remain healthy, to enjoy activities and learning and to remain independent.

Partnership Working

Mrs A Armstrong explained that key to providing a co-ordinated continuum of care for service users was partnership working. She highlighted to Members the range of partnerships between the Centre and local organisations which included a number of Higher Education Colleges, HMP Kirkham Open Prison, Disability Information and Support, a range of voluntary services and Blackpool Primary Care Trust.

She explained that the range of partnerships across all areas of the service had collective benefits for Service Users, the organisation and partners alike.

Mrs J Jaynes explained that the centre was also used as a placement for students on the Cadet Scheme, which was currently in its second year of running. She explained that the Cadet Scheme was available for 20 young people aged 16-19 years who either had aspirations to work in Health and Social Care, or who may have been underachieving at school and needed career guidance. As part of the Scheme students undertook placements in a variety of health and social care settings, in conjunction with studying towards NVQ Level 2 and 3 in Health and Social Care.

Centre Walkabout

Members were informed that approximately 175 users accessed provision at the Centre, with the maximum number of attendees per day set at 50. It was noted that eligibility was based on national criteria, and all referrals were made through professionals in the Adult Social Care Service.

In response to questioning from Members, it was highlighted that the waiting list was approximately 5 weeks long, and those service users requiring wheelchairs may have to wait longer for accessible transport to become available.

Members were given a guided tour of the Centre and viewed all the facilities available for service users. This included the following purpose built facilities;

  • Hairdressing Facilities
  • Dayroom and Games Room
  • Hydrotherapy room
  • Computer Suite
  • Therapy and relaxation room

Issues highlighted by Service Users

Members were introduced to two Service Users who shared their experiences of attending the Centre and highlighted a number of changes which they had observed over the previous years.

In response to questioning from Members it was highlighted that Service Users felt that day trips outside the Centre, which had occurred regularly in the past had been a great loss during recent years. It was however noted that short trips did take place.

Both Service Users agreed that the staff at the Centre were excellent and assisted them with a wide range of activities within the Centre which included help with email / IT, exercise sessions, art activities and individual personal care. They stressed that without the Centre they would feel extremely isolated at home and it provided much needed social interaction and activities.

It was noted that transport times to and from the Centre varied, depending on the organisation of the pick-up route, and some Service Users paid for taxis to enable them to attend earlier in the morning.

Issues highlighted by Carers

Members were introduced to two Carers of Service Users at the Centre. They noted that the Centre was a great help to families and carers as it enabled them to be relieved of their caring responsibilities for a number of hours during the day.

However, they explained that as pick-up times could be as late as 11am on some days, and drop off times could be as early at 3pm, this was not long enough for Carers / Families to carry out their household chores or maintain employment. The irregularity of pick-up / drop off times also restricted families somewhat. It was suggested that if the day was extended, it would provide greater support for families caring for people.

In response to questioning from Members it was noted that Social Services had provided families with additional services in the home environment and this was much needed. The Carers also reported that staff at the Centre were excellent.

Mrs J Jaynes confirmed that the cost of attending the centre and transport was set on an annual basis, and further financial contributions were means tested for Service Users.