Advisory Committee (social Work) - 05/06/2000

At a MEETING of the ADVISORY COMMITTEE (SOCIAL WORK) held at Dundee on Monday, 5th June, 2000.

APPENDIX I

Present:-

Councillor Betty WARD

Councillor Elizabeth FORDYCE

Mr. John MITCHELL

Ms Rhona REILLY

Mrs. Betty McNICOLL

Apology:-

An apology was submitted on behalf of Councillor Neil I. C. Powrie

Councillor WARD, Convener, in the Chair.

Prior to the commencement of business the Convener advised members that Ms McCulloch, Head of Registration and Inspection had recently given birth to a son and the Committee expressed their best wishes to Ms. McCulloch.

The Committee also welcomed Ms. Sue Melvin who had replaced Diane McCulloch as Head of Registration and Inspection.

I MINUTE

The minute of meeting of this Committee of 6th March, 2000 was submitted and approved as a correct record.

II REGISTRATION AND INSPECTION UNIT - UPDATE

Ms. Melvin reported that all performance indicators had been met with regard to the inspection of residential establishments. It was noted that there had been only one new registration application received for Riverside View which was a joint registration with Tayside Health Board and it was hoped that the consideration of this registration would be considered by the Social Work Committee at its meeting in August. The complaints procedure was also progressing.

In terms of patterns of care it was noted that there was an increasing number of smaller living units and indeed there were four small children's living units and the Close Support and Secure Unit was due to open later this year. This would provide accommodation for nine children, four of whom would have close support, five would have open. Onsite education would be provided and inspection would be carried out by Her Majesty's Inspector (HMI), Social Work Services Group and the local authority. In this connection the Convener invited any member who wished to visit the establishment to make contact with her to view it.

It was also noted that there were plans to open a new respite unit for children in Gillburn Road for children with disabilities and the Dudhope Centre was continuing its closure programme.

Dundee Survival Group had moved their premises to Foundry Lane, Dundee.

Ms. Melvin also advised that a great deal of time of staffing and inspection of the Registration Unit had been undertaken in respect of the preparation of new standards and that the unit itself would be relocating to Harefield House in September 2000.

The Committee thanked Ms. Melvin for her interesting and informative update.

III SCOTTISH COMMISSION FOR THE REGULATION OF CARE

There was submitted an article published in the 18th-24th May Edition of Community Care which advised that the timescale for the implementation for the Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care was slipping and it was likely to be the end of 2001 until it was established in full. Responsibilities would not be established to 2002. Ms. Melvin also advised that Dundee had put in a bid to have the Commission located in Dundee and a decision was awaited.

The Committee noted accordingly.

IV REGULATORY FEES FOR RESIDENTIAL CARE HOMES

There was submitted a letter dated 9th March, 2000 received from the Scottish Executive Community Care Division which set out the maximum fees payable for residential care homes in Scotland with effect from 1st April, 2000. These fees were as follows:

V ADULTS WITH INCAPACITY (SCOTLAND) ACT 2000

Ms Melvin reported that the above Act had Royal Assent in April 2000 and its main function was to safeguard adults who were incapacitated in terms of welfare and finance. The implications of the Act were likely to have an effect on managers of care homes and hospital managers who would require to put in suitable safeguards.

Others parts of the Act were due to come into effect in 2001 and 2002 and in this regard codes of practice would be published and it was hoped that they would be available from the Scottish Executive for August 2000.

The position was noted.

VI REGISTRATION OF PRIVATE SHELTERED HOUSING

With reference to paragraph 3 of the minute of meeting of this Committee of 6th March, 2000 Miss Reilly enquired if there had been any progress regarding the discussions relating to registration of private sheltered housing.

It was noted that concerns regarding the registration of private residential sheltered housing had been brought to the attention of the Commission when comments had been invited, but it was agreed that Ms. Melvin speak with Councillor Powrie direct regarding this issue.

The Committee noted accordingly.

VII NATIONAL STANDARDS FROM THE COMMISSION

Miss Melvin reported that the draft National Standards had just been produced and would be issued for consultation with a response requested by 31st August, 2000.

It was agreed to meet to discuss the response prior to the deadline for submission of comments.

VIII DATE OF NEXT MEETING

It was agreed to meet again on Monday, 14th August, 2000 at 12.30 p.m.

BETTY WARD, Convener.