The Adults Social Care and Health Scrutiny Board of Oldham Council discussed several key issues, including updates on sexual health services, the establishment of a Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee for the Northern Care Alliance, and the challenges facing the adult social care workforce. Decisions were made to support the establishment of the Joint Scrutiny Committee and to approve the direction of the workforce strategy.

Sexual Health Update

Rebecca Fletcher, Director of Public Health, submitted a report on the provision of sexual health services in Oldham. Andrea Entwistle, Senior Business and Commissioning Manager, introduced a presentation by HCRG Care Group and Early Break, detailing progress in improving sexual health outcomes and achieving budget reduction targets. The presentation highlighted a reduction in online services but an increase in walk-in patients. Concerns about confidentiality in pharmacies were acknowledged, and improvements are being considered.

The report noted an increase in sexually transmitted infections (STIs), particularly Gonorrhoea and Syphilis, and emphasised the importance of targeting harder-to-reach groups. Pharmacies are playing an increasing role in delivering contraception and sexual health services, reducing pressure on GP surgeries. The Meeting Your Needs Oldham (MYNO) service has achieved savings of £65,000 for 2023/24, with a further £85,000 needed for 2024/25.

A discussion on HIV testing and the use of PrEP highlighted the importance of early testing and diagnosis. Members suggested attending Pride events for testing and requested future reports include numbers rather than percentages and information on working with the voluntary sector.

Resolved:

1. The report and presentation were noted.
2. The Chair and Director of Adult Care will include update reports in the new work programme for 2024/25.

Joint Scrutiny Committee - Northern Care Alliance

The Assistant Chief Executive and Statutory Scrutiny Officer presented a report on the proposed Terms of Reference and Working Principles for the Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee (JHOSC) for the Northern Care Alliance. The JHOSC will scrutinise services provided by the Northern Care Alliance in Bury, Oldham, Rochdale, and Salford, contributing to policy development to improve health and reduce health inequalities.

Bury MBC’s Health Scrutiny Committee requested amendments to ensure at least one councillor from each authority is present for decisions and clarification on waiving political proportionality.

Options considered:

1. Support the establishment of a Joint Scrutiny Committee.
2. Do not support the establishment of a Joint Scrutiny Committee.

Resolved:

1. The Terms of Reference, with Bury MBC’s amendments, were recommended for approval.
2. The Council was recommended to authorise the establishment of the Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee for Northern Care Alliance.

Adult Social Care Workforce Update

Hayley Eccles and Claire Hooley presented a report on the Adult Social Care workforce and strategy. The workforce has been identified as a significant risk due to recruitment and retention challenges, increased case complexity, and staff leaving for better salaries and conditions elsewhere. These issues impact the delivery of statutory Care Act duties and the ability to achieve savings and improvements.

A workforce strategy has been drafted to attract and retain staff, improve the learning environment, and establish clear career pathways. The strategy aims to reduce reliance on agency staff and focus on Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion.

Milestones and timescales:

• By end of March 2024: Workforce strategy developed and signed off, retention comms package developed, and Social Care Academy scope signed off.
• By end of June 2024: Recruitment comms package commenced, workforce dataset reported monthly, and retention comms package embedded.
• By end of December 2024: Social Care Academy live.

Members welcomed the report and suggested including people with Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) in the programme and exploring collaboration with other authorities.

Resolved: The report was noted, and approval was given to the direction of the Workforce Strategy.

Work Programme

The Adults Social Care and Health Scrutiny Board’s Work Programme for 2023/24 was circulated for consideration.

Resolved: The work programme was noted.

For more details, you can refer to the Minutes Public Pack 07032024 Adults Social Care and Health Scrutiny Board.