To elect a Chairman of the Health Scrutiny Board for the 2014/2015 Municipal Year.

Councillor Davies was elected Chairman of the Health Scrutiny Board for the 2014/2015 Municipal Year.

Councillor Davies in the Chair

It was reported that, in accordance with wishes of the Liberal Democrat Group, the membership of the Board had been amended by including Councillors Pountney and Stocks in place of Councillors Faulkner (A) and Doggett respectively.

To consider appointing a Vice-chairman of the Board for the coming Municipal Year.

Resolved:  that Councillor Hernandez be appointed Vice-Chairman of the Health Scrutiny Board for 2014/2015.

To confirm as correct records the Minutes of the meetings of this Committee held on 20 February 2014.

The minutes of the meeting of the Health Scrutiny Board held on 20 February 2014 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To receive a briefing on mental health and learning disability services in Torbay and to agree the scope of the work of the Board for the coming year.

The Board received a briefing on issues around mental health and learning disability services in Torbay from the Director of Adult Services for Torbay Council as well as representatives from the Southern Devon and Torbay Clinical Commissioning Group and Devon Partnership NHS Trust.

Some of the issues that the Board discussed included:

·         The impact of reducing the number of Supporting People schemes as a result of funding cuts

·         The need  for agencies to work together to support people with learning disabilities to find and maintain employment

·         The need for low level support to be available to prevent crises developing

·         The recognition that people with physical health needs may also have mental health needs

·         The alternatives available to bed based care and the need to provide beds locally if necessary

Resolved:  that, in six months time, the Director of Adult Services and NHS colleagues report back to the Health Scrutiny Board on the action that has been undertaken, within the limited resources available, to ensure that awareness of mental health issues is raised within organisations across Torbay and that people can be appropriately signposted to services, if necessary.

(Note:  Prior to consideration of the item in Minute 15, Councillor Thomas (J) declared a personal interest as a Director of Shekinah and Councillor Stocks declared a personal interest as her son works for Devon Partnership NHS Trust on Haytor Ward.  During consideration of the item in Minute xxx, Councillor Stocks also declared an interest as a Director of Pluss.)