Cornwall Partners in Care News

Cornwall Partners in Care hold weekly briefings with Cornwall Council and Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation trust. These meetings involve Jonathan Price (Joint Director Adult Care and Health for Cornwall Council and NHS Kernow) and Phil Confue (Chief Executive of Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation trust), as well as David Smith (CPIC Chairman) and representatives from the CPIC Committee.

Daily update - 12th March 2021

1/ Jonathon stated that some Providers were not accepting new placements and it was felt that this could be due to "covid fatigue". It was acknowledged that there were a high number of empty beds across the sector, and that the intention was for Locality Commissioners to commence a post Covid dialogue with Care Home Providers to discuss this over the forthcoming month. These discussions could also consider the impact of Care Act and CHC assessments to determine permanent placements and future funding arrangements for these clients. Jonathon stated that Peter Lister was involved with this, and it was agreed that he attend the next Friday meeting.

2/ Derek stated that some rejections could be due to the complexity of the current Service Request Form, and advised that he was planning to review the process over the next couple of weeks to make it more streamlined and automated. He asked for Provider input into the review process which would also incorporate bed bureau and brokerage arrangements and stated that this would be led by Dylan and the Area Directors.

3/ I asked if the new organisational arrangements could be circulated. I also confirmed that CPIC would be presenting a short paper on cost pressures along with proposed communication arrangements for the future, along with proposals to feed into the new Integrated Care arrangements. It was acknowledged that increased dialogue with GPs especially with respect to Care at Home should be more integrated ,and it was noted that funding might be available for some form of Enhanced Care Community Care Programme.

4/ Christine asked that an additional DPS tier be considered for End of Life,especially as there were information shortfalls when Health request forms were received, and it was agreed that Derek look into this as an alignment issue.

5/ It was noted that uplift information had now been published, and that the different rates for Care Homes and Care at Home reflected differing methodologies.

6/ Phil asked for more support and consideration for Care at Home Providers providing a service in a new area, so as to maintain sustainability. It was noted that opportunities to take on whole rounds from Corcare could assist with commercial viability.

7/ I raised the fact that CPIC had not been involved at an early stage following the withdrawal of an LD Provider from the market, and Jonathon agreed to discuss this with Ann Smith.

8/ Mary asked for an update on the Mears Extra Care Housing Programme. Jonathon stated that they were progressing 3 sites in St Austell, Falmouth and Lelant to provide around 200 units which would become available in about 2 years time,utilising Council owned land, with another 5 sites in the pipeline. Mary suggested more localised projects involving Care Homes choosing to exit the market and/or disused chapels. Jonathon stated that these projects should be perceived as an opportunity rather than a threat.