84-98 Southampton Road, Eastleigh on Tuesday 27 November 2001.

PRESENT

Ms L. Legg (Chairman); Councillor Mrs V. Steel (Vice-Chairman); R. Ferguson;

Ms M. Johnson; Councillor N. Lacey; G. Lewis; R. Thorp; Councillor Mrs P.A. West.

7. MINUTES

The Minutes of the Meeting of the Panel held on 20 July 2001 were, subject to the word your being substituted with the word young in the last line of the preamble of Minute No. 4, confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

8. UPDATE ON THE TRANSITION PLAN

The Director of Social Services presented a report updating Members on progress with the Transition Plan. (Item 2 in the Minute Book). Details were given on the transfer of data and files, registration issues for services currently covered by regulation; staffing issues and other matters assisting the transition. The Registration and Inspection Unit was on target for meeting the demands of the transition plan but staff were under increased pressure.

Members congratulated Carolyn Adcock on her appointment as the Area Manager for Hampshire.

With regards the transition plan concern was expressed on proposals for different standards/requirements for homes for young adults and homes for older people; the bed blocking issues where homes were closing resulting in facilities being lost; the draft standards for children's homes and the implications on staffing and the lack of response from the Department of Health on communications with them.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted and the Chairman writes to the Secretary of State for Health, the Shadow Secretary of State for Health and all Hampshire Members of Parliament expressing the concerns raised.

9. MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS NOW AND INTO THE COMMISSION

The Director of Social Services reported that Glyn Jones had now been appointed as the County Manager for Physical Disabilities but would continue to oversee the transfer to the Commission. Carolyn Adcock had now been appointed Area Manager for Hampshire, five locality managers were to be appointed and there would be some fifty inspectors. Under the transfer regulations some inspectors had taken the opportunity to relocate to other parts of the country.

10. FEEDBACK FROM MEETINGS WITH PROVIDERS

The Director of Social Services gave details of consultation that had taken place with provider groups and the feedback received from them. Issues raised included, Children's Homes, Residential Special Schools and the fact that Residential Special Schools open for 52 weeks a year were now considered to be Children's Homes; the maximum numbers of beds per room required under regulations; Care Homes for younger people; passenger lifts in homes, bed blocking and the difficulties in recruiting staff.

11. MEETING 2002

RESOLVED:

That the next meeting of the Panel takes place at 10.30 a.m. on Tuesday
5 March 2002.

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