HAMPSHIRE'S INNOVATION FORUM PROJECT

1. The local authorities awarded "Excellent" status in the recent Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA) have formed an Innovation Forum to develop new initiatives. One of the first of these initiatives, which is being developed by ten authorities including Hampshire, involves working with health colleagues to promote the well-being of older people, and reduce their need for emergency stays in hospital and dependence on other emergency services. The project supports Aim 1 of the Corporate Strategy (Maximising Life Opportunities) by contributing to the Cabinet priorities for older people.

2. The ten authorities are approaching this task in a wide variety of ways, reflecting the individual circumstances in each locality. Hampshire is developing a scheme that involves working in partnership with four primary care trusts (PCTs) - East Hants, Fareham and Gosport, Eastleigh and Test Valley South, and the New Forest PCTs - and involves social workers and nurses working together with a number of primary care practices to provide proactive care and support for frail older people at risk who are making increasing use of emergency services. The wishes, priorities and concerns of each older person invited to take part in the scheme, and those of his or her family, are central and shape the priorities of a care plan specifically developed for them.

3. The project is being coordinated by Mr. David Browning who was formerly an associate director with the Public Services Research Team of the Audit Commission and who, for many years, led national studies of community care and services for older people. The project is being monitored by the London School of Economics.

4. Whilst the project is still in its infancy, early indications are most encouraging with staff now in post and beginning to address, and resolve, how best they should deliver the project. Accordingly, the Cabinet has endorsed progress with the initiative and if it is successful ways of applying the approach more widely throughout the County will be developed.

T.K. THORNBER, CBE

Chairman

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