Agenda and minutes

The Chair to note apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Cathrine Russell (Chair) Councillor Brian Sargeant and Councillor Aziz. 

At this point the Chair showed a short Utube video around support for those living with dementia.  The video was well received by the Panel.

The Chair to note public address requests.

The public can speak on any agenda item for a maximum of three minutes per speaker per item.  You are not required to register your intention to speak in advance but should arrive at the meeting a few minutes early, complete a Public Address Protocol and notify the Scrutiny Officer of your intention to speak.

There were none.

Members to state any interests.

There were none.

The Scrutiny Panel to approve the minutes of the meeting held on 27 November 2017.

The minutes of the meeting held on 27 November 2017 were signed by the Chair as a true and accurate record.

The Scrutiny Panel to report back from its recent site visits.

The Chair presented the briefing note on the recent site visits highlighting the salient points.

The Scrutiny Panel made comment, asked questions and heard:

·         It was commented on the excellent support for both people living with dementia and their carers that was provided by the Churches in Lutterworth.

·         The Call Care Manager confirmed that similar Groups are being investigated to being set up in Northampton. A Group will commence in March 2018, 3 times a week at the central Library, Northampton.

·         Some churches in Northampton already host Dementia Cafes.  NIFF is also managing an action alliance.  A potential recommendation of the final report was suggested “that NIFF is involved in the creation of an action plan for Northampton town to become a Dementia Friendly town.

The evidence obtained from the site visit will inform the evidence base of this Scrutiny Review.

The Chair and Deputy Chair to provide feedback from the recent Conference - Dementia 2017: Managing Demand, Improving Care

The Chair presented the briefing note on the recent  conference highlighting the salient points.

The evidence obtained from will inform the evidence base of this Scrutiny Review.

Councillors Meredith and Duffy to provide feedback from the recent Conference  - Future Directions in Dementia care.

Councillor Duffy presented the briefing note on the recent  conference highlighting the salient points.

The evidence obtained from will inform the evidence base of this Scrutiny Review.

The Scrutiny Panel to receive written evidence from a variety of key expert advisors:

Transport Providers 

Faith Forum

Age UK

Private Care Homes in the Town

Carers’ Associations

Jason Ball, Transport Manager, UNO Buses, Northampton, presented the written response to the core questions; highlighting the salient points.  A copy of the response is appended to the minutes.

The Scrutiny Panel asked questions, made comment and heard:

·         All drivers of UNO receive training and Jason Ball confirmed the organisation is keen to ensure the drivers are trained to a level of understanding and awareness of those living with dementia.

·         It was suggested that it would be useful for UNO to liaise with the Police regarding raising awareness of those living with dementia

·         Jason Ball confirmed that he was not currently aware of “Keep Safe Cards”, he acknowledged their value and added that it would be good for drivers of UNO to receive some short dementia friends and awareness raising training.  Dementia Champions would deliver the training.  Jason Ball would be provided with the relevant contact details.

·         The Co-Optee confirmed that it would be most useful for carers to be aware that bus drivers had received the relevant training. 

·         Jason Ball confirmed that carers would be able to travel on the buses free, subject to proof of being a carer.  The Co Optee confirmed a photo ID card could be investigated.  The Scrutiny Panel confirmed it would consider this as a potential recommendation of its final report.

·         “Keep safe” cards are very useful and are being rolled out to all those who are categorised as vulnerable.

·         The Scrutiny Panel suggested a potential recommendation for its final report “That the Council investigates Dementia Friends Champion training for relevant members of staff.”

·         The Scrutiny Panel suggested a further recommendation of its final report that the full criteria for the town of Northampton to become a dementia friendly town.

Mr Ball was thanked for his informative address.

The Scrutiny Panel to receive responses to its core questions from a variety of key expert advisors

Lloyd Butcher and Helen Crawford, Alzheimer’s Society, Northamptonshire, presented their written response to the core questions of the Scrutiny Panel; highlighting the salient points.

The Scrutiny Panel made comment, asked questions and heard:

·         The written response was welcomed

·         It would be useful for more businesses to come on board with Dementia Friendly town initiative, such as shops and banks.  It is therefore very important for the BID to submit a response, a response from banks and a response from market traders.  An additional meeting would be scheduled for further evidence gathering.

·         There is a real need for better understanding and awareness of people living with dementia

Mr Butcher and Ms Crawford were thanked for their informative address.

A response from the Director, Northants Health Watch, Director Northampton Health Trust, Dementia Team, Northants General Hospital was not received.

A response from the Director,  Northampton BID was not received. The Chair confirmed that they would be contacted again as a response from the BID is most important in informing the evidence base.

A response from Highways, NCC, was not received.  The Chair advised that the Transportation Manager had been in contact and confirmed that should he have any information to report he would do; but currently there was nothing that could be added.