To receive any deputations notified under Standing Order 12.
Minutes:
Deputations were received from:
Item 6 (Orchard Close) --
Mr David Humphries (Carer)
On behalf of parent carers at Orchard Chose, David Humphries returned to address Members. He thanked Member for listening and unanimously making the right decisions. Carers save millions of pounds by continuing caring but continue to need the support of vital services. They are happy to work together with Hampshire County Council to protect these services and provide very good value for money.
Some carers were confused about the wording on the consultation which may be reflected in the percentages. While running with reduced services, carers want to better understand the impact on levels of service. Selling beds at other sites is a cautious estimate but can generate more revenue. Flexible staffing and using social care students could help further with staffing. Carers would like to build trust and transparency with management and the Council as work has begun setting up Friends of Orchard Close to secure a longer-term future and improve the already excellent services being provided. David thanked the Members for their time and their efforts.
Item 8b (Southern Health Foundation Trust) --
Mr Geoff Hill
Mr Hill wished to speak on Item 8 and specifically 8b, the Southern Health CQC Inspection Report. He drew attention to the independent report and limited public investigation, which led to NHS Improvements engagement. He felt the CQC had not accurately reported the work with families affected and that the family liaison officer had not been in touch with bereaved families. Mr Hill was offered an opportunity to act as a critical friend but direct engagement with the Trust stopped soon afterwards. He does not believe the Trust is well-led, that the Trust conducts needs reassessment and has concerns about issues remaining unresolved and the leadership distancing itself from Trust failures. He noted systemic problems and the lack of following recommendations and learning from the Trust’s failings.
Mrs Teresa Skelton
Mrs Skelton spoke about her negative experiences and concerns about the Police and psychiatric care provided by Southern Health. She had received help from Geoff Hill.
The Chairman noted her statement.
Item 9 (Adult Safeguarding) --
Mr Russell Stevens
Mr Stevens provided a deputation on behalf of himself and his wife regarding the safeguarding of vulnerable adults who need to be kept safe from harm. He had tried to raise concerns with individuals and agencies with little understanding or assistance, which included failure to adequately provide protection from abuse by the Hampshire County Council and appropriate action not being taken to understand and address concerns. He noted that a lack of adequate resources was being used as a defence. He noted that an independent regulator rather than self-auditing and regulation would better manage risks. Mr Stevens noted that he is standing in the Southern Health elections to be a public governor to help and do further work in this respect. He thanked Members for their time.
The Chairman noted that one other statement was emailed to Members directly as the deputation request was not received in time.