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Work Programme

Work Programme Monthly Activity Reports
Work Programme 2007-2008
Work Programme and Summary of Performance 2005-2006
Joint Council Work Programme 2004-2007

Work Programme 2007-2008

The Western Health & Social Services Council’s Work Programme sets out its annual objectives to meet the overall aims of Health & Social Services Councils.

An annual report on performance against the work programme will ensure that the Council remains accountable to the public and the Department of Health & Social Services.

Aim 1: To increase visibility and accessibility to members of the public

Objectives	WHSSC Work Programme
To engage the public and voluntary and community groups in HSSC’s work	Involve patients/clients/carers in the Council’s work programme through its working groups and consultation events Engage with service users and the public in e.g. Rural Medicine, TCH reconfiguration issues and the implementation of the new PCC
Increase public access to the Council	Increase public awareness of Council and proposed changes with advent of PCC Ensure Council meetings are accessible to the public Update and maintain website Provide opportunities for individuals, voluntary and community groups to meet with the Council
Act as recognised point of media contact for public interest in Health and Social care	Maintain media profile Chair and Chief Officer to avail of media training Maintain OOH’s Chief Officer contact for media Provide briefing to Chair on public interest issues Access appropriate information to support public comment

Aim 2: To monitor HPSS provision to the public

Objectives	WHSSC Work Programme
To visit health and social care facilities	Visit appropriate facilities which will complement the monitoring programme Planned visits to include: - Mental Health admission wards (SLT area) - Erne Health Centre (patient experience) - Bugwatch - two hospitals - NIAS control centres Visit facilities which reflect public concern Ensure members receive appropriate training and briefings prior to visits Provide feedback on visits to the Council
Maintain annual monitoring programme	Continue with any outstanding issues arising from last year’s monitoring programme Develop working relationships with new Trusts and Commissioners Monitor service provision through Council and its working groups in the following areas: - Implementation of Foyle Mental Health Review - Input to SLT Mental Health Review - Ambulance service provision ref TCH reconfiguration - OT services in SLT area - Autism services and Speech and Language Therapy - Cancer services; Breast care Clinics; Colon Cancer Surgery; Specialist Nurses and shared care arrangements for children with cancer - Carer’s Assessment - Respite services - Community provision for children with severe disabilities - Domiciliary care - New GMS contract - The patient perspective - Access to NHS Dentistry Provide training for members involved in Pharmacy Practices Committee and National Appeal Panels
Monitor and act on public interest concerns raised by members, service users or media	Provide opportunities for members of the public to raise their concerns with the Council and its members Maintain good working relationship with media Respond to individual concerns raised by members, public or media
Monitor complaints within the HPSS	Monitor HPSS complaints for trends in service provision Monitor complaint handling in new Trust including patient/client access to complaints procedure Audit complaint activity across new Trust Monitor outcome and implementation of HPSS complaints process review.

Aim 3: Advise on HPSS policies, strategies and operations

Objectives	WHSSC Work Programme
Influence the development of HPSS policies and strategies	Receive information from HPSS on policy and strategy Ensure Council represented at policy and strategy group meetings Invite relevant speakers to Council Promote debate and understanding of Council and members on HPSS policy Make Council’s views known to MLA’s – Executive
Influence operational decision makers	Organise regular liaison meetings with new Trusts and commissioners Ensure Council and public interest represented on appropriate external working groups Chief Officer/Chair meet regularly with Chief Executive and Boards
Represent public interest in HPSS consultations	Respond to local and regional consultations Promote workshop style debate on issues under consultation Invite relevant presentations Encourage and support wider public debate Support joint Council working on consultations Publish all responses on Council Website
Maintain appropriate representation on external Committees with Health & Social Care agenda	Continue to monitor and review representation Provide support and information to members on external committees/groups Ensure feedback from representatives Monitor capacity to maintain representation Promote patient/client/carer involvement in such groups

Aim 4: To provide complaints assistance

Objectives

WHSSC Work Programme

Support and advise service users and carers when making complaints about the HPSS

Manage capacity within Council to maintain service Ensure clients and public have a range of access points to the Council’s service Provide information and signposting service Support complainants through all stages of process Agree transition protocols across Four HSSCs’ for providing support Communicate any new arrangements to complainants Ensure full consent of complainants for transfer of personal data to PCC Contribute to HSSC’s Complaints Officer Forum Contribute to WHSSB Complaints Forum Engage with new Trust CSCG and Complaints Officers to ensure smooth transition from old Trusts re public’s access to their complaints process Review and improve Council’s reporting on complaints support and advice service

Aim 5: To develop and implement transition arrangements for HSSC to PCC

Objectives	WHSSC Work Programme
Contribute to implementing the objectives for Joint Strategic plan for the HSSCs	Monitor progress and activity of joint HSSC strategic plan Contribute to joint activities Agree transition arrangements - HSSC services - HSSC administration - Staff - Legislative requirements - FOI/DPA
Develop and implement WHSSC dissolution plan	Ensure Dissolution Plan has regard to: - Staff and TUPE - Members - Budget reporting - Complete final Assets report - Core business - Communication   - Internal   - External - Legal requirements e.g. PRONI - Progress reports – monthly - Joint Conference   - WHSSC Chief Officer leading (Feb 08) - Celebrate work of Council 1991-2007 - Acknowledge voluntary role of members - Presentations - Publicity - End of Year Joint Report 07/08

Aim 6: To fulfil organisational requirements of the Councils

Objectives	WHSSC Work Programme
Work within the resources of the Council	Monitor staffing, loss of Grade 4; temporary staffing Staff training for New Opportunities under RPA Quarterly Budget reviews Continue to ensure VFM
Contingency planning for changes during period of dissolution	Review impact of RPA on staff - motivation - staff losses - reduced capacity Re-prioritise work and align with capacity Monitor impact of new local hospital site on current WHSSC office location Monitor level of member involvement in Council - review capacity Work with incoming Chief Executive Designate of PCC (TBC November/December 07)
To develop and maintain improvements in the administrative business of the Council	Maintain improvements already made - create new database for complainants in preparing for closure/transfer of files Implement systematic management of file and records retention and disposal
Meet statutory obligations	Update publication scheme (FOI) Create consent form for transfer/closure of complainants’ files (DPA) Submit annual returns to Equality Commission, Information Commissioner and Department Comply with WHSSB’s policies on HR and Finance Maintain Members’ interests register Chief Officer/BSM continue membership of WEHRF and FOI/Records Management Fora Provide training to members on FOI/DPA

Work Programme and Summary of Performance 2005-2006

The Western Health & Social Services Council’s Work Programme sets out its annual objectives to meet the overall aims of Health & Social Services Councils.

This report on performance ensures that the Council remains accountable to the public and the Department of Health & Social Services.

The report is supported by additional material attached in the Annex.

Aim 1: To increase visibility and accessibility to members of the public

Comment: Use of community venues for monthly meetings proved difficult as many do not have the appropriate facilities to cater for numbers in excess of 25. We do continue to use District Council and Education facilities where appropriate. The Council works hard to maintain its independence and being seen as independent by the public. We therefore do not use Trust or Board facilities for our monthly public meetings. We do however use HPSS facilities for internal meetings as this is best VFM. We try to avoid using commercial premises where possible.

The WHSSC has become a recognised media point of contact for commentary on the public interest in health and social care.

Aim 2: To monitor HPSS provision to the public

Objectives
WHSSC Work Programme
Performance

To visit health and social care facilities
Visiting protocols to be adhered to
Protocols agreed and implemented as appropriate to each type of visit

All members to receive appropriate training for visiting and observational audits
Member training carried out prior to ‘Bugwatch’ Hospital survey

Appropriate visits completed and feedback supplied
Visited Altnagelvin Cancer Unit – Chief Officer + 3 members
Bugwatch – members undertook survey in Altnagelvin and produced a report of their findings to the Trust and Department
Visited maternity unit Altnagelvin – antenatal and postnatal wards
Members reported on visits at Council meetings
Monitor and act on public interest concerns raised by members, service users or media

To receive information from the HPSS on policy, commissioning and delivery of services
Eight presentations were made to the Council from the WHSSB; DHSSPS; LHSCG; Sperrin Lakeland and Altnagelvin Trusts
Workshops on OBC for new southwest hospital Enniskillen and Local hospital Omagh
Workshops on Infection Control

To set up working groups to monitor service provision
Working Groups were set up for Orthopaedics and Autism services
Waiting List monitoring group set up for Orthopaedics; Ophthalmology; OT and Breast care clinics

Mental Health Services
Ensured that Sperrin Lakeland Trust included psychogeriatric services in their review of Mental Health service provision
Responded to Foyle Trust’s Mental Health Review ‘Moving Forward’
Responded to consultation ‘PSNI procedures and Guidance for dealing with Mentally Disordered Persons’
Paddy McGowan Chair was honoured for his outstanding work in mental health and his commitment to the community at the Social Enterpreneur’s Ireland Inaugural Awards Ceremony, Dublin City University

Risk & Governance Review Sperrin Lakeland Trust
Chief Officer represented the Council on Review Steering group

Proposed service provision under DBS
Council requested details of proposed future service provision for new southwest and local hospitals
Council met with Board, Department and Sperrin Lakeland Trust to discuss service provision

GP services
Chief Officer carried out 7 site visits for proposed closure of branch surgeries (under CSA guidelines)
Out of Hours premises access site visits by Chair and Chief Officer – Erne, Strabane & TCH
Availability of ‘flu’ vaccine in GP surgeries
Chief Officer chaired public meeting on the amalgamation of branch surgeries in rural area

Carers and respite services
Chief Officer met with carers and advocated on their behalf for better access to respite services

Ambulance services
Chief Officer member of Local Ambulance Liaison Group
Members’ issues/concerns re ambulance provision raised at LALG

Annual Liaison meetings between WHSSC and WHSSB; Sperrin Lakeland, Foyle and Altnagelvin Trusts
Chair and Chief Officer met regularly with the Chair and Chief Executive of 3 Trusts and the Board
Council annual Liaison meetings held with 3 Trusts and the Board
Action points from these meetings followed up by relevant Trusts or Board

Independent Inquiries
Chief Officer supported parents through initial inquiry into hyponatraemia deaths
Chief Officer was a member of an Independent Inquiry panel into a homocide in the Eastern Board area

Member representation on Groups/Committees
Members sit on 26 Groups/Committees in order to monitor service changes and make representation in the public interest
Chair member of ROI Mental Health Service Review Steering Group and chair of Advisory subgroup (Vision for Change)

Chief Officer and Business Support Manager Group representation
Chief Officer sits on 10 local and regional groups/Committees
BSM sits on a Board Forum and a Regional Working Group
Chief Officer member of ROI Mental Health Service Review Advisory Subgroup (Vision for Change)
Monitor Complaints within the HPSS
Monitor trends across WHSSB area
Chief Officer and BSM met monthly to discuss trends in complaints
Concerns about trends within Primary Care raised with WHSSB

Influence new HPSS complaints process
Chief Officers met with representatives from the Department to discuss the consultation on HPSS Complaints procedure

Audit HPSS complaints activity
Met with 3 Trusts and Board complaints officers
Chief Officer/BSM attended quarterly meetings of Board Complaints Forum

Comment: The focus of attention for the Council has been on monitoring service provision, safety and capacity. The Council has reflected patient, client, carer and community concerns throughout its monitoring activities. The Council uses complaints data to act as an indicator or barometer of the “health” of service provision. Monitoring trends in complaints has allowed the Council to raise any serious concerns at an early stage with the HPSS and to provide an opportunity to them to take remedial action.

Aim 3: Advise on HPSS policies, strategies and operations

Objectives
WHSSC Work Programme
Performance

Influence the development of HPSS policies and strategies

Advocate for and promote user involvement in HPSS bodies
Chief Officer convened and chaired Community Focus Group meetings in Enniskillen and Omagh – presentations by Department officials re ‘Making Services Safer in SLT’.
Met residents of local community regarding concerns about new Care in the Community residential centre in Coolnagard
Chief Officer member of Department’s Clinical & Social Care Governance subgroup
Chief Officer member of Department’s Working Group on Policy and Guidance for user involvement
Influence operational decision makers
Maintain and expand the sphere of influence of the Council within the HPSS
See Aim 2 - Member and staff representation on Groups/Committees across HPSS

Maintain appropriate representation on Committees with Health & Social Care agenda
Carried out review of members’ representation on Groups and Committees to ensure appropriate representation within capacity
Represent public interest in HPSS consultations
Respond to local and regional consultations
Responses included:
Sperrin Lakeland: Making Services Safer in SLT
Foyle Trust’s Mental Health Review ‘Moving Forward’
RPA Proposals
‘PSNI procedures and Guidance for dealing with Mentally Disordered Persons’

Inputted to Joint Council responses
Chief Officer one of 4 panel members for GMCs public consultation with regard to fitness to practice

Use a variety of methods for responding to consultations
Workshops held where Members received a presentation from officers involved in the consultation. Notes taken from discussion to formulate Council response to consultation

Comment: The Western Council has been very active both locally and regionally in influencing and advising on HPSS policies, strategies and operations. This has been particularly note worthy considering the Council’s limited staffing capacity and the dependence on the voluntary input of its members.

Aim 4: To provide complaints assistance

Objectives
WHSSC Work Programme
Performance

Support and advise service users and carers when making complaints about the HPSS
Increase capacity within the Council to maintain this service
Business Support Manager supported Chief Officer in providing complaints and advocacy support (as of October 2005)

Provide information and signposting
Supported approx 160 clients in providing information and signposting

Supporting complainants through all stages of the complaints process
In addition supported approx 61 clients throughout the complaints process
Assisted complainants to write letters of complaint
Supported complainants at meetings with Trust officials
Supported families in Case Conference reviews
Supported complainants through Independent Review process and meetings
Supported carers in Carer’s assessment meetings
Supported families to meet with Coroner

Ensure access to support for clients
Access provided through use of telephone, e-mail, website, postal and meetings in Council office
Clients were offered support at a venue to suit their needs including the client’s own home or at a neutral venue

Set up HSSC Complaints Officer Forum

Joint Councils Complaints Forum formed in January 06 for the purposes of:
peer support to Council Complaints officers
sharing good practice
auditing complaints handling by Trusts in NI
auditing Independent Review handling by Boards in NI
reviewing Councils’ joint protocols

Comment: Providing complaints support is a significant element of the Council’s annual workload. The 160 clients receiving information and signposting were able to be dealt with relatively quickly and usually as a ‘one-off’ involvement of staff. However, those clients seeking full support through the complaints process are invariably presenting with very complex and often protracted issues and concerns. Our involvement can range from one month to several years working with the client. On average however Council’s involvement is usually about 12 months.

Aim 5: To develop a medium/long term strategy/plan for the HSSCs

Objectives
WHSSC Work Programme
Performance

Contribute to implementing the objectives for Joint Strategic plan for the HSSCs
Monitor progress and activity through the Chief Officers’ Forum and the HSSC’s Executive Body
Chief Officers met a minimum of once a month to progress objectives
The HSSC’s Executive Forum met quarterly to monitor progress on objectives
Joint HSSC activities
Organise joint member meetings/Conference
Well attended and successful joint conference held in January 2006 to focus on RPA – 11 WHSSC members attended
Quarterly joint member workshop style meetings which include RPA feedback and strategic information/discussion sessions eg Shipman recommendations
Joint activity such as development of 4 HSSC user engagement benchmarking standards

Contribute to work of PCC Project Team
Chair of Western Council member of Project Team – Chief Officer acted as his Deputy
Priority given to this activity including reducing the number of Council meetings in year
Specific drafting tasks undertaken by Chief Officer
Stakeholder engagement undertaken including meeting with political representatives, media and general public

Comment: The Strategic Plan for the Health Councils came about as a result of a joint HSSC’s conference in June 2004 to help prepare the way for the proposed changes under RPA. Joint working has brought about benefits to all the Councils, including allowing them to act more strategically, and has helped to strengthen the voice of the public.

Aim 6: To fulfil organisational requirements of the Councils

Objectives
WHSSC Work Programme
Performance

Work within the resources of the Council
Ensure best use of Council resources including budget, staffing and members
Business Support Manager appointed August 2005 part funded by WHSSB
Staff complement – Chief Officer; Senior Manager and 2 Admin staff
Chair and Vice-Chair returned at AGM on 2/6/05
Budget allocated for 05/06 was £154,000 – including £28,000 allocated from the WHSSB for BSM post
Changes to Council membership after local elections May 05
New member induction Sept/Oct 05
Joint working enabled the Council to make better use of limited resources – for example responding to consultations; workshop events etc

Develop capacity of members to participate in Council activities

CIPFA training ‘On board’ 9 members attended
New members induction carried out
High level of attendance and participation at Council meetings, workshops and seminars
Increase transparency and accountability to the public of the work of the Council
Review style of Council meetings
Introduced new format for Council Liaison meetings with Trusts and Board to ensure greater transparency and accountability to the public
The Liaison meetings were incorporated into the monthly Council meetings which are open to the public and media
Introduced narrative style minuting of meetings rather than business minuting to increase public understanding of Council work and its response to issues
Introduced clear action points from each meeting
To bring about improvements in the administrative business of the Council
Introduce Council business improvement plan
Information/IT and communication improved
See Annex C
Meet statutory obligations
Comply with statutory requirements
The Chief Officer/Business Support Manager are members of the Western Equality and Human Rights Forum and contributes to the work of the Forum
Chief Officer/BSM members of regional FOI/Records management working groups
Annual returns submitted to Equality Commission; Information Commissioner and Departments re FOI requests
Complied with WHSSB’s policies on HR and Finance

Comment: Successful negotiation with WHSSB secured the finances to appoint a Senior Manager to provide additional support to the Chief Officer. WHSSC still operating from 2 adjoining offices; unable to secure additional office space within the building. Filing, library and storage space very limited and impacting on good records management. Considerable travel is required by Chief Officer in carrying out the functions of the Council at local and regional level.

Annex A – List of Members attendance record
Annex B – List of Annual activity
Annex C – Business Improvement Plan
Annex D – Annual Report 05/06

JOINT COUNCIL WORK PROGRAMME 2004 - 2007

Introduction

The Health and Social Services Councils were established to represent the interests of users of health and social services in Northern Ireland. Four Councils were set up in 1991 on a regional format with Northern, Southern, Eastern and Western offices.

Purpose

The Councils aim is to make public services more responsive to users’ and carers’ needs and to give the public an opportunity to influence decisions that are made on their behalf. Health and Social Services Councils have the following legal rights:

To be consulted by the Health and Social Services Board on any major developments or changes in services.
To have formal meetings with Health and Social Services Boards.
To enter and inspect health and social services facilities.
To receive any information which it needs to do its job.

Council members are all local people who have an interest in health and social services issues. Members are drawn from city, district and borough councils, voluntary and community organisations and other interested groups. The Health and Social Services Councils have 102 members in total (24 Northern/ 24 Southern/ 30 Eastern / 24 Western). Health & Social Service Council members are all appointed with the approval of the Minister responsible for the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety. Health and Social Service Council members are not paid and the four councils are supported by a small number of staff.

Here is the full Work Programme 2004 - 2007

Health & Social Services Councils
Work Programme
April 2004 – March 2007

Introduction
The Health and Social Services Councils were established to represent the interests of users of health and social services in Northern Ireland. Four Councils were set up in 1991 on a regional format with Northern, Southern, Eastern and Western offices.

Purpose
The Councils aim is to make public services more responsive to users’ and carers’ needs and to give the public an opportunity to influence decisions that are made on their behalf. Health and Social Services Councils have the following legal rights:
- To be consulted by the Health and Social Services Board on any major developments or changes in services.
- To have formal meetings with Health and Social Services Boards.
- To enter and inspect health and social services facilities.
- To receive any information which it needs to do its job.
- Council members are all local people who have an interest in health and social services issues. Members are drawn from city, district and borough councils, voluntary and community organisations and other interested groups. The Health and Social Services Councils have 102 members in total (24 Northern/ 24 Southern/ 30 Eastern / 24 Western). Health & Social Service Council members are all appointed with the approval of the Minister responsible for the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety. Health and Social Service Council members are not paid and the four councils are supported by a small number of staff.

Principles
The Councils believe that users of health and social services have the right to the following principles:
• Dignity People have the right to be treated with dignity and respect
• Accountability People have the right to expect accountable health and social services
• Access People have the right to get the services they need
• Choice People should be able to choose from a range of services.
• Information People have a right to accurate information presented in an understandable and acceptable way that allows for informed choice
• Safety People have a right to expect safe services.
• Redress If something goes wrong a person has the right to have it acknowledged and expect a prompt resolution
• Equity People should be fairly treated and must have equality of opportunity in the provision of health and social services
• Quality People have the right to expect a quality of service to meet or exceed agreed standards
• Value for money People have a right to expect public money to be wisely spent.
• Representation People have a right to have their voice heard and be consulted.
• Openness People should know how decisions are made, who makes the decision, why particular decisions are made and what information was used in the decision-making process

Annual Work Programme
As public bodies, receiving public funds, the Councils must be open to public scrutiny in their activities and their use of funds. To develop public accountability the Councils must set clear objectives within an Annual Work Programme. The progress towards set objectives are reviewed and monitored to determine if targets are being achieved.

Part IV Performance of Functions of the Health and Social Services Councils’ Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1991 states that each Council must draw up a programme of work for the succeeding year. In previous years each of the four councils developed an individual work programme. Each programme addressed the prioritisation of local council activities and ensured those activities remained relevant to health and social service user interests. In light of recent developments in the health and social care agenda and possible impacts on the future working of the Councils as a whole the four Councils, Northern, Southern, Eastern and Western, have developed a joint three-year work programme. Whilst this programme is intended to demonstrate the co-ordinated approach of the four councils in their activities it also looks to address
initiatives specific to each council’s user needs. The objectives have been set to address key themes for Council activities.

Each quarter the individual Councils produce updates on achievement against objectives in both a local and regional context. In addition, on an annual basis each Council produces a report on progress made against the Work Programme

Statutory Duties
As public bodies the Councils have specific statutory duties to fulfil and these are reflected in ongoing activities.
These include:
- New Targeting Social Need (New TSN). As public bodies the Councils can contribute to the New TSN initiative by ensuring that the health and social needs of disadvantaged people are assessed, targeted for improvement and progress monitored.
- Section 75 Northern Ireland Act 1998. Under Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 the Councils must have due regard to the need to promote equality of opportunity as defined in the Act. In addition, the Councils must have regard to the desirability of promoting good relations between persons of different religious belief, political opinion or racial group.
- The Human Rights Act 1998 came into force on 2nd October 2000 and incorporated into domestic law the European Convention on Human Rights. The Act makes it unlawful for any public authority to act in a way that is incompatible with a Convention right.
- Freedom of Information Act 2000. Under Section 19 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000, it is a legal duty of every public authority to adopt and maintain a publication scheme, to publish information in accordance with its scheme and periodically review the scheme. The act places an obligation on the Councils to provide a general right of access to the public on recorded information held by the Councils subject to exemptions under the act.

Key Objectives
The three-year work plan for the Councils has a number of key objectives. These objectives will be assessed annually with due regard to developments in the health and social care environment and changing demands placed on the Councils operation.
To increase Visibility and Accessibility to Members of the Public.
To Monitor the Health and Personal Social Services Provided to the Public.
Advise on Health and Personal Social Services Policies, Strategies and Operation
To Provide Complaints Assistance
To Develop a Medium/Long Term Strategy/Plan for the Councils
To Fulfil Organisational Requirements
To Respond to Local Issues in the Provision of Health and Personal Social Services to the Public.


To Increase Visibility and Accessibility to Members of the Public
1.0 Deliverable Activity Start
1.1 Engage Public in Councils Role and
Activities.
- Develop Policy on public/community engagement 2004
- Develop and deliver Public Awareness Campaign 2004
. Public awareness Road Shows 2004
. Information materials 2004
. PR expertise 2004
. Seek funding for project worker 2004
- Develop joint Councils Website 2004
- Establish single contact number for Councils 2004
- Review Council Public Meetings 2004


1.2 Develop Media Strategy

- Agree strategy for media communication/engagement 2004
- Maintain and extend media contacts 2004
- Respond to media requests for input 2004
- Become acknowledged point of contact for user rights 2004


1.3 Increase Accessibility of Councils to Members of the Public

- Provide accessible Council presence to public 2004
- Signpost sources of information for public 2004
- Update and maintain Website 2004
- Review Councils’ information leaflets 2004


To Monitor the Health and Personal Social Services Provided to the Public.
2.0 Deliverable Activity Start
2.1 To Enter and Inspect Health and Social
Services Facilities
- Visit/Inspection guidelines to be devised 2004
- All Council members to receive awareness training (pack/session) 2004
- Appropriate visits completed with formal background information and feedback supplied 2004
- Visits initiated on current Health & Social Care issues. 2004
. MRSA
. Mental Health Admission Wards
. Child/Adolescent Mental Health Services
- Visit/Inspect in response to future Health & Social Care issues. 2004


2.2 Carry Out Project Investigation into Key Aspects of Health and Personal Social
Services Operation
- Allocate resource 2004
- Initiate work-plan and protocols 2004
- Monitor and analyse Board/Trust data 2004
- Assess implementation of new GMS contract 2005


2.3 Monitor Complaints

- Maintain ongoing role of Councils in complaints process 2004
- Audit current complaints monitoring activity 2004
- Agree best practice model for monitoring Complaints Process 2004


2.4 Monitor Implementation of Report
Recommendations
- Regional Prosthetic Service for Northern Ireland 2004
- Human Organ Retention Inquiry 2004
- Children as Complainants 2004
- Cancer Services Investing for the Future (The Campbell Report) 2004


Advise on Health and Personal Social Services Policies, Strategies and Operation
3.0 Deliverable Activity Start

3.1 Act as Advocate for User Involvement ?? Monitor and promote service/user involvement in organisations
with Health and Social Care agenda 2004

3.2 Represent Public’s Interests in Response
to Health and Personal Social Service
Consultations
- Establish criteria for prioritising consultation responses 2004
- Agree methods of appropriate consultation responses 2004


3.3 Maintain Appropriate Representation on Committees with Health & Social Care Agenda

- Evaluate current representation on committees 2004
- Audit activity and evaluate influence on public well being at Strategic and Delivery level 2004


To Provide Complaints Assistance
4.0 Deliverable Activity Start

4.1 Advice to Patients and Clients on Complaints

- Maintain current service provision in assisting and advising complainants on the complaints process 2004
- Audit current complaints service provided by Councils 2004
- Revisit Council Complaints protocols 2004
- Implement Best Practice on Complaints Assistance 2004
- Support and influence Regional Complaints Steering Group 2004
- Respond to Complaints Consultation Document 2004


To Develop a medium/long term Strategy/Plan for the Councils
5.0 Deliverable Activity Start

5.1 Develop Joint 3 year Strategic Plan for Councils

- Establish working group across 4 Councils 2004
- Develop “Plan for Change” for Councils 2004
- Present Plan to DHSSPS 2005

5.2 Develop Joint Council Activities ?? Annual joint members meeting/Conference

- Produce Report on the Role of Health and Social Services Councils in Patient and Public Involvement based on
. 2004 conference
. Evaluation report 2005
- Deliver report to key stakeholders 2004
- Develop and maintain Joint Annual work programme 2004



To Fulfil Organisational Requirements of the Councils.
6.0 Deliverable Activity Start 2004

6.1
To Deliver all Organisational
Requirements of Council

- Management of Council
- Administration of Council activities
- Statutory obligations including
. New Targeting Social Need
. Section 75 Northern Ireland Act 1998
. The Human Rights Act 1998
. Freedom of information Act 2000

Western Health and Social Services Council
‘Hilltop’
Tyrone and Fermanagh Hospital
Omagh
Co Tyrone
BT79 0NS
Freephone: 0800 917 0222
Tel: 028 8225 2555
Fax: 028 8225 2544
Minicom: 028 8224 8389
Email: info@whssc.n-i.nhs.uk
Website: www.whssc.org

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