Thursday, 5 July 2012

Modernising Social Care in Hounslow

At July’s Council Cabinet we made two significant decisions about Adult Social Care.
We want to end the false dividing line between health and social care services  so July’s Council meeting  agreed a joint feasibility study with Hounslow and Richmond Community Healthcare NHS Trust (HRCH) and Richmond Council (LBR) to explore greater integration.   HRCH provides the primary health services such as District Nurses, Physios, Health Visitors formally part of the PCT. If successful we'd end up with an ‘integrated care organisation’ which would serve those needing care and support living in both boroughs.  It would be a great achievement as this causes so many problems for people dependent on health and social care services.  Covering a bigger area could get economies of scale, and as the West Mid is at the geographic centre, there could be further benefits for the "hospital to home" transition.

The second social care paper was on improving Day Opportunities for Adults needing support.  We want people to have services that give them dignity, independence, and specialist services where needed.  There will be more home and community-based activities for the more able.  Acton Lodge in London Road Brentford will be rebuilt and so the remaining day-centres will provide specialist services to specific groups of disabled people - such as those with multiple and profound disabilities, or autism with challenging behaviour.

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