Agenda item

This report updates Members on progress regarding an enhanced Kent and Medway adult neurodevelopmental health pathway for adults with autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Discussion:

Members considered a report which provided an update on progress and achievements with regard to proposals for an enhanced Kent and Medway adult neurodevelopmental health pathway for adults with autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as well as next steps for contracting arrangements.

Members raised the following issues:

·       Assurances around contracting process – in the light of some previous problems with contracts awarded by the CCG, an assurance was sought that the contracting process was being followed correctly and would result in the most appropriate provider. Members were advised that 2 options were available (direct award to a collaborative provider or open competitive procurement). It was possible the former model may be chosen and a paper on the procurement process would be considered by the CCG Finance and Procurement Committee in February 2021. In addition, discussions had taken place between the Council, the CCG and Kent County Council on how to make sure transition was more effective under the new arrangements. The CCG wanted to provide a service of real quality and this new model was expected to transform the service.

A briefing note would be produced for Members after the CCG had discussed the procurement options in February, this would include the strategy to improve the service. This would then allow for further discussions with Members.

The point was made that the report did not articulate what a successful outcome would look like nor describe service improvements. Adults with undiagnosed needs also needed urgent attention and there should be a strategy involving all practitioners to help this group. However, at present there were no milestones to show how the planned improvements would be achieved.

Members were advised work was underway to develop a Learning Disability and autism/ADHD strategy across Kent and Medway involving health, adult social care and education providers. Service users would have a say in this. Members could be provided with more detail about this strategy.

·       Pre-diagnostic support – the point was made that the lack of such support had been an issue for some time with little progress made, as evidenced by the feedback received from service users. The report seemed to suggest transition was something to be earned and not provided as of right. The CCG remarked that that was not the intended interpretation. They understood the frustrations about a lack of progress and hoped the collaborative option would allow progress to be made more quickly.

·       Kent and Medway Adult Neurodevelopmental Business Case budget – it was clarified that the budget for Medway was based on historical spend. It was suggested there would be more demand for the service once the new arrangements were implemented and it was more accessible and this would be reviewed over time.

Decision:

The Committee agreed to:

a)      note the report

b)      request a briefing paper on the outcomes of the consideration by the CCG in February 2021 on the procurement options.

(In accordance with Council Rule 12.6, Councillors Adeoye, Murray and Price asked that their votes in favour be recorded.)