Minutes:
Emily Todd, Assistant Director for DISC was welcomed to the meeting, along with Jo Ekin, Commissioning Manager, Healthier Communities.
Members were given a brief overview of the service, which would go live on the 1st April, 2017, and would replace that previously delivered by Phoenix Futures.
It was noted that DISC did not currently deliver in the borough, but had a history of delivering in West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire and the North East.
Members heard about the approach taken by DISC of implementing the right intervention at the right time, which varied from giving light touch advice and information, to more clinical intervention over a longer period. Key to the delivery of the service was involvement of the families and communities.
The meeting heard how planning how planning had already commenced and how DISC had already started to make links within the community. As part of the contract, clinical partner St Martin’s Health Service had been engaged, and it was noted that St Martin’s would be merged into DISC to help create a seamless service. The meeting noted that an SLA with Northern College had also been arranged to provide an Education and Apprenticeships Officer.
Members noted that DISC would be occupying ‘The Factory’ previously occupied by Phoenix Futures, as well as new buildings that were currently being refurbished. It was acknowledged that interventions were more likely to succeed if accessed locally in the community.
Plans to extend the service provided within ‘The Factory’ were noted, and Members acknowledged that safety issues were paramount, and that there were no plans for services such as a needle exchange.
When questioned how the service would differ from that currently being delivered, it was noted that there would be a single provider, rather than four, ensuring the service was seamless. In addition the service would work more closely with service users and the community to ‘shape and flex’ delivery.
Members praised the involvement of families as part of the interventions, noting this had been proven to have a positive impact.
Questions were asked regarding how the service would work with mental health provision. It was noted that information sharing arrangements were in place, and users may have dual health care plans. A commitment was given for DISC to work closely with all relevant providers in the area.
Members gave thanks for the presentation, and asked that DISC return in approximately six months to give a progress report on the delivery of the service.
RESOLVED :-
(i) That thanks be given for the presentation;
(ii) That DISC be invited to give a progress report to the Area Council in approximately six months.