Agenda item

This is the third Annual Report of the Safeguarding Adult Executive Board (SAEB). The multi-agency Board provides leadership of adult safeguarding across the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham; the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea; and the City of Westminster.

Councillor Lukey welcomed Helen Banham, Strategic Lead, Professional Standards and Safeguarding, Westminster City Council, who presented the third annual report of the SAEB, working across the three boroughs.  Ms Banham explained that the report set out the operational arrangements for working with the key statutory agencies involved were: the local authority, police and health professionals including directors of public health, NHS trusts, including The Royal Marsden, Imperial, West London Mental Health Trust, Central and North West London and Central London Community Healthcare. 

Thirteen cases serious (death or harm to an adult) safeguarding case reviews (Care Act 2014, S.45) had been conducted (with one predating 1st April 2016).  Ms Banham explained that this was one of most important areas of work undertaken.  This would not be possible without out the willingness of agencies to share information and there had not been a need to force compliance with S.45, which was well evidenced across the partnership. 

The report focused on the accountability of health organisations and patient safety, and Ms Banham explained that residents were at the very heart of safeguarding.  To illustrate, two consultation events were held (November 2015), with feedback used to inform and develop the House Strategy.   The role of community champions was also essential to ensure local input.  Whilst the role of community champion, it was important to be aware of how issues such as domestic violence and mental health concern, had a significant impact on the individuals who took on such roles.  The SAEB has also focused on financial abuse and the scamming of older or vulnerable adults. Valerie Simpson from Trading Standards had recently been appointed to the SAEB.

Keith Mallinson expressed concern about safeguarding issues arising in Wormwood Scrubs prison.  He commented that the conditions within the prison were disgraceful and that prisoners experiencing abuse and neglect were reluctant to come forward.  He hoped that agencies that represented them such as the prison and the probationary services would be challenged.  Ms Banham responded that this had been a priority for Mike Howard, Independent Chair of the SAEB.  He had attended Wormwood Scrubs in order to secure representation from the prison on the SAEB, and whilst he was mindful of the seriousness of the concerns raised, there was currently no easy solution.

Councillor Vaughan commented that he had been impressed by the report when it had recently been presented to the Health, Adult Social Care and Social Inclusion Policy and Accountability Committee (HASCSIPAC, 20th October 2016) and welcomed the approach of focusing on a single theme throughout the year, which in this case had been financial scams and fraud.  Councillor Lukey added that it would be helpful if there could be further exploration of cases of hoarding, as these had resulted in the case of two (unrelated) deaths in Earls Court.  Ms Banham observed that adult safeguarding was a vast area of work and the report could only offer brief insight into the work undertaken.  The focus this past year had been on those issues highlighted as important to residents.  Referring to the hoarding cases, Ms Banham explained that worked closely with colleagues from housing and environment and the London Fire Brigade in terms of reducing the risk. 

In terms of priorities, Ms Banham explained that what they had learned from serious case reviews was ensuring that individuals were in receipt of the right sort of care.  To illustrate, behaviour that was difficult to manage in a care home such as dementia.  It was essential to have early discussions to avoid having to make urgent decision during a crisis or episode.

Councillor Lukey thanked Ms Banham for the report, noting that the report had been presented to HASCSIPAC it was acknowledged the challenges involved in avoiding duplication. 

RESOLVED

That the report be noted.