Issue - meetings

The Board was asked to note the revised major emergency response structures, roles, and responsibilities introduced on 1 April 2013 following the transfer of public health duties to the local authority; a copy of the structure was circulated at the meeting and it was reported that since its revision two practice exercises had taken place to ensure there was a shared understanding amongst all those concerned of the new system. 

The Manager of the Joint Cheshire Emergency Planning Team attended the meeting and he explained in greater detail where the main changes in the structure had occurred.  It was noted that it had been requested that a representative from adult social care should be included in the structure and it was questioned why a children’s social care representative had not also been included; it was agreed that this be investigated further.

Clearer guidance was requested on whose responsibility it was to call in specific groups of people, and Doctors in particular; it was agreed that further information in respect of the clinical commissioning groups would be included in the Responsibility Manual.

In response to a question concerning whose responsibility it was to review and scrutinise emergency planning, and to whether it needed to be reviewed on an annual basis, it was agreed that the matter be considered further by the Head of Public Protection and Enforcement and the Portfolio Holder for Communities and Regulatory Services.

RESOLVED

1.    That further consideration be given to the inclusion in the Major Emergency Response Structure of a children’s social care representative.

2.    That the Responsibility Manual be expanded to include further guidance for the clinical commissioning groups, and for Doctors in particular.

3.    That the Head of Public Protection and Enforcement, and the Portfolio Holder for Communities and Regulatory Services, give further consideration to responsibility for the review and scrutiny of emergency planning.