Agenda item

Having complied with the Motions Procedure as set out in the council’s Constitution the motion attached will be proposed by Cllr Vivian and if duly seconded it will then be discussed at this meeting.

Cllr Vivian moved his Motion which was seconded by Cllr O’Kelly.

Cllr Vivian outlined his Motion as set out on page 21 of the agenda pack for the meeting. He shared his personal story with members. He raised concerns that the NHS Trust could not confirm the temporary suspension of the service and whether it would return.

Cllr Bangert as Cabinet member for Communities gave her support to the Motion. She urged all members to encourage Dementia Friendly communities. She supported the request that Cllr Moss write to the local MP’s and the NHS. She urged all councillors to support the Motion.

Cllr Bates discussed his own personal story. He outlined the value of Sage House, a charity which requires funding to continue its work. He asked members to consider how people will be looked after.

Cllr O’Kelly wished to note that the council member for WSCC had also raised the issue with no result so far.

Cllr Donna Johnson spoke in favour of the Sussex Dementia service remaining.

Cllr Briscoe saw no reason for anyone to vote against the Motion and gave his support to the Motion. He added that there is a limited amount that the district council can do including lobbying as the Motion states.

Cllr Evans wished to give his support to the Motion. He shared his personal story. He explained the importance of supporting the families who are in turn supporting family members with dementia. He thanked Cllr Vivian for bringing the Motion forward.

Cllr Moss supported the Motion and also agreed to write the letters requested. He also shared his personal story.

Cllr Brown-Fuller wished to thank those who had shared their personal stories. She explained that she had visited Sage House the previous week and spoke in support of the work that they do.

Cllr Betts wished to echo the words of members. He explained that Sage House would be fundraising and encouraged everyone to get involved.

Cllr Burkhart wished to echo the sentiments of members. She gave her support to the Motion.

Cllr Briscoe asked if the Leader could write to Sage House to thank them for their work. Cllr Moss agreed.

Cllr Vivian wished to thank members for their input and support. He was then invited to sum up his Motion. He explained how the Motion supports patients and families and the services they depend on.

Cllr Bangert explained that the member reference in section 4 of the resolution should be Cllr Hastain. This was amended.

In a vote the Motion as follows was agreed:

Council resolves that:

1.    The closure of NHS dementia assessment services in West Sussex, although temporary, is unacceptable, and that the Council opposes any future suspension or closure of the service.

2.    The Council thanks the Sage House team in Tangmere for their work in plugging the service gap left by Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.

3.    The Leader of the Council, Cllr Moss, shall write to the MPs for Chichester and Arundel and South Downs constituencies respectively, as well as the Department of Health, urging them to ensure that the funding to the Sussex Dementia Assessment service remains in place and that the future of the service is guaranteed.

4.    Similarly, that the Council representative to the West Sussex Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Committee, Cllr Hastain, is requested to lobby that Committee to prioritise the future provision of the Dementia Assessment service.