The Corporate Director, Social Services and Wellbeing presented a report seeking Cabinet approval of the Medication Policy as required under the Registration and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016 (RISCA). She explained that this was an important policy in terms of regulated social care services and that the policy covered all of the regulated care services that were provided as a Council such as residential care homes for children and for adults. The policy had been subject to significant engagement with colleagues in the NHS and pharmacists who were obviously experts in the field of medication.

The Deputy Leader noted that this was a risky undertaking carried out by the lowest paid members of staff and this was an area of concern. This would protect their wellbeing and safety and the Council. She added that all costs would be met from existing budgets.

The Leader was happy to see the involvement of the specialists in this field in developing and implementing the policy.

The Cabinet Member for Regeneration asked who had been consulted in the development of the policy. The Corporate Director, Social Services and Wellbeing replied that development of the policy had been led by the Social Care Workforce Development Team and pharmacy professionals, the workforce, Trade Unions and registered managers. 

The Leader referred to the scope of the policy and services they had responsibility for that were not regulated such as special schools. The Corporate Director, Social Services and Wellbeing replied that in terms of special schools, they would have their own policies in terms of medication.

RESOLVED:       Cabinet approved the Medication Policy for    implementation across Regulated Services within Bridgend County Borough Council.