Agenda and minutes

The Chair and Co Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and members took the opportunity to introduce themselves.

Please use the link below to view the Minutes of the previous meeting.

The Minutes of the forum meeting held on the 17^th January 2012 were agreed.

Matters Arising

The Forum were informed that the Ombudsmen Report regarding an application for Disabled Facilities Grant that was discussed at a previous meeting would be taken to Cabinet on the 28^th March 2012 before an update could be given at the forum.

A representative from the Community Safety Partnership spoke about a consultation that was being carried out about the age of Taxi’s and Private Hire vehicles following a debate by Councillors at a Licensing Committee. He highlighted the main considerations being considered which included:

• Introducing an age limit for Hackney Carriages and Private Hire Vehicles
• Increasing engine capacity from 1400c to 1600c

The forum discussed whether they considered older vehicles to be more of a risk to passengers than new vehicles and whether the increase in engine capacity would increase fares as way for taxi drivers to cover the costs of petrol and diesel.

In response to a question asked by one forum member, it was explained that the Council had two contracted MOT centres that carried out more stringent tests on the taxis than a regular MOT on a motor vehicle. It was further explained that all taxi drivers underwent a medical examination, a Criminal Records Bureau check, a rudimentary ‘Knowledge’ test.

A questionnaire was circulated and the forum were asked to put down any comments that they thought would be relevant about the consultation and post it back in the free post envelope. It was noted that the consultation period would expire on the 29^th February 2012.

The Chair thanked the representative from the Community Safety Partnership and encouraged members of the forum to complete the survey.

Sue Campling, Northampton General Hospital NHS, to update the forum on staff training.

Sue Campling, from Northampton General Hospital circulated a hand out which tabled the mandatory training delivered to all staff of the hospital. She explained that there were a number of different ways that the training was delivered from e-learning to departmental meetings and drop-in sessions. She also explained that there had been additional training delivered with regards to specific areas, which included Autism, Privacy and Dignity, Learning Disabilities and Challenging Behaviour. It was explained that whilst the training was delivered, it was entirely down to the individual employee of the hospital how to best utilise and practice the training given – with some individuals being more responsive than others. However, it was emphasised that the training was mandatory and that it was delivered on a regular basis to all members of staff.

A member of the forum reported that she had not received satisfactory care whilst being treated at the Northampton General Hospital. Councillor Mennell reported that she had received excellent care from the staff at the hospital for which she was most grateful. Two further members of the forum congratulated the hospital on the quality of extensive care that they had received over a number of years.

Sue Campling explained that a number of concerns had been raised about the time patients spent in the discharge lounge and that the hospital were looking to address the problem, but explained that it was a reflection of the bed shortage that was, on occasions, experienced.

The Chair thanked Sue for attending the meeting and for the presentation that she delivered.

Graeme Wilson – Northamptonshire Sport, explained that there were a number of events in the area and encouraged members of the forum to explore the sports facilities provided. He commented that there was importance placed of the legacy of the Olympics being held in the UK, and championed the involvement and initiative set up in order to encourage all people, regardless of disability, to involve themselves in sport. He highlighted a number of events that were being held in the area and explained that a number of visits to schools and centres were being delivered in order to promote health and sport to all people.

Councillor Mennell thanked Graeme for his work and stated that she would be glad to assist in the promotion of the activities by making the promotional pamphlets available at her surgeries and would encourage other members to do the same. She also suggested that he leave hard copies in the One-Stop-Shop.

The Chair thanked Graeme for attending the meeting and for all his hard work in the area of promoting sports to disabled people.

Lindsey Ambrose informed the forum members that the Anne Frank awards would be taking place – run by the Youth Forum, it was an opportunity for people to nominate a young person who had contributed positively to society. The closing date for nominations would be the 5^th May 2012. www.northampton.gov.uk/annefrank

The forum was informed that a protest against the Budgets at both the Borough and County Councils win February.

• A representative from Community Safety Partnership Strategy be invited to the next forum meeting

• ‘Keep Safe’ to be invited to the next forum meeting

The date of the next meeting will be held on Tuesday 24^th April 2012 at 5.30pm.

The next Disabled Peoples Forum would be held on Tuesday 24^th April 2012 at 17.30 in the One Stop Shop.