KEY decisions on health and social care in Argyll and Bute could be taken by a single official during the coronavirus lockdown, it's been decided.
Members of the integration joint board which oversees the work of the Argyll and Bute health and social care partnership (HSCP) have agreed to give Joanna MacDonald, the partnership's chief officer, the power to make decisions which would normally require board approval, if the board is unable to meet during the crisis.
Ms MacDonald would be expected to consult with the board's chair, Councillor Kieron Green, and vice-chair Sarah Compton-Bishop, but even if she cannot do so, she will be able to take action.
Argyll and Bute Council has implemented similar measures, handing executive power to its chief executive Pippa Milne, in consultation with the council's leader, deputy leader and opposition leader.
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In a report prepared for the integration joint board's latest meeting, Ms MacDonald said: "In light of the ongoing COVID-19 situation, investigations have been taking place into the board’s business continuity arrangements, including how decisions that require board approval can be made if the board is unable to meet.
“The standing orders already make provision for the vice-chairperson to ‘act in all respects as the chairperson of the Integration Joint Board if the chairperson is absent or otherwise unable to perform his/her duties'.
“In addition there are provisions that the council or NHS board may change their appointee as chairperson or vice-chairperson during an appointing period.
“If an emergency decision is required, and the board is unable to meet, provisions need to be put in place to ensure that the HSCP continues to operate as well as possible during this period.
“It is normal practice for the chief officer to consult regularly with the chairperson and vice-chairperson, and this will continue wherever possible.
“It is, however, essential to plan for the unwelcome situation that one or other might be unavailable for a period of time.
“To address this, it is proposed to grant the chief officer power in an emergency to instruct executive action on any matter for the duration of the COVID-19 emergency, in consultation with the chair or vice-chair of the board.
“The chief officer will consult with both the chair and vice-chair before exercising this power, but an inability to consult either chair or vice-chair will not invalidate any actions taken.
“This delegation of powers to the chief officer will be the subject of ongoing review and normal board meeting arrangements will be re-introduced as soon as practicable.”
Ms MacDonald added that these powers would only be used in an emergency where it is not possible for the board to meet.
The board unanimously approved the recommendation.
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