1. Summary

1.1. Health organisations in North and Mid Hampshire, led by the local Health Authority have been required to develop a Performance Improvement Plan setting out how they will meet targets of the NHS Plan and reduce a forecast overspend of £7.5 million per annum by 2004.

1.2. The Cabinet has considered the County Council's response to the proposals in the light of views expressed by the Policy and Resources Policy Review Committee and reached the following decisions:-

(i) That the Director of Social Services be requested to prepare a draft response on the proposals of the North and Mid Hampshire Health Authority to improve the performance of the Health Service in that area, based on the submitted reports to Cabinet but strengthened appropriately to reflect Members' concerns regarding the revised arrangements for orthodontic services (and in particular requesting that the Health Authority gives consideration to providing a local service in Winchester for residents for whom travelling to Guildford would be difficult) and in respect of intermediate care, explaining the need to include in the proposals the importance of the joint County Council and Health Service medium term action to address the critical problems in the nursing home market.


(ii) That notwithstanding the concerns expressed under (i) above, the County Council welcomes the alternative set of proposals (Plan B) being developed in respect of the Chase Hospital, Bordon.


(iii) That the draft response referred to in (i) above be circulated to Cabinet Members and Leaders of the Minority Groups for observations prior to submission to the Health Authority by the deadline date of 31 January 2002 and that in the event of any substantial issues arising from this exercise, the Chief Executive and Director of Social Services, in consultation with the Leader, be authorised to determine the matter.


(iv) That the Government and Hampshire MEPs and MPs be apprised of the County Council's serious concerns at the inadequacy of funding for health care in Hampshire and, as a result, the magnitude of the task facing local NHS organisations and advising furthermore, that whilst the County Council welcomes one-off monies for social care, considers that there is a need for longer term budget assurance for both the NHS and County Council in order to plan for the future to increase service capacity and better meet the needs of local residents.


(v) That a Part II item on the topic be presented to the 21 February 2002 meeting of the County Council.

2. Reason

2.1. The developments have significant implications for the County Council's relationship and partnership arrangements with local health organisations.

3. Other Options considered and rejected

3.1. Not applicable.

4. Conflicts of Interest declared by the decision maker or a member or officer consulted

4.1. None.

5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee

5.1. Not applicable.

6. Reason(s) for the matter being dealt with if urgent

6.1. Not applicable

Approved by: ................................. Date of Decision: .......................

Councillor T.K. Thornber, C.B.E.

Chairman

5bR100102