Archived decisions

REPORT OF THE

HEALTH REVIEW COMMITTEE

PART II

PROPOSALS TO DEVELOP OR VARY NHS SERVICES

1 The Health Review Committee has given consideration to various proposals to vary or develop NHS services which are ongoing.

Eastleigh and Test Valley South Primary Care Trust (PCT) Consultation - The Mount Hospital.

A working group under the chairmanship of Councillor Mrs. Holden-Brown has been established to look at proposals for the Mount Hospital and the group has responded to the proposals on behalf of the Committee.

The final phase of the PCT consultation ran between 15 April and 13 May 2004 and shared the model for the future provision of health services following feedback from patients, carers, the public and other key stakeholders over the last five months. The PCT confirmed that it would share the next stages of consultation with the Committee and gave an absolute assurance that no service would close until alternative provision was available. In addition, the PCT intends to invite patient and carer representation on the steering group to oversee the work. The Committee has endorsed the response of the working group and are to receive an update from the PCT at the next meeting.

HealthFit Implementation

HealthFit is a strategic document that provides for the development of sustainable, affordable and efficient health services in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

The clinical services covered by the HealthFit framework are children's services, maternity services, emergency services, cancer services and services for older people. The Committee has emphasised the importance of input from local people, patients and carers in any proposals put forward for changing services under HealthFit.


Mental Health Services in North East Hampshire

A Surrey/Hampshire Joint Committee has been established to look at proposals for mental health services in North East Hampshire and recommendations have been made to the NHS. The response of the NHS to the Surrey/Hampshire Joint Committee confirmed that all the findings of the Committee were accepted, but they did not contain satisfactory detail on the action being taken to address the weaknesses identified. A further meeting of the Joint Committee was held on 9 June 2004 to discuss any further action required by the NHS and the timescales for achieving this.

Blackwater Valley and Hart Primary Care Trust - Changes to Service Provision at Fleet Hospital

The Committee has responded to proposals to changes to service provision at Fleet Hospital following consultation. The consultation process now provides the PCT with a clear idea of the elements of its proposals that are supported by local stakeholders and those that remain a cause of concern. Further work is now being undertaken with key stakeholders to develop affordable options for developing services which will be the subject of further consultation.

New Forest Primary Care Trust - The Future of Community Hospitals

The PCT has published a discussion document setting out options for developing community hospitals in the New Forest area. The three main discussion issues are:

      · Is the patient pathway and experience enhanced by having a community hospital?

      · Do community hospitals relieve pressure on acute services?

      · Are they a cost effective use of finite resources?

The Committee has invited the PCT to confirm the response received from local people on the discussion document.

The Committee also welcomes the Public Finance Initiative, which has been agreed by the Strategic Health Authority for the new Lymington Hospital. Progress on the new hospital will be monitored with interest.

Hampshire Partnership: Reprovision of Locally Based Hospital Units for People with Learning Disabilities in South West Hampshire

The Hampshire Partnership in conjunction with Hampshire County Council Social Services has published arrangements for re-housing and providing domiciliary support to this service for people with learning disabilities in South West Hampshire. The proposal includes detail of work undertaken to involve stakeholders and the public and feedback on existing services from residents and relatives.

Maternity Services in South East Hampshire

The Committee is continuing to press the Strategic Health Authority on proposals for maternity services in South East Hampshire. Confirmation of the timing of the formal consultation process is still awaited.

This proposal should link with the HealthFit framework.

Foundation Hospitals: Southampton University Hospitals Trust; Winchester and Eastleigh Health Care; North Hampshire Hospital

A response has been made to the formal consultation from the local hospitals providing services to people living in Hampshire that are seeking Foundation Trust status. The consultation documents do not include any proposals to substantially develop or change services and as a result joint committee arrangements to respond to the consultation process are not necessary. Members have been advised that the North Hampshire Hospital has now withdrawn its application for Trust status.

Changes to Primary Care Trust Management (Refocusing Leadership)

Changes are being proposed to the PCT management. The Committee has commented on the proposals and will closely monitor what is happening.

                Dr. R.J. Ellis

                Chairman

4IR930604