Archived decisions

REPORT OF THE

HEALTH OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE

PART II

PROPOSALS TO DEVELOP OR VARY NHS SERVICES

    1. The Committee is continuing to monitor proposals from the NHS to substantially vary health services including:

    Assisted Conception Services in South Central Strategic Health Authority Area

    The Specialist Commissioning team for South Central Strategic Health Authority has confirmed its intention to go out to consultation on the provision of assisted conception services across the Strategic Health Authority area. The intention is to agree a single set of criteria for accessing these services to ensure that there was a consistent equitable provision. Information has been requested about the specific changes proposed and the number of patients involved within each Primary Care Trust. The need to clearly demonstrate engagement with stakeholders, including patient support groups was stressed.

    Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Trust - Proposals to Reconfigure 24 Hour Assessment and Treatment (Inpatient Mental Health Services)

    Representatives of the Trust attended a meeting of the Committee on 25 November 2008 to explain its actions. The Committee also heard evidence from Hampshire Primary Care Trust, Hampshire Adult Services, Rushmoor Borough Council, Hart District Council and Surrey Heath and Northeast Hants Mental Health Forum all of which expressed concerns about the lack of information and the consultation process. After considering all of the evidence received the Committee was not satisfied:

      · That there has been sufficient engagement and involvement of key stakeholders in developing the proposals.

      · With the content and conduct of the consultation process.

      · That the changes proposed is in the interests of the Hampshire population affected.

    and could not therefore support this proposal as it currently stood. It was however keen to see a local resolution of this matter and was mindful that there did seem to be broad support amongst commissioners for the proposed direction of travel . It requested that further work be undertaken to address the gaps in information identified by 31 March 2009. This to include:

        · Further engagement and involvement with stakeholders, including the districts affected and General Practitioners to build consensus on the way forward.

        · A Hampshire specific document, setting out the implications of the changes for Hampshire residents, taking account of community and other supporting services.

        · Additional information provided to take account of the guidance `Changing for the Better'.

        · Details of the metal health services commissioned from Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Trust by Hampshire Adult Services and Hampshire Primary Care Trust and confirmation that both organisations would work with Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Trust to take this work forward.

    2. The responses made by the Committee influence and improve the delivery of health services in Hampshire and, in doing so, support the Corporate Strategy aim of maximising well being.

    3. This report arises from consideration of the report by the Committee on 25 November 2008 which is on Hantsweb at:

    /decisions/decisions-docs/-hovasc-R1117085707

    /decisions/decisions-index/index-docs-6958

    INQUIRIES RECEIVED AND ACTION TAKEN

    1. The Committee continues to receive inquiries from partner organisations and County Councillors. At the last meeting Members were alerted to inquiries about:

    Southeast Capacity Plan

    Details were given about the background to the capacity plan, involvement and consultation and the key impacts of the refreshment. The future and location of beds at Queen Alexandra Hospital, Cosham were outlined together with information on outpatients, adaptability the movement of services to Gosport War Memorial Hospital, pain clinics, cancer services, phlebotomy and transport. The key messages were:

        · Bed requirements reducing overall but some specialties increasing.

        · Reductions in length of stay due to surgical improvements and moves to day surgery.

        · Increased care closer to home leading to earlier discharge and admission avoidance.

    The next steps were continued development and continued involvement; monthly briefings to stakeholders and population and a targeted communications programme. It was agreed that the Committee should receive a further update at it meeting on 26 May 2009.

    Access to Health Services for People who are Homeless

    Details were given about the number of homeless people and those in temporary accommodation in each district in Hampshire, the definition and categories of homelessness, the health needs and service review that had been undertaken and the work plan and recommendations for the way forward.

    2. The responses made by the Committee influence and improve the delivery of health services in Hampshire and, in doing so, support the Corporate Strategy aim of maximising well being.

    3. This report arises from consideration of the report by the Committee on 25 November 2008 which is on Hantsweb at:

    /decisions/decisions-docs/081125-hovasc-R1117141048

              ANNA McNAIR SCOTT

              Chairman.