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 the South Central Strategic Health Authority has gone out to consultation on proposals for a single set of criteria for accessing assisted conception services across the South Central Strategic Health Authority area. The consultation document is available in the Member's Room. The proposals were not considered to be substantial and the Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee raised no objection to them.

    West Sussex Primary Care Trust - Acute Service Reconfiguration

    The merger of the Royal West Sussex NHS Trust (St. Richards Hospital, Chichester) and Worthing and Southlands Hospitals NHS Trust has now been agreed and is on course to take place on 1 April 2009. It is not expected that any changes resulting from the merger would lead to changes in services to patients. The response of the Independent Reconfiguration Panel to the referral from the Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee has been suspended by the Secretary of State pending the outcome of the proposed merger. West Sussex Primary Care Trust is now considering the implications and the issue of a revised Fit for the Future plan.

    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 3 February 2009 which is on Hantsweb at:

    /decisions/decisions-docs/090203-hovasc-R0126102658

    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:

    Mental Health Services at Andover War Memorial Hospital

    Hampshire Partnership NHS Trust and Hampshire Primary Care Trust gave an update to the Committee on progress being made and the process of public and patient engagement work on the development of older people mental health services in the Andover area. They outlined what services were currently available in Andover and the engagement that had been taking place with service users which had highlighted the requirement for better support, improved working with others and enhanced service provision. They were now looking at ways to take this forward and the options for service development in the area.

South Central Ambulance Trust Performance

    Following a presentation to the Hampshire, Southampton, Portsmouth and Isle of Wight Health Scrutiny Joint Committee by the Ambulance Trust on 9 December 2008 the Chairman wrote to the Trust raising concerns about Hampshire response times being consistently the worst performing division in the South Central area. The Trust had responded saying that its response times in Hampshire had improved over the year and would investigate any delays. Members said that it was important to know why there were issues and that there was a need to understand reasons.

    The Hampshire Primary Care Trust confirmed that its Board had requested a meeting with the South Central Ambulance Service Board to discuss progress. South Central Health Overview and Scrutiny Committees would also be giving consideration to the issue.

    Temporary Closure of Minor Injuries unit at Havant War Memorial Hospital

    The nurse led Minor Injuries Unit at Havant War Memorial Hospital has been temporarily closed due to high levels of staff sickness. It is anticipated that the temporary closure would only affect two to three patients a week. It was expected that the unit would re-open as soon as possible. Members highlighted the differences in services available at minor injuries units and said that there was an need for the standardisation of these services to enable the public to know what services to expect.

    Spinal Surgery - Transfer of Winchester and Eastleigh Healthcare NHS Trust Patients to Southampton

    Winchester and Eastleigh Healthcare NHS Trust and Southampton University Hospital NHS Trust has agreed new arrangements for patients requiring spinal surgery which would greatly enhance the team working of the specialists providing the care. Only the actual surgery will be affected, all other care would continue being provided locally.

    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 3 February 2009 which is on Hantsweb at:

    /decisions/decisions-docs/090203-hovasc-R0126102647

              ANNA McNAIR SCOTT

              Chairman.