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:
Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Trust - Proposals to Reconfigure 24 Hour Assessment and Treatment (Inpatient Mental Health Services
Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Trust gave the Committee an update on proposals to reconfigure 24 hour assessment and treatment following the extended consultation. They outlined what the extended consultation involved, the key messages arising from the consultation and the next steps.
Hart District and Rushmoor Borough Councils, Hampshire Adult Services and Surrey Heath and Northeast Hampshire Mental Health Forum had concerns that the issues raised at the meeting on 25 November 2008 had not been resolved, in particular access to community care and transport and accessibility. Hart District Council had not been aware of any local consultation. Hampshire Primary Care Trust agreed that the accessibility of community services for local people was important and that they would wish to understand the impact of the revised model; they said that the quality of services for people was important and that they would ensure that people were able to access the services that they needed. On being questioned about services for drug and alcohol users Members were advised that inpatient services for drug and alcohol users were provided via Hampshire Partnership NHS Trust who would continue to provide community drug and alcohol services. Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Trust said that they were continuing dialogue with all stakeholders and would ensure that the District and County Councils were kept in the link, and they confirmed that community services would continue to be commissioned. On the question of the use of the older buildings they said that nursing in these buildings was a problem as was the cost of refurbishment and maintenance. It was agreed that that Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Trust should:
· Continue the dialogue with Hart District and Rushmoor
Borough Councils and the County Council to ensure that
changes to services were in the best interests of Hampshire residents.
· Confirm that they have responded to any concerns detailed in writing to them by Hart District and Rushmoor Borough Councils.
· Ensure that any further proposed changes to services be advised in writing to all stakeholders as a matter of urgency.
· Report back to Hampshire Primary Care Trust with quality indicators for Hampshire residents.
· Report back regularly to the Committee on progress being made with the proposals.
Fluoridation of Water Supplies in Southampton and Southwest Hampshire
At a meeting on the 26 February 2009, the South Central Strategic Health Authority Board had considered the outcome of the consultation to add fluoride to drinking water in parts of Southampton and southwest Hampshire and resolved that fluoride should be added to the drinking water. The Water Fluoridisation Panel had been reconvened to consider the Strategic Health Authority's decision and met on 23 March 2009. The Chairman had written a letter to the Chief Executive of the South Central Strategic Health Authority requesting a response to the issues raised in the Leader's letter of 20 November 2008 and expressing dismay that that the carefully considered views of the County Council were not raised with the Board and that there was no indication that the Board members had had any briefing on the concerns that the County Council highlighted with regard to the proposals.
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 31 March 2009 which is on Hantsweb at:
/decisions/decisions-docs/090331-hovasc-R0325085459
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:
Access to Health Services for People who are Homeless
Hampshire Primary Care Trust gave the Committee an update on the provision of primary care services to homeless people in Hampshire. Since November 2008 the Trust had refined its focus on the project and had decided to do further background work before redesigning the service. The workgroup would meet in April 2009 to analyse data obtained from a survey, audit and analysis of Accident and Emergency attendances. This data would help shape an engagement and consultation plan to gather the views of potential future users of the services which would commence in June 2009. Further networking would also take place with local authorities, independent or charitable organisations to ensure joined-up partnership working.
South Central Ambulance Trust Performance
Concern was expressed at the continued failure of the Ambulance Service to meet required targets in rural areas and more information was requested on performance in these areas.
Vascular Surgery - Transfer of Winchester and Eastleigh Healthcare NHS Trust Patients to Southampton
Winchester and Eastleigh Healthcare NHS Trust and Southampton University Hospital NHS Trust had agreed new arrangements for managing patients requiring vascular surgery. Only the surgery was affected, all other care being provided locally. It was anticipated that this would affect approximately 110 patients per annum and would greatly enhance the team working of specialists providing the care.
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 31 March 2009 which is on Hantsweb at:
/decisions/decisions-docs/090331-hovasc-R0325085509
ANNUAL REPORT 2008/09 AND WORK PROGRAMME 2009/10
1. The Committee endorsed its 2008/09 Report which is a synopsis of the work carried out during the year and the proposed programme for 2009/10 which would take account of issues raised by Members and identified by key partners during the past year, national policy developments that would have an impact on the health of local people and local issues that would have an impact on the provision of health services to people living in Hampshire.
2. A copy of the report has been circulated to all County Councillors and is also be available in the Members' Room.
3. This report arises from consideration of the report by the Committee on 31 March 2009 which is on Hantsweb at:
/decisions/decisions-docs/090331-hovasc-R0325085519
ANNA McNAIR SCOTT
Chairman.