People Scrutiny Panel – 6 December 2011
Councillors Barker (Vice-Chair), Evison, Godfrey, Jawaid MBE, Robinson, and Wells.
Statutory Co-opted Members: Mr N Craven and Mrs A Dunkerley (Parent Governor Representative) and Mr W Egan and Mrs W Witter (Church Representatives).
The panel met at Pittwood House, Scunthorpe.
38 DECLARATIONS OF PERSONAL OR PERSONAL AND PREJUDICIAL INTERESTS AND DECLARATIONS OF WHIPPING ARRANGEMENTS (IF ANY) – There were no declarations of personal or personal and prejudicial interests.
No whip was declared.
39 MINUTES – Resolved – That the minutes of the proceedings of this panel held on 8 November 2011 and 10 November 2011, having been printed and circulated amongst the members, be taken as read and correctly recorded and signed by the chairman.
40 PUBLIC REQUESTS TO SPEAK – There were no requests received.
41 (6) UNPLANNED CARE AND MAJOR TRAUMA – Informal discussion with representatives from local NHS organisations.
The Chairman welcomed Karen Rhodes and Geoff Day from NHS North Lincolnshire and Jeremy Baskett from North East Lincolnshire Care Trust Plus to the meeting. Geoff explained how unplanned care was currently provided across North Lincolnshire and described a proposed model for the future, involving improved triage and clinical assessment to ensure that patients received appropriate care in all circumstances. Members asked a range of questions, including on issues such as GP out-of-hours care, the proposed non-emergency 111 phone contact, service integration with A&E and the role of the Ironstone Centre.
Karen then informed the panel that there was an ongoing review of major trauma across the region. The review had recommended that there should be fewer major trauma centres, supplemented by smaller trauma units for less serious incidents. The local intention would be to send the most serious cases directly to Hull, before repatriating the patient to North Lincolnshire when stable. This would result in improved clinical outcomes for those at most need.
Karen also updated members on a recent incident concerning errors across the Humberside area during opthamology screening for patients with diabetes. A review was underway, and staff were confident that all patients had been contacted to arrange for re-screening.
Resolved – (a) That Karen Rhodes, Geoff Day and Jeremy Baskett be thanked for their attendance at the meeting, and (b) that the panel be kept informed of all relevant progress in each of the above areas.
42 (7) MORTALITY RATES – The Chairman explained that, following publication of mortality data at Hospital Trusts across the country, the figures for Northern Lincolnshire and Goole Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust gave cause for concern. Subsequently, a small working group of members had met with Dr Liz Scott, the Trust’s Medical Director, to discuss the issue further. It was explained that the Trust had set up a group of clinical and non-clinical staff to fully investigate the rates, and that members were assured with the process that had been put in place.
Resolved – That members routinely receive all new mortality data, and that the panel maintain a ‘watching brief’ on the issue, with appropriate dialogue with the Trust
43 (8) THERAPY SERVICES CONSULTATION – Members considered an ongoing consultation on the future structure of Allied Health Professionals and Therapy Services. The Chairman explained that a small working group of members had arranged meetings with relevant stakeholders in previous weeks to discuss the proposals in more depth. Members discussed the issue further, and put forward possible issues to be included in the panel’s response.
Resolved – That a response be drafted, setting out members’ views and concerns, and be brought back to the panel’s next meeting for further discussion and agreement.
44 DEVELOPMENTS IN CHILDREN’S SERVICES, HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE – Members received a short, verbal update on developing issues relevant to the panel’s terms of reference.