Health Scrutiny Panel – 26 February 2013

PRESENT:  Councillor Mrs Bromby in the chair.
Councillors Barker (Vice-Chair), Bainbridge, Eckhardt and Ogg.

The panel met at the Civic Centre, Scunthorpe.

94  DECLARATIONS OF DISCLOSABLE PECUNIARY INTERESTS AND PERSONAL OR PERSONAL AND PREJUDICIAL INTERESTS AND DECLARATIONS OF WHIPPING ARRANGEMENTS (IF ANY) – There were no declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests and personal or personal and prejudicial interests.

No whip was declared.

95  PUBLIC REQUESTS TO SPEAK – There were no requests received.

96  (9)  NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE CLINICAL COMMISSIONING GROUP (CCG) COMMISSIONING PLAN ‘RIGHT CARE, RIGHT PLACE’ – The panel received a presentation on the CCG’s commissioning plan from Caroline Briggs, Senior Officer Commissioning Support and Service Change, North Lincolnshire CCG.  Caroline gave an overview of the CCG’s strategic aims and values, the outcomes that the CCG had set, and their key priorities for 2013/14.

Members asked a range of questions, including how the priorities had been agreed, the future impact on service configuration and the likely consultation and engagement processes.

Resolved – (a) That Caroline Briggs be thanked for her presentation, and (b) that the panel be kept informed of further progress.

97  (10) DRAFT NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE JOINT HEALTH AND WELLBEING STRATEGY 2013/18.  SUMMARY HOSPITAL-LEVEL MORTALITY INDEX – JOINT ACTION PLAN – The panel received a presentation on the draft Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy from Frances Cunning, Director of Public Health.  Frances explained that work was still ongoing on preparing the document, but that the bulk of the report had been finalised, prior to submission to the Health and Wellbeing Board.

Members discussed a number of issues, such as service delivery, action plans and community based care.

Resolved – (a) That Frances Cunning be thanked for her presentation, and (b) that the panel be kept informed of further progress.

98  (11)  TERMS OF REFERENCE – NHS COMMISSIONING BOARD REVIEW INTO THE QUALITY OF CARE AND TREATMENT PROVIDED BY 14 HOSPITAL TRUSTS IN ENGLAND – The Director of Policy and Resources informed the panel on work requested by the Prime Minister to explore 14 Hospital Trusts who were performing poorly on the Summary Hospital-level Mortality Index.  The terms of reference set out the NHS Commissioning Board’s principles and methodology, confirming that Northern Lincolnshire & Goole Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust would be one of those visited by the team.

Resolved – (a) That the Chairman write to the NHS Commissioning Board’s Medical Director, Professor Sir Bruce Keogh, extending an invitation to discuss the panel’s views and experiences of care provided by the Trust, and (b) that the panel be kept informed of any relevant future developments.

99  ADULT CONGENITAL HEART SURGERY – The Director of Policy and Resources informed the panel about a forthcoming public consultation on the future configuration of adult congenital heart surgery sites across the country.  It was possible that a joint health overview and scrutiny committee would have to be convened to consider the matter, and members were asked for their views on how best this subject might be approached.

Resolved – That the panel form a judgement on their preferred approach when the consultation document has been prepared.

100  REPORT OF THE MID STAFFORDSHIRE NHS FOUNDATION TRUST PUBLIC ENQUIRY (THE FRANCIS REPORT) – The Director of Policy and Resources informed the panel that the Francis Report had now been published.  The report’s recommendations included some possible changes to the function of health scrutiny, notably improving co-ordination and communication between scrutiny, Healthwatch and the Health and Wellbeing Board, better training and guidance, and extending rights of inspection to scrutiny panels.

Resolved – That the situation be monitored, with any necessary improvements implemented.

101  ADDED ITEM – There was no added item for consideration at the meeting.