Health Scrutiny Panel – 11 August 2014

PRESENT:- Councillor Mrs Bromby in the chair.

Councillors Barker (Vice-Chair), Bainbridge, Glover and Ogg.

Councillors Whiteley and Wilson attended the meeting in accordance with the provisions of Procedure Rule 1.37 (b).

The panel met at the Civic Centre, Scunthorpe.

238 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.

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

240 (5) PATIENT SAFETY INCIDENTS – The Chairman welcomed Karen Jackson, Chief Executive, Wendy Booth, Director of Performance Assurance, and Craig Ferris, Head of Safeguarding, Northern Lincolnshire & Goole NHS Foundation Trust and Catherine Wylie, Director of Risk and Quality Assurance, North Lincolnshire Clinical Commissioning Group to the meeting.  The Chairman explained that the witnesses had been invited to discuss the recent publication of the Report of the Overarching Review of the Incidents Referred to as the ‘Incident Cluster’”, which summarised the general findings of the investigations into the patient safety incidents that was previously discussed at the panel’s meeting on 23 June 2014 (minute 223 refers).

Karen Jackson introduced the report, initially apologising for four cases where the care provided by NLaG was below the expected standard.  Karen explained the process of the investigations, how remedial actions would be put in place, and how progress would be monitored.

Members asked questions on a range of related issues, including implications for the staff, reporting mechanisms, escalation policies, and subsequent assurance processes.

Catherine Wylie was then asked to comment on the document and actions subsequent to the ‘clustering’ of the incidents.  Catherine explained that the Clinical Commissioning Group would consider the finalised report in due course, taking appropriate action.  Catherine confirmed that there was a mechanism in place to allow discussions between commissioners and providers.

Resolved – (a) That Karen Jackson, Wendy Booth, Craig Ferris and Catherine Wylie be thanked for their attendance, and (b) that the panel produce a report on this issue, making observations, conclusions and recommendations as deemed appropriate.

241 HEALTHY LIVES, HEALTHY FUTURES – The Director of Policy and Resources confirmed that the panel would receive a presentation on options for Hyperacute Stroke and Ear, Nose and Throat services at their meeting on 2 September 2014.

Resolved – That the situation be noted.

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