northlincs.gov.uk

PRESENT:  Councillor Wells in the chair.

Councillors Collinson, Davison, Eckhardt, Sidell, Simpson and Wilson.

The panel met at Pittwood House, Scunthorpe.

296  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.

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

298  DISCUSSION WITH REPRESENTATIVES FROM NORTHERN LINCOLNSHIRE AND GOOLE HOSPITALS NHS FOUNDATION TRUST.  The chair welcomed Karen Jackson, Chief Executive, and Bryony Simpson, Clinical Director – Therapies, to the meeting and invited Karen to provide an update on relevant developments on the Trust. Karen discussed several issues, including the potential implications of the coalition government’s legislative programme, and those that may be of interest to the panel in the coming months. These included ongoing reviews of women and children’s services, unscheduled care and dermatology.

Karen and Bryony then provided some background information on the current hydrotherapy service provided in Scunthorpe and Grimsby. Karen explained that the pools were under-utilised and in need of investment, with commissioners unsupportive of the continuation of service. Bryony described the alternatives to hydrotherapy and set out the range of options included in the consultation.

Members asked questions on patient numbers and utilisation, the clinical research in this area, possible alternative sites and the views of service users.

Resolved – (a) That Karen Jackson and Bryony Simpson be thanked for their attendance and input, and (b) that a response to the consultation be returned to the Trust specifying that the suitability of various alternative sites should be explored, but that the panel’s reluctant view is that the closure of both pools (option 3) is the most viable in order to ensure the best use of public money across all services provided by the Trust.

299  (14)  THE FUTURE OF ADULT AND OLDER PEOPLE’S MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES IN NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE.  The panel considered a draft response to the ongoing consultation on adult mental health services.  Members discussed the response and several issues that had arisen during the consultation process.

Resolved – (a) That the response be submitted to NHS North Lincolnshire, and (b) that members be kept informed of progress.

300  DEVELOPMENTS IN HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE – UPDATE FOR MEMBERS – The Service Director Legal and Democratic outlined a number of key developments in the health and social care field, locally, regionally and nationally.  These included a review of termination services and work underway to prepare a regional obesity strategy.

Resolved – (a) That the situation be noted, and regular updates to the panel be continued, and (b) that the panel take appropriate action where required.

301  (15)  LEADER OF THE COUNCIL’S FORWARD PLAN –SEPTEMBER TO DECEMBER – The Service Director Legal and Democratic circulated the Leader of North Lincolnshire Council’s Forward Plan for December 2010 to March 2011.

The plan contained details of all matters and issues likely to be the subject of key decisions for a period of the next four months, updated on a monthly basis.Members discussed various items on the Forward Plan.

Resolved – That the position be noted.