Health Scrutiny Panel – 30 November 2015
PRESENT:- Councillor Mumby-Croft in the chair.
Councillors Carlile (Vice-Chair), Glover, Ogg, and Oldfield.
The panel met at the Civic Centre, Scunthorpe.
322 DECLARATIONS OF DISCLOSABLE PECUNIARY INTERESTS AND PERSONAL OR PERSONAL AND PREJUDICIAL INTERESTS AND DECLARATIONS OF WHIPPING ARRANGEMENTS (IF ANY) – Cllr Ogg declared a personal interest on item 324 as a member of his immediate family was employed by Northern Lincolnshire & Goole NHS Foundation Trust. No whip was declared.
323 PUBLIC REQUESTS TO SPEAK– There were no requests received.
324 SUMMARY HOSPITAL-LEVEL MORTALITY INDEX – The Chairman welcomed Karen Dunderdale, Deputy Chief Executive, Mr Lawrence Roberts, Medical Director, and Bryony Simpson, Deputy Medical Director, Northern Lincolnshire & Goole NHS Foundation Trust, to the meeting. The Chairman explained that the witnesses had been invited to discuss the latest quarterly data on the Summary Hospital-Level Mortality Index (SHMI), which indicated that the Trust had been included in the ‘Higher than Expected’ banding.
Karen began by describing the work that was underway across the Trust to deal with the issue, confirming that it was a key priority for the Board of Directors.. Bryony went into more depth about this, discussing a number of practical arrangements that the Trust has put in place, including working with external support, training clinicians to review cases, and identifying specialisms with an above-average SHMI. The Chairman then led a discussion on a number of related issues, including the independence of case reviews, end of life care, and the prospects of improvement. Witnesses from the Trust responded to further questions that members asked.
Resolved – (a) That Karen Dunderdale, Mr Lawrence Roberts, and Bryony Simpson be thanked for their attendance, and (b) that the situation be noted.
325 NHS HEALTH CHECKS – The Head of Policy and Resources provided a brief update to the panel regarding the recommissioning of NHS Health checks, seeking members’ views on consultation and engagement requirements.
Resolved – That the panel continue to be kept informed of the situation, with the matter delegated to commissioners.
326 ADDED ITEM – There was no added item for consideration at the meeting.