Meeting documents

Also present at the invitation of the Chairman

Councillor Nick Brown – for Item 6

Mr Alan Wittrick (Project Director, North Yorkshire Review of Health Services) – for Item 4

Mr Stephen Wood (Executive Director, Scarborough Theatre Trust)

– for Item 5

Members are reminded of the need to consider whether they have a personal or prejudicial interest to declare in any of the items on this agenda.  If so, the nature of the interest must be declared at the start or as soon as the interest becomes apparent, of the meeting.  In addition, the attached form must be completed and passed to the Committee Administrator.  The Officers will be pleased to advise, if necessary, and any request for assistance should be made, in the first instance, to the Committee Administrator whose name appears at the end of this agenda.  Ideally, such advice should be sought before the day of the meeting so that time is available to consider any uncertainty that might arise.

No declarations of interest were received.

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 25 January 2012.  (Minutes attached).

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 25 January 2012 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

Public questions of which due notice has been given and which are relevant to the business of the Scrutiny Committee.

The Chairman reported that no public questions had been submitted.

To receive a presentation by the North Yorkshire Review Project Director.

The Committee received a presentation by Alan Wittrick, Project Director of the Review of Health Services in North Yorkshire and York, in respect of progress with this review, and also an update on the review of services in Whitby, which formed a part of this wider piece of work.  Members were reminded that Professor Mascie-Taylor’s report published in August 2011 made a broad range of recommendations to the NHS in North Yorkshire and York to attempt to identify £230M of savings by 2015 whilst improving services.  A key strategic recommendation was to develop integrated models of care in each locality through integration of healthcare and social services which could help achieve a reduction of some 200 hospital beds across the area.  The Strategic Health Authority set up a Project Team in December to take forward Mascie-Taylor’s recommendations.  An overall programme had now been established which was overseen by an Executive Leadership Group which included the GP leaders of the Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs).  The development of integrated models of care was one of a number of workstreams.  The others were long term conditions and urgent care services; demand management; review of estates; and transport issues including emergency response and patient transport.  Cross cutting workstreams comprised financial modelling and business implications; workforce implications; and communications and patient engagement.  He expected the visions and provisional plans to be ready for initial consultation with stakeholders by the end of May leading to a formal consultation from the autumn.  Some actions in the plans and savings could be implemented in 2012/13.  In terms of services in Whitby, they are being reviewed mainly as past of the first workstream, but with links to the other workstreams of long term conditions and demand management.  The Project Team has had constructive dialogue with both GP leaders and Adult Social Services, and initial proposals for the Whitby area should be ready to bring to the next meeting of the Committee on 30 May.  Members then questioned Mr Wittrick.  He acknowledged there was an issue with patients who were clinically fit to be discharged from hospital, but remaining there, because of the time it took to organise post-operative care at home.  This was being addressed by the Project Team with the full support of North Yorkshire County Council Social Services.  He assured the Committee that the closure of Whitby Hospital was not on the agenda.  There was a recognised need for a base service in Whitby – this may be on the current site, or may be on a new site in the town.  He also acknowledged that health services in North Yorkshire had been underfunded for many years against the national funding formula, which did not take into account the greater expense of delivering services in sparsely populated rural areas.  A new funding formula was being proposed for CCGs (which was still to be announced), but he expected there to be a gradual transition to the new  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

To consider an update by the Community Partnerships Manager (attached)

The Committee considered a report by the Community Partnerships Manager, Jo Ireland, about the Health Partnership in the Borough which was established in May 2011 and brought together a number of organisations including the Borough and County Councils, NHS trusts and Yorkshire Coast Homes to influence the development of the new health service framework and to ensure that health issues within the Borough were addressed and resourced effectively.  A key element of its work was to influence commissioning and decommissioning decisions based on better use and sharing of data and information.  Ms Ireland then updated the Committee about various projects.  The Well Being Pilot initiated in July 2011, was targeted at older people with relatively low support needs, but who had signs of vulnerability and would benefit from services to enable them to maintain a safe and independent lifestyle.  This more seamless approach to service provision across multiple agencies had evaluated well and would now be extended for a further six months from the end of March as part of the wider re-ablement and prevention agenda.  The Alcohol Harm Reduction Strategy, previously reported to the Committee, was now complete and much work was in progress to implement it.  Notably, a new multi-agency group had been set up to drive forward the strategy’s ambitions to increase the capacity of treatment services within the Borough.  Reducing the level of inappropriate A&E attendances had been identified as a priority by the Primary Care Trust, Scarborough Hospital and the Ambulance Service.  Work was at an early stage to use the Mosaic profiling system to analyse the profile of patients who used A&E services.  Members then received a presentation by Sharon Carey, Policy Officer, about the Mosaic system and how anonymised data from the Peasholm GP Surgery was being used to compare the profile of those using the A&E service with those frequently attending at the GP surgery.  Some patterns were already emerging from the data analysis: for example, there was a group of people with low attendance at the GP surgery and high attendance at A&E.  Many were from the Barrowcliff/Woodlands area: was this because of the proximity of the hospital?  Their profile indicated that they would be more receptive to local newspapers and face to face contact to learn about possible alternatives to A&E, such as NHS Direct, their GP surgery, and the Darzi Centre in York Place.  The project’s next steps were to extend the model to four other surgeries (two in the town centre, Eastfield and Ayton), test the proximity hypothesis, identify why and for what purpose these groups were attending A&E, and then translate this analysis into a multi-agency action plan.  Members then questioned Ms Ireland and Ms Carey.  Asked why the County Council’s Children and Young People’s Services were not represented on the Health Partnership, Ms Ireland felt this was a good point which she would refer back to the partnership.  In respect of the A&E project, Ms Ireland  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

To consider a report by the Strategic Director (Hilary Jones) (Reference 12/194 attached)

The Committee considered a report by the Strategic Director (Reference 12/194) seeking Members’ views on proposals to promote DAFNE (an education course for people with Type 1 diabetes).  Members were informed that this issue had been raised by Cllr Nick Brown with the Chairman, Cllr Evans.  DAFNE (Dose Adjustment for Normal Eating) was an effective way of managing Type 1 diabetes in adults by estimating the amount of carbohydrate in each meal and thereby self-administering the right dosage of insulin.  The problem raised by Cllr Brown’s constituent was that this effective treatment should be better known amongst GPs and people with diabetes. The local Primary Care Trust agreed and had asked the Council to assist in the promotion of the DAFNE courses which are run in the Borough.  Paragraph 3.8 of the report set out a number of ways in which this could be done.  Members then discussed the report.  Councillor Abbott commented that GPs in Whitby would like to see the DAFNE course reinstated and suggested that the course also be publicised in leisure centres.  Councillor Brown agreed, also suggesting that local pharmacies be used.  A further suggestion was that the Council enlist the support of the local branch of Diabetes UK to promote the scheme.

RESOLVED that:

(i)                 the report be received;

(ii)               the Committee endorse the recommendations in the report to promote DAFNE through the Council’s website, Members’ surgeries, printed literature/TV information screens, Area Forums/Committees, the Health Partnership, but also through leisure centres, pharmacies, and with the support of the local branch of Diabetes UK; and

(iii)             on behalf of the Committee, the Chairman make representations to the Primary Care Trust to reinstate the DAFNE course in Whitby.

To consider a report by the Head of Legal and Support Services (Reference 12/62 attached)

The Committee considered a report by the Head of Legal and Support Services (Reference 12/62) which put forward recommendations to improve the way the Council supports community groups to deliver capital projects in light of the Call for Action considered by the Committee last September.  Councillor Lawn, who had initiated the Call for Action and been involved in subsequent discussions with the community group concerned, Ingham Play Park Committee (IPPC), commended the proposals in the report with the additional point that the web pages and guidance referred to in recommendation (a) should also be used to establish from the start a clear understanding of the services the community group can expect to receive from the Council if the latter is to act as project manager.  The Overview and Scrutiny Manager, St John Harris then echoed Councillor Lawn’s comments that although Ingham Play Park had been an undoubted success that could not have been realised without the Council’s support, there had been many frustrations the IPPC had encountered when dealing with the Council.  Mr Harris added that the Committee’s meeting last September had not proved an effective means of unravelling and identifying the issues, not least because much information had been tabled on the day.  In light of this experience, the Scrutiny Chairs and Vice-Chairs had agreed that in future Calls for Action be reviewed through a Member Task Group nominated by the relevant committee which could undertake a more structured review with an agreed scope, prepared questions and so on.  However, what was clear from the committee meeting on 28 September, was that there were certain specific issues around the Council support for the project i.e. specific complaints which the IPPC still wanted to raise with senior management and which needed to be resolved, in contrast to the broader, more general lessons to be learned.  The recommendations before Members reflected the broader lessons, by seeking to manage the community’s expectations better about the Council’s capabilities and resources, communicating more effectively about the different parties’ respective responsibilities, and ensuring that the Council discharges its responsibilities in the most efficient and effective manner.  As regards the specifics, one of the main misunderstandings related to the IPPC’s expectation that they would receive a cashback which they had negotiated with the supplier.  The fact that EU procurement rules meant that this cashback could not be safeguarded, and that this was not communicated clearly to the IPPC, left the community group feeling disappointed and anxious that they did not have the maintenance monies they had anticipated.  To address this anxiety, the Head of Environmental Services had agreed to cover the cost of the repairs or replacement outside the scope of the manufacturer’s guarantee to the value of the anticipated cashback over the same period as this guarantee.  Members welcomed the report.

RESOLVED that:

(i)                 the report be received; and

(ii)               the Committee recommend that the Cabinet consider:  

a)     establishing web pages to provide clear explanatory text  about the support the Council can provide for  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

To consider a report by the Head of Tourism and Culture (Reference 12/195) attached.

The Committee considered a report by the Head of Tourism and Culture (Reference 12/195) in respect of the services provided by the Scarborough Theatre Trust (STT) in 2010/11 as specified under the terms of the service level agreement between the Council and the Trust, together with details of the Trust’s performance monitoring arrangements, objectives, governance, communication and accountability to partners.  In presenting the report, the Head of Tourism and Culture, Mr Bennett noted that the information was nearly a year out of date, and so suggested that the next report for 2011/12 be brought soon after the Trust’s accounts had been finalised to the Committee’s meeting in July.  2011/12 was an important year for the Trust having had to manage significant cuts in funding, particularly from the County Council.  Comments from Councillor Jeffels, the Cabinet Member for Tourism and Culture, and current Council representative on the STT were also circulated to the Committee.  The Trust’s Executive Director, Stephen Wood then delivered a presentation to the Committee focusing on four of the theatre’s recent achievements: Welcome to Yorkshire’s promotion of the theatre company’s performances on Broadway; the company’s extensive touring in this country; the outreach work with local schools delivered through the Creative Schools Partnership; and the invitation to take part in the Cultural Olympiad through a collaboration with Chichester Festival Theatre.  Members welcomed the report and thanked Mr Wood and the STT for their valuable contribution to the cultural life of the Borough, and for promoting the Borough within the region, the country and overseas.

RESOLVED that:

(i)                 the report be received;

(ii)               officers work with STT to review the Service Level Agreement; and

(iii)             the 2011/12 report be scheduled for the Committee’s meeting in July.

To consider a report by the Head of Tourism and Culture (Reference 12/196) attached.

The Committee considered a report by the Head of Tourism and Culture (Reference 12/196) in respect of the services provided by the Moors and Coast Tourism Partnership in its last year of operation of 2010/11, together with details of the Trust’s performance monitoring arrangements, objectives, governance, communication and accountability to partners.  The report also described the transition to the new Welcome to Yorkshire Partnership, and the improvements the new delivery model had brought.  Comments from Councillor Jeffels, the Cabinet Member for Tourism and Culture, and current Council representative on the Welcome to Yorkshire Partnership were also circulated to the Committee.  Both the Head of Tourism and Culture, Brian Bennett, and the Area Tourism Director, Janet Deacon acknowledged that the previous structure was too bureaucratic with too much time and energy spent on governance and finance and not enough on marketing and promotion of the area.  The new direct arrangement with Welcome to Yorkshire (WtY) had righted this, under the dynamic leadership of the WtY Chief Executive, Gary Verity.  Through Welcome to Yorkshire, the coast and moors was being promoted on a much bigger stage, using high quality glossy literature, television and internet advertising, and high profile sponsorship deals such as Kings Cross railway station.  Both Ms Deacon and the former Cabinet Member for Tourism and Culture and Member of the Committee, Cllr Mrs Jefferson were reporting back from a major tourism event in York hosted by WtY earlier that day, at which WtY’s five year strategy had been launched.  The strategy would be circulated to Members of the Committee.  Members welcomed these improvements and questioned the Area Tourism Director about aspects of the new Partnership’s work.  She confirmed that P&O North Sea Ferries now stocked copies of the Partnership’s Attractions Guide, and the Partnership was looking to work closely with East Riding and Hull Councils to target the Dutch tourism market.  There was also close collaboration with the North York Moors National Park Authority (and with East Riding) to maximise promotion of the moors, wolds and coast as a visitor destination.

RESOLVED that:

(i)                 the report be received; and

(ii)               that officers continue to work with Welcome to Yorkshire to review the Service Level Agreement on an annual basis to ensure objectives are being delivered.

To receive a presentation by the Forward Planning Manager

The Committee received a presentation by Planning Policy Officer, Matthew Lickes, in respect of the preparation of a Playing Pitch Strategy for the Borough.  Members were informed that the Strategy comprised a formal assessment of current and future team-based demand for playing pitches in the Borough matched against the current supply and quality of these pitches.  The Strategy was being overseen by a Steering Group and Project Team with support from a consultant from Sport England which had invited the Council to act as a ‘Launch Authority’ for their new guidance on the provision of playing pitches.  The Strategy represented an opportunity to bring together many issues within a single document, and so assist sports bodies in planning for the future, inform the assessment of planning applications, and enable the Council and its partners to take advantage of development opportunities.  The project was still at the data collection stage, undertaking an audit of playing pitches, compiling a comprehensive club database, and consulting with pitch users and providers to project future demand.  The final Strategy was expected to be complete in August, which would then generate a detailed, prioritised and costed action and implementation plan.  Members then asked questions about the project.  Mr Lickes confirmed that a qualitative assessment was part of the project, which could then give clarity and justification to clubs’ funding bids.  He cited the example of the Helredale Gardens housing development.  Sport England had lifted its objection to the loss of the playing pitch, but if the Strategy then concluded that Whitby was underprovided, a replacement pitch on another site would need to be found.  The Strategy covered changing facilities but not the provision of more informal play areas, which would be the subject of a separate planning document.

RESOLVED that the report be received.

To consider a report by the Head of Legal and Support Services (Reference 12/113 attached)

The Committee considered a report by the Head of Legal and Support Services (Reference 12/113) to assist Members in planning the Committee’s work for 2011/12.  The following amendments were confirmed and agreed:

(i) evaluation of the Darzi Centre in York Place, Scarborough (subject to the County Council Scrutiny of Health Committee not already having received a report)

(ii) Scarborough Theatre Trust Annual Review 2011/12 – July 2012

(iii) Welcome to Yorkshire Partnership Annual Review 2011/2 – July 2012

(iii) Defer the Draft Sports and Recreational Physical Activity Strategy to July 2012

The Overview and Scrutiny Manager reported that a presentation on the work of the Community Services Integration Board which focused on improving the care and health of patients with long term conditions had been scheduled for the May meeting.  Councillor Abbott suggested a potential review topic of youth health issues, adding that an event on this subject was being organised at Whitby Community College.  Members noted that this was a very wide area and agreed that as a first step a report come to the Committee on the Whitby event and its findings.

RESOLVED that, subject to the amendments agreed above, the report be received.