To receive a presentation by Abigail Barron, Senior Transformation Project Manager and Debbie Newton, Chief Operating and Finance Officer, Hambleton, Richmondshire and Whitby Clinical Commissioning Group.
Minutes:
The committee received a presentation by Abigail Barron, Senior Transformation Project Manager, Hambleton, Richmondshire and Whitby Clinical Commissioning Group which provided an update on the new Community and Out of Hours Services contract and the redevelopment of Whitby Hospital. Members were advised that the CCG had now signed the contract with Humber NHS Foundation Trust to deliver the new Community and Out of Hours Services with a commencement date of 1 March. Ownership of the hospital asset had transferred to NHS Property Services, another key strategic partner in the hospital redevelopment. The contract incorporated a robust service transformation plan, and governance and performance measures to monitor the quality of services. Key developments planned in the first year of the contract were: a locally based GP Out of Hours Service integrated with rapid response, robust medical leadership ensuring a doctor would always be available, improved discharge planning to reduce unnecessary hospital stays, a new multi-disciplinary neighbourhood care service, a single point of access for referrals, and improved use of IT to support patient care. In respect of the new hospital, the CCG was working with Medical Architecture to develop a schedule of accommodation for core commissioned services. The architects had been given an open brief based inter alia on the Community Ventures feasibility study, demographic information, the core commissioned services, and the CCG’s contract with the Humber Trust. A public exhibition and consultation on the draft design plans for the new hospital was planned for April/May. The CCG was also engaged in positive discussions with other commissioners and local stakeholders to seek opportunities for the remainder of the site. Ms Barron then outlined the large number of influences on the Whitby Project Team’s plans: patient feedback, liaison with stakeholders, feedback through the Fit 4 the Future email address, summer country shows, over 50s forum, national benchmarking with similar facilities, public engagement events, their Health Engagement Network, local clinicians and GPs, and hard to reach groups such as local disability organisations. The CCG was developing its Communications and Engagement Plan and the results of previous public engagement activities were available on their website. Members then discussed the presentation and asked questions. In reply, Ms Barron commented that the CCG had not yet reached a decision on the number of beds in the new hospital. There were many factors which would determine the final figure, such as the development of alternative care pathways and the level of community care which could be delivered, but the CGG was committed to an in-patient unit at the hospital, whilst seeking to enhance the number of services on the site. Ms Barron confirmed that as part of the new contract, the Humber Trust wished to integrate social care within the new multi-disciplinary care teams. This was the best way to address bed blocking and to ensure patients received the right care in the right setting. She explained that public feedback was one of a number of sources of information (see above) to influence their plans. This was a continuous engagement process through which the CCG sought to capture as many local views as possible. Ms Barron was happy to prepare a list of frequently asked questions and answers in respect of the engagement strategy, and how the CCG was both seeking views and keeping the public informed about their developing plans, which ward councillors could share with their constituents. Ms Barron then outlined the different stages of the project: the Project Initiation Document which had been approved by NHS England, and the current stage of developing an Outline Business Case. This was a large piece of work which examined such matters as patient flow and demand and economic viability. The OBC would constitute a rich source of information which would enable the CCG to consider whether the project was still viable. With regard to Whitby Group Practice’s recent decision to opt out of the historic bed fund payment for the War Memorial ward at Whitby Hospital, Ms Barron commented that WGP patients were still being admitted to the Abbey Ward, and that the new provider, Humber Trust was looking to improve the working model with local GP practices. Despite the NHS’s financial challenges, especially in the care provider sector, Members were assured that the CCG remained committed to the redevelopment of Whitby Hospital and transformation of health and social care, and that this was very much on track. In addition, the CCG retained control of the rest of the site, and would like to see it remain for the benefit of the local community. The Chairman thanked the CCG representatives for attending and keeping the committee updated.
RESOLVED that the presentation be received.