Agenda and minutes

It was announced at the beginning of the meeting that Councillor M Dobson, Chair of Scrutiny Board (Health) had conveyed his apologies due to illness. Therefore the Board were asked to appoint a Chair for this meeting.

Following a formal vote of those Members present, Councillor S Armitage was elected as Chair in the absence of Councillor Dobson.

The Chair welcomed everyone to the July meeting of the Scrutiny Board (Health).

The Chair informed the meeting that she had agreed to admit the following document to the agenda as supplementary information:

Liberating the NHS: Local Democratic legitimacy in health – A consultation on proposals (Agenda Item 9).  As the consultation document had not been published until 22 July 2010, it had not been possible to provide this with the agenda papers previously distributed. (Minute 20 refers).

To declare any personal/prejudicial interests for the purpose of Section 81 (3) of the Local Government Act 2000 and paragraphs 8 to 12 of the Members Code of Conduct.

There were no declarations made at the meeting.

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received on behalf of Councillors M Dobson,

J Matthews, A McKenna and E Taylor.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 25^th June 2010.

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on 25^th June 2010 be confirmed as a correct record.

To receive and consider a joint report from Leeds City Council and NHS Leeds presenting an overview of performance against the key local health priorities as relevant to the Health Scrutiny Board including an analysis of performance indicator results at the end of 2009/10.

The Head of Scrutiny and Member Development submitted a report presenting the joint performance report from NHS Leeds and Leeds City Council which provided an overview of progress against key improvement priorities and performance indicators relevant to the Board at Quarter 4, 2009/10.

The principle of a joint report had been established to align performance reporting, with the aims of:

·  Reducing duplication

·  Eliminating potential confusion

·  Streamlining documentation

·  Bringing closer together the performance teams / functions from both organisations.

Appended to the report were copies of the following documents for information / comment of the meeting:

·  Appendix 1 – summary sheet showing the overall progress rating against the LSP improvement priorities relevant to the Health Scrutiny Board

·  Appendix 2 – selected amber and red rated action trackers from the Leeds Strategic Plan priorities relevant to the Health Scrutiny Board.  These trackers included a contextual update as well as key performance indicator results

·  Appendix 3 – Performance Indicator report containing year end results for all performance indicators from the National Indicator set and any key local indicator which were relevant.

The following officers from NHS Leeds and Leeds City Council were in attendance to present the key issues highlighted in the report and to address any specific questions identified by the Scrutiny Board:

• John England, Deputy Director – Adult Social Services, Leeds City Council
• Graham Brown, Performance Manager, NHS Leeds.

In introducing the report, the Deputy Director (Adult Social Services) highlighted some issues associated with mortality rates across the City, including:

• The data provided represented a rolling 3-year average and should be considered in this context.
• Discussions with Leeds Director of Public Health had identified some specific actions and activities.
• A review of the Council’s contribution to improving health and reducing health inequalities was scheduled to take place in September 2010.
• The continuing need to raise awareness of the impact of health determinants (such as Housing, Employment and Education) across the Council and NHS Leeds.

There was a full discussion around the report and associated appendices.  In summary, the main issues highlighted were as follows:

Obesity and physical activity

• Recognition that obesity and levels of physical activity (particularly in children) posed a significant challenge across the City – as highlighted in the Scrutiny Board’s previous report around Promoting Good Public Health – specifically in terms of incorporating the guidance produced by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) around providing a sustainable built environment.
• A member of the Board outlined some considerable concern in this regard, citing the potential full consideration of the Leeds Girls High School planning application by the Plans Panel (West) meeting on 12th August 2010.  It was unclear whether due consideration of the Board’s recommendations around Promoting Good Public Health would be highlighted as part of this process.
• It was also highlighted that the Government had undertaken some recent consultation around an additional / revised Planning Policy Statement: Planning for a Natural and Healthy Environment.  It was understood that the outcome of this work would be expected in  ...  view the full minutes text for item 17.

To receive and consider a report from the Head of Scrutiny and Member Development presenting the 2009/10 Annual Report of Leeds Local Involvement Network (LINk).

The Head of Scrutiny and Member Development submitted a report introducing the 2009/10 Annual Report of Leeds Local Involvement Network (LINk).

In presenting the LINk’s Annual Report (2009/10), it was intended that this would:

·  Continue to raise awareness of the role and work of Leeds’ LINk (both publicly and among members of the Scrutiny Board).

·  Provide Members with more detail of Leeds’ LINk activity during its second year, alongside any future plans.

·  Provide an opportunity for a discussion between the Scrutiny Board (Health) and representative members of Leeds’ LINk, regarding the general relationship between the two bodies, and any issues associated with coordinating respective work programmes.

Appended to the report was a copy of a document entitled ‘Leeds LINk – Leeds Local Involvement Network Annual Report 2009/10’ for the information / comment of the meeting.

The following representatives from Leeds LINk were in attendance to present the key issues highlighted in the report and to address any specific questions identified by the Scrutiny Board:

• Arthur Giles (Co-Chair) – Leeds Local Involvement Network
• Emily Wragg (Co-ordinator) – Leeds Local Involvement Network.

In introducing the report, the Co-Chair highlighted that continuing to raise the profile of the LINk and increase membership remained key priorities.  A general discussion took place, with specific reference being made / clarification sought around the following issues:

• Arrangements for making the annual report available within the local community and the importance of disseminating information efficiently and effectively.
• Views of the future role of LINk following the proposed changes outlined by the Government’s recent White Paper ‘Equality and excellence; Liberating the NHS’.
• The main issues / concerns highlighted by service users when contacting the LINk.

In response, the LINk Co-ordinator highlighted that the LINk held a number of events around the City to promote its work, disseminate information and encourage membership. 

In relation to the proposed changes outlined in the White Paper, the Co-Chair expressed a willingness and desire to continue to develop arrangements that recognise, value and promote public and patient involvement in the development and delivery of local health care services.

In terms of the main issues / concerns highlighted by service users, the following issues were outlined:

·  Waiting times

·  Access to services (particularly mental health services) – i.e. how to access services

·  Carers – access to information and support

·  Hospital food.

Members of the Board also enquired about any information about the LINk that may assist with their day-to-day ward duties.  The LINk Co-ordinator, agreed to supply such details via the Board’s Principal Scrutiny Adviser.

The Chair thanked the representatives for attending the meeting and presenting the report. 

RESOLVED – That the contents of the report and appendices be received and noted.

To receive and consider a report from the Head of Scrutiny and Member Development providing the Scrutiny Board (Health) with details of the recommendations from the recent City and Regional Partnerships Scrutiny Board inquiry into the proposal for a new Joint Service Centre at Kirkstall and the associated response.

The Head of Scrutiny and Member Development submitted a report providing the Scrutiny Board (Health) with details of the recommendations from the recent City and Regional Partnerships Scrutiny Board inquiry into the proposal for a new Joint Service Centre at Kirkstall and the associated response.

Appended to the report were copies of the following documents for the information / comment of the meeting:

• Scrutiny Board (City and Regional Partnerships) – Statement on Kirkstall Joint Service Centre – April 2010 (Appendix 1 refers)
• Final Statement and Recommendations of the City and Regional Partnerships Scrutiny Board’s Statement on the Kirkstall Joint Service Centre – Report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Planning, Policy and Improvement) – Executive Board – 22^nd June 2010 (Appendix 2 refers)

The Board’s Principal Scrutiny Adviser presented the key issues highlighted in the report and addressed specific points of clarification identified by the Scrutiny Board.

RESOLVED –

a)  That the contents of the report and appendices be noted.

b)  That approval be given to assume the formal monitoring role of the former Scrutiny Board (City and Regional Partnerships) as it relates to the statement and recommendations around Kirkstall Joint Service Centre.

To receive and consider a report from the Head of Scrutiny and Member Development providing information and guidance to assist the Scrutiny Board develop its work programme for 2010/11.

Referring to Minute 7 of the meeting held on 25^th June 2010, the Head of Scrutiny and Member Development submitted a report providing information and guidance to assist the Scrutiny Board develop its work programme for 2010/11.

Appended to the report were copies of the following documents for the information / comment of the meeting:

• The Operating Framework for the NHS in England for 2010/11 (Appendix 1 refers)
• Revision to the Operating Framework for the NHS in England for 2010/11 (Appendix 2 refers)
• The NHS Constitution (2010) (Appendix 3 refers).

In addition to the above appendices, a copy of a document entitled ‘Liberating the NHS: Local Democratic legitimacy – A consultation proposals’ was circulated as supplementary information (Item 13 refers).

The following representatives were in attendance to address any specific questions identified by the Scrutiny Board:

• Linda Pollard, Chair, NHS Leeds
• John Lawlor, Chief Executive, NHS Leeds
• Ian Cameron, Director of Public Health, NHS Leeds
• Mike Collier, Chair, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (LTHT)
• Maggie Boyle, Chief Executive, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (LTHT).

The Chair welcomed the representatives to the meeting and invited them to provide a brief introduction / overview, outlining key issues and priorities relevant to the work of the Scrutiny Board (Health).

An overview of the current context associated with the management and provision of health care services was provided – with significant reference being made to various aspects outlined in the Government’s recent White Paper ‘Equity and Excellence: Liberating the NHS’.

The main issues highlighted were:

• Recent improvements to working relationships within the local health system.
• Significant financial challenge over the next few years.
• Significant (proposed) structural change across the NHS – as outlined in the White Paper, with the abolition of Primary Care Trusts and an increasing role for GP consortia.
• Resultant changes to service commissioning – with 75% of commissioning being undertaken by GP consortia.
• Major changes around the provision of public health services – both nationally and locally:  A White Paper outlining proposals in more detail being expected in December 2010.
• LTHT achieving Foundation Trust status by April 2012.
• Continued emphasis on patient choice and patient and public involvement.
• Changes in commissioning arrangements leading to potential funding source issues for service providers.

It was also highlighted that currently 3 GP consortia groups (representing approximately 70% – 75% of GP practices) were operating well across Leeds – each with different strengths and areas for improvement.  NHS Leeds had a significant role in working with local GPs to prepare for the shift in commissioning responsibility.

The following LTHT specific matters were also highlighted:

• £40M cost base reduction over the next 3 years.
• Potential changes to out patient follow-up care – with a greater role for primary care providers.
• Changes to systems and processes to improve efficiency and effectiveness, including:

o  Reduction in the number of excess bed days and subsequent rationalisation of wards and removal of excess capacity

o  Capital estate rationalisation.

Detailed discussion  ...  view the full minutes text for item 20.

To consider the Board’s formal conclusions and recommendations arising from consideration of agenda item 9, Input to the Work Programme 2010/11 - Sources of Work and Establishing the Board's Priorities.

The Head of Scrutiny and Member Development submitted a report on the Board’s formal conclusions and recommendations arising from consideration of Agenda Item 9 ‘Input to the Work Programme 2010/11 – Sources of Work and Establishing the Board's Priorities’.

Appended to the report were copies of the following documents for the information / comment of the meeting:

• Scrutiny Board (Health) – Protocol between the Scrutiny Board (Health) and NHS Bodies in Leeds (Appendix 1 refers)
• Scrutiny Board (Health) – Health Service Developments Working Group – Terms of Reference (Appendix 2 refers)
• Scrutiny Board (Health) – Work Programme 2010/11 (Appendix 3 refers)
• Scrutiny Board Procedure Rules Guidance Note 7 – Inquiry Selection Criteria (Appendix 4 refers)

The Board’s Principal Scrutiny Adviser presented the report and responded to Board Member’s queries and comments.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the report and appendices be noted.

(b)  That, with an open membership arrangement, approval be given to establishing a Health Service Developments Working Group in line with the draft terms of reference.

(c)  That approval be given to establishing a Working Group to consider  the proposals contained in the White Paper ‘Equality and excellence: Liberating the NHS’, alongside the subsequent and supporting consultation documents.

(d)  That, while participation in the working group referred to in (c) above be open to all members of the Board, the following members be appointed as core members of the working group: Councillor M Dobson, Councillor P Harrand and Mr A Giles.

(e)  That, while a ‘flexible’ and ‘open’ approach is to be adopted with regard to the work programme for 2010/11, approval be given the Board’s draft work programme for 2010/11, as now outlined, subject to the inclusion of the following items:

·  Equality and excellence; Liberating the NHS – Initial Findings of the Working Group(September 2010)

·  Dermatology

·  Narrowing the Gap

·  Public Health consultation document (December 2010).

To note that the next meeting of the Scrutiny Board will be held on Tuesday 21^st September 2010.

Tuesday 21^st September 2010 at 10.00am (Pre-meeting for Board Members at 9.30am)

(The meeting concluded at 12.05pm.)