Agenda and minutes

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

To identify items which have been admitted to the agenda by the Chair for consideration.

(The special circumstances shall be specified in the minutes.)

The Chair agreed to accept the following documents as supplementary information:-

·  Written submission from Janette Walker (Agenda Item 7) (Minute 93 refers)

·  Summary Points provided by NHS Leeds (Agenda Item 8) (Minute  94 refers)

·  Revised Health and Wellbeing City Priority Plan 2011 to 2015 (Page 106) (Agenda Item 10) (Minute 96 refers)

The documents were not available at the time of the agenda despatch, but made available on the Council’s Internet site immediately after the meeting.

In relation to the general issue of late supplementary information, the Board raised their concerns about information being circulated on the day of the meeting and requested the Board’s Principal Scrutiny Adviser to monitor this situation.

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.

Councillor E Taylor made a general declaration of personal interest in respect of today’s agenda, in her capacity as an NHS employee.

Councillor M Dobson declared a personal interest in his capacity as knowing the two individuals who brought the request for scrutiny (Agenda Item 7) (Minute 93 refers)

To receive any apologies for absence and notification of substitutes.

An apology for absence was submitted on behalf of Emma Stewart.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the previous meeting held on 22^nd February 2011.

In relation to the provision of playing fields in Leeds and the public health implications (Minute 86 refers), the Board noted the importance and benefits of physical activity and the need to promote this message more widely.

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on 22^nd February 2011 be confirmed as a correct record.

To consider a report of the Head of Scrutiny and Member Development on a request for scrutiny that has been received in relation to the health implications associated with the decision to reduce the opening hours of Garforth Squash and Leisure Centre.

The Head of Scrutiny and Member Development submitted a report on a request for scrutiny that had been received in relation to the health implications associated with the decision to reduce the opening hours of Garforth Squash and Leisure Centre.

The Chair, having previously declared a personal interest in this item, informed the meeting that following legal advice, he was allowed to Chair this item as he had not been part of the decision-making process which would reduce the opening hours of Garforth Squash and Leisure Centre.

Natalie Mitchell, spokesperson was in attendance to present the key issues and to address any specific questions identified by the Scrutiny Board.

At the request of the Chair, the Principal Scrutiny Adviser read out the contents of a written submission from Janette Walker who had conveyed her apologies for today’s meeting.

In brief summary, the main points of discussion were:

·  The overall wellbeing and public health benefits associated with sport and leisure activities, particularly  in relation to the current provision at Garforth Squash and Leisure Centre. 

·  The potential and implications of reduced opening hours, including:

1.  Reduced access  - in particular for those living in the East in the City;

2.  Negative impact associated with the obesity agenda, particularly in relation to children and young people;

3.  Environmental impacts, such as increased car journeys and associated pollution.

·  The proposed Community Asset Transfer and the need for the leisure centre to be run on a proper basis for the benefit of the local community.

·  The need to seek advice from the Director of Public Health regarding the likely health implications associated with the decision.

RESOLVED-

a)  That the contents of the report and supplementary information be noted.

b)  That a vote of thanks be conveyed to Ms Mitchell for her excellent presentation and contribution to the meeting. 

c)  That the request for scrutiny associated with the health implications of the decision to reduce the opening hours of Garforth Squash and Leisure Club be approved.

d)  That a time-limited working group be established to consider this issue and that the Principal Scrutiny Officer be requested to prepare relevant terms of reference.

e)  That the Principal Scrutiny Adviser be requested to invite Ms Mitchell  

    and Ms Walker to attend as co-opted members on the Working Group.

To consider a report of the Head of Scrutiny and Member Development on the introduction of the NHS Operating Framework 2011/12, issued by the Department of Health on 15 December 2010.  The Operating Framework is a planning documents that sets out the priorities for the NHS for 2011/12 and this report provides the opportunity for the Scrutiny Board (Health) to explore the local implications and any associated impacts.

The Head of Scrutiny and Member Development submitted a report on the introduction of the NHS Operating Framework 2011/12, issued by the Department of Health on 15 December 2010.  The Operating Framework was a planning document that outlined the priorities for the NHS for 2011/12 and the report provided the opportunity for the Scrutiny Board (Health) to explore the local implications and any associated impacts.

Appended to the report was a copy of the ‘NHS The Operating Framework for the NHS in England 2011/12‘ for the information/comment of the meeting.

In addition to the above documents, a copy of summary points provided by NHS Leeds was circulated at the meeting to assist Board Members with their deliberations.

The following representatives were in attendance to present the major implications for the coming year and to address any specific questions identified by the Scrutiny Board:

- Linda Pollard (Chair) – NHS Leeds

- Philomena Corrigan (Executive Director of Strategy and Commissioning) – 

  NHS Leeds

- Mike Collier (Chair) – Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (LTHT)

- Dr. Peter Belfield (Medical Director) – Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust 

  (LTHT)

- David Richardson (Chair) – Leeds Community Healthcare

- Sam Prince (Managing Director) – Leeds Community Healthcare

- Frank Griffiths (Chair) – Leeds Partnerships Foundation Trust (LPFT)

- Jill Copeland (Director of Strategy and Partnerships) – Leeds Partnerships

  Foundation Trust (LPFT)

In brief summary, the main points raised by the above representatives were as follows:

Leeds Community Healthcare

·  The move to an independent NHS Trust from 1^st April 2011.

·  Continuing to work closely with primary care and social care to deliver appropriate and cost-effective services.

NHS Leeds

·  Maintaining and improving quality and patient outcomes.

·  Financial control, including focusing on efficiencies through procurement and use of estates.

·  Maintaining an overview and developing the new system, in particular around:

-  GP Commissioning consortia

-  The new NHS Commissioning Board

-  Health and Wellbeing Boards

-  New Public Health England Service

·  Significant governance and accountability issues associated with the proposed structural changes

Leeds Partnerships NHS Foundation Trust

·  Maintaining a focus on the aims of the 2015 Strategy, including:

-  Helping people achieve their potential;

-  Patient safety

-  Improving the patient experience

·  Potential challenges of working with consortia /multiple commissioners

·  Impact of personal health budgets

·  Provider authority implications and the extension of services into York, Tadcaster and Selby

Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

·  Workforce implications associated with reducing costs while improving quality

·  Maintaining a focus on:

-  Providing worldclass treatment services

-  Becoming the hospital of choice

-  Becoming the employer of choice

-  Research and development

-  The Managing for Success Programme

·  Significant financial pressures arising from:

-  The need to become more efficient

-  National tariff changes

-  Other funding changes (i.e. Teaching funding)

-  Strategic service changes

·  Achieving Foundation Trust status

·  Closer working with Social Services and GP commissioners

Arising from detailed discussions, in brief summary Board Members raised the following issues:

·  Clarification  ...  view the full minutes text for item 94.

To consider a joint report of Leeds City Council and NHS Leeds presenting the performance information summarising progress against the joint Council and NHS Leeds priorities as set out in the Leeds Strategic Plan, as well as keyNHS Leeds priorities, for third quarter of 2010/11.

A joint report of Leeds City Council and NHS Leeds was submitted presenting the performance information summarising progress against the joint Council and NHS Leeds priorities as set out in the Leeds Strategic Plan, as well as keyNHS Leeds priorities, for third quarter of 2010/11.

The following representatives 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) – Leeds City Council, Adult Social Services

- Brenda Fullard  (Head of Healthy Living & Health Inequalities) – NHS Leeds

- Graham Brown (Performance Manager) – NHS Leeds

The Head of Healthy Living & Health Inequalities updated the meeting on the mortality rates in Leeds. The Board noted and welcomed that rates had reduced in Leeds, although it was noted that there had been an increase in mortality rates in deprived areas (i.e. an increase in the gap between more prosperous and poorer areas)  . Arising from discussions, it was noted that there was a continuing need to focus services on tackling health inequalities that were still prevalent across certain areas of the City. 

It was recognised that with new and changing responsibilities around health and well-being, a change in approach across the Council would be needed to ensure that health and well-being issues were being given due consideration in other aspects of the Council work and across service boundaries.

It was agreed to circulate a copy of the most recent mortality data to Board Members for their information/attention, via the Principal Scrutiny Adviser..

The Board also discussed patient safety issues around the incidence of MRSA.  Although not highlighted in the performance data presented, members noted the likely failure of achieving the target in this area (despite good progress earlier in the (financial) year).  It was outlined that there appeared to be a correlation of the increased incidence with the poor weather conditions experienced in the early part of the (calendar) year.

RESOLVED-

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

b)  That this Board notes that there would be a joint working group meeting with the Scrutiny Board (Children’s Services) on 20^th April 2011 in relation to teenage pregnancy; with the performance data presented at today’s Scrutiny Board meeting informing discussions at the working group.

To consider a joint report of the Chief Executive and Director of Public Health presenting the proposals for the new set of strategic planning documents for advice and consideration before these go to Executive Board and Council for approval.

A joint report of the Chief Executive and Director of Public Health was submitted presenting the proposals for the new set of strategic planning documents for advice and consideration before these go to Executive Board and Council for approval.

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

·  The new city planning framework (Appendix 1 refers)

·  Outline Framework (Appendix 2 refers)

·  How recent consultations were reflected in the new Plans (Appendix 3 refers)

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

- Martin Dean (Deputy Head of Leeds Initiative and Interim Head of 

  International Relations) – Leeds Initiative

- Brenda Fullard (Head of Healthy Living and Health Inequalities) – NHS

  Leeds

- John England (Deputy Director) – Leeds City Council, Adult Social Services

- Christine Farrar (Policy Director: Health Improvement and Partnerships) –

  Leeds Initiative

A copy of revised page 106 of the agenda pack regarding the Health and Wellbeing City Priority Plan 2011 to 2015 was circulated for the information/comment of the meeting and there was a brief discussion on the contents of the report and associated appendices.

RESOLVED-

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

b)  That this Board wishes to place on record their thanks and appreciation to John England who was retiring from the Council at the end of March.

To receive and consider a report from the Head of Scrutiny and Member Development outlining the Scrutiny Board’s work programme for the remainder of the current municipal year.

The Head of Scrutiny and Member Development submitted a report outlining the Scrutiny Board’s work programme for the remainder of the current municipal year.

Appended to the report was a copy of the Scrutiny Board (Health) – Work Programme 2010/11 (Appendix 1 refers) for the information/comment of the meeting.

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 the outline work programme in accordance with the report now submitted.

To note that the next meeting of the Scrutiny Board will be held on Tuesday 26^th April 2011 at 10.00am (Pre meeting at 9.30am)

To note that the next meeting of the Scrutiny Board will be held on Tuesday 26^th April 2011 at 10.00am (Pre meeting for Board Members at 9.30am).

(The meeting concluded at 12.30pm)