Agenda item

To receive and consider a report from the Head of Scrutiny and Member Development providing an update associated with the implementation phase of the review.

The Head of Scrutiny and Member Development submitted a report which provided an update associated with the implementation phase of the review.

The following information was appended to the report:

-  Report provided by the Programme Implementation Director that described the arrangements that had been put in place to support the planning and preparation for implementation.

-  A copy of the most recent newsletter (Heartnews: February 2013).

The following representatives attended the meeting:

-  Michael Wilson, Implementation Director, NHS England

-  Stacey Hunter, Divisional General Manager of Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.

It was highlighted by the Implementation Director that work currently being undertaken related to the planning and preparation for implementing the long-term solution for children’s congenital cardiac services, as some issues, such as the development of networks, needed to be addressed whatever the finally agreed solution. 

It was also confirmed that, following the recent High Court ruling, NHS England was currently ‘taking stock’ of the situation.

The key points of discussion included:

·  Confirmation that the Draft Implementation Programme was on hold.

·  Clarification that the development of further standards for proposed ‘cardiology centres’ was being undertaken in collaboration with current units.

·  The need to broaden the scope of groups involved in the implementation process, particularly in terms of avoiding perceived bias and recognising the role of key organisations, charities, lay representatives and the voluntary sector.  The Implementation Director, NHS England, agreed to address these concerns and report back to the Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee (Yorkshire and the Humber) with a response.

·  The need to align the rights and responsibilities set out in the NHS Constitution with the Implementation stage of the review.

·  Recognition of National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) working methods – to help develop credibility in the longer-term.

·  The robustness of NHS England’s processes in terms of appointments / membership of advisory groups/ boards.

·  The need to improve public access to NHS agendas, minutes and declarations of interest.  NHS England provided an assurance that the relevant information would be made available.

RESOLVED –

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

(b)  That the issues raised at the meeting be used to form part of the Committee’s response to the Independent Reconfiguration Panel (IRP).

(c)  That the Joint Committee receives/ considers a further update around the implementation phase of the review at a future meeting.

(The meeting was closed to the public at 3.40pm and resumed in private session.  Private session concluded at 4.20pm.)