Agenda item

To consider a report from the Head of Scrutiny and Member Development providing an update associated with the new review of congenital heart services in England. 

The Head of Scrutiny and Member Development submitted a report that sought to provide an update in relation to the new review of Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) services.

The following representatives were in attendance to help the Joint Committee consider the information presented:

·  Dr Yvette Oade (Medical Director – Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust)

·  Dr Bryan Gill (Medical Director (Quality and Governance) – Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust)

·  Sharon Cheng (Director – Children’s Heart Surgery Fund)

·  Steven Courtney (Leeds City Council, Principal Scrutiny Adviser)

In addressing the Joint Committee, representatives from Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust outlined the organisations involvement in the new CHD review through its membership of:

·  NHS England’s Provider Group

·  NHS England’s Clinicians Group

·  The relevant Clinical Reference Group

The Director of Children’s Heart Surgery Fund confirmed the Charity’s membership of NHS England’s Patient and Public Group and outlined some recent engagement activity.

There was some concern that not all current service providers were represented on the ‘Provider Group’ and there was shared concern in relation to some communication issues.

The Committee discussed the details presented and highlighted at the meeting.  A number of matters were raised, including:

·  Concerns regarding NHSE’s decision-making structure in relation to the new CHD review and aspects of transparency.

·  The lack of clarity between the ‘advisory’ and ‘engagement’ roles of the various groups established by NHS England.

·  Queries regarding the involvement of HealthWatch organisations, either nationally or locally.

·  Potential issues associated with the current governance arrangements for the review and the NHS Constitution.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the information presented to the meeting be noted.

(b)  That NHS England be invited to attend a future meeting of the Joint Committee to report on progress of the new CHD review.