Agenda item

To receive and consider a report from the Head of Governance and Scrutiny Support introducing some proposed changes to prescribing guidance across Leeds, as part of the formal public consultation. 

The Head of Governance and Scrutiny Support submitted a report which introduced some proposed changes to prescribing guidance across Leeds, as part of the formal public consultation.

The following information was appended to the report:

-  Proposed Prescribing Changes: Formal Consultation – Report to Scrutiny Board (Adult Social Services, Public Health, NHS) on 25 April 2017.

The following were in attendance:

-  Sue Robins, Director of Commissioning and Strategy, NHS Leeds CCGs Partnership

-  Heather Edmonds, Head of Medicines Optimisation, NHS Leeds CCGs Partnership.

The key areas of discussion were:

·  Concern about the potential issue of creating a postcode prescribing arrangement.  The Board discussed the need for clear national guidance to ensure consistency of approach – as previously identified during discussions in April 2017.

·  Concern about the potential impact of the proposals on patients and subsequently health inequalities across the city. 

·  An update that consultation on the proposals was due to end in July.  It was suggested that an update be provided to the Board 6 months after implementation.

·  Confirmation that the proposals were anticipated to save approximately £1m, although the total amount was dependent on clinical needs.

·  A request that the Board be provided with an update on changes to prescribing guidance implemented in North Yorkshire.

RESOLVED –

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

(b)  That the Principal Scrutiny Adviser draft a statement to the CCG to highlight the Board’s concerns about the proposed changes.

(c)  That the Board be provided with an update on changes to prescribing guidance implemented in North Yorkshire.

(d)  That the CCG be requested to provide an update to the Board 6 months after implementation.