Agenda and minutes

The Chair reported that the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service had recently carried out a fire safety audit at the Becklin Centre, one of the Leeds Mental Health NHS Trust’s PFI properties.  The audit had identified a number of issues that needed to be addressed by the Trust and Accent (PFI Partner).  These were communicated in the form of Enforcement Notices.  The Board therefore agreed to receive a briefing on this matter at its next meeting.  The Chair confirmed that the Trust had also provided copies of the local fire risk assessment reports by Tenos in relation to th e3 PFI Buildings.  These would therefore be considered at the next meeting.  Members agreed to invite representatives of the Trust, Accent, Health and Safety Staff-Side, Tenos and the West Yrkshire Fire and Rescue Service to its next meeting.

To declare any personal / prejudicial interests for the purpose of Section 81(3) of the Local Government Act 2000 and paragraphs 8 to 13 of the Members Code of Conduct.

Councillor Hamilton declared a personal interest in item 6 due to her employment with the NHS.  (Minute 117 refers).

Mr E Mack declared a personal interest in item 7 as he was a member of the Urgent Care Board.  (Minute 118 refers).

Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillor Mrs R Feldman and M Ndzinga.

To cinsider a report from the Head of Scrutiny and Member Development presenting draft comments of the Scrutiny Board in line with the NHS Annual Health Check process.

The Head of Scrutiny and Member Development submitted a report in relation to the NHS Annual Health Check .  The Board had considered reports on this matter from the 3 Local NHS Trusts at its meeting on 19 March 2007.  Draft comments of the Board and been produced following this meeting and were included in the report for Members’ consideration and approval.

Members requested minor amendments to the draft comments.

RESOLVED – That the Boards comments as amended be submitted for inclusion into the Trusts’ final declarations as part of the Annual Health Check process.

To consider proposals by the Leeds Primary Care Trust for the redesign and re-commissioning of Leeds and West Yorkshire Urgent Care Services.

The Head of Scrutiny and Member Development submitted a report regarding the future redesign and re-commissioning of Leeds and West Yorkshire Urgent Care Services.  The report informed Members that the Leeds PCT’s contract with Local Care Direct and North Yorkshire PCT for the provision of GP Out of Hours Service would expire in March 2008 and that the Leeds PCT was currently consulting with stakeholders to redesign and re-commission urgent care services in Leeds and across West Yorkshire.  A copy of a briefing paper considered by the Leeds PCT Board in March 2007 was appended to the report .  This outlined the case for change, the proposed model of urgent care, the timescales, structures and governance arrangements for delivery.  The Board was asked to consider the PCT’s proposals prior to the formal consultation process which was due to commence in May 2007.

The Chair welcomed Gina Long and Sue Hillyard of the Leeds PCT to the meeting.

Sue Hillyard addressed the meeting.  She reported that the PCT was responsible for commissioning Out of Hours GP Services and that consultation would take place between May and July 2007 regarding proposals for the redesign of the Urgent Care Pathway in Leeds.  Engagement  of local stakeholders was taking place between March and April 2007, which would inform the consultation process.  The consultation process would take account of public and patients views and would also be undertaken with colleagues across West Yorkshire.

Gina Long reported that one of the key issues was a lack of awareness of Urgent Care Services other than Accident and Emergency along with access to services and out of hours GP services.  There was also a need to avoid duplication of urgent care services and this would need to be addressed on a regional level as well as locally.

In summary, the following issues were discussed:

• Concern was expressed regarding out of hours and urgent care provision in Wharfedale and the possibility of people needing to travel into the centre for urgent care services.  It was reported that more integrated services would be considered that could deal with minor injuries and out of hours GP services as there was a need to address current inconsisitencies with provision.  However, it was made clear that no decisions would be made until after the formal consultation process.
• In response to concerns that the consultation period may not be sufficient, it was reported that it would be a 12 week consultation involving Patient and Public Involvement Forums from across the City, staff briefings, a dedicated web-site and a media campaign.  Hard to reach groups would also be targeted as part of the consultation.
• Streamlining of services.
• Access to services.
• The high use of Accident and Emergency Services to treat minor injuries and illnesses.

The Board considered the proposals to be a significant variation in service delivery and therefore requested to be part of the formal consultation process in June 2007.

The Chair thanked Gina Long and Sue Hillyard for their attendance.

RESOLVED –

(a)  ...  view the full minutes text for item 118.

To review the exisiting protocol between the Scrutiny Board (Health and Adult Social Care) and NHS bodies in Leeds, with particular focus around consultation processes.

The Head of Scrutiny and Member Development submitted a report regarding the review of existing protocol between the Scrutiny Board and NHS Bodies in Leeds.  The Board had agreed to review the existing protocol with particular focus around consultation processes.  A copy of the existing protocol was appended to the report along with extracts from a good practice guide by the Centre for Public Scrutiny (CfPS).

The Chair welcomed the following to the meeting:

Chris Butler, Leeds Mental Health Teaching NHS Trust (LMHT)

Ruth Mason, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (LTHT)

Sarah Hayes, Leeds Primary Care Trust

Cathy Peacock, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

John England, Deputy Director, Strategy & Performance

In summary, the following issues were discussed:

• LTHT were committed to improving patient services and consultation and communication and submitted a draft Consultation and Involvement Framework for Members to consider.  The opportunity to review the protocol was welcomed by the Trust.
• LMHT had recently learned from its extensive consultation around its application for foundation status.  However, it also welcomed the review of the protocol as this would give an opportunity to focus towards change and respond to concerns.
• The Leeds PCT reported that following their re-organisation it would be an excellent opportunity to work with other NHS colleagues and Scrutiny to look at the patient experience with a view to becoming more pro-active.
• Attention was brought to good examples within the CfPS guide.
• It was highlighted that proper notice and reasonable timescales for consultation should also be given.
• It was reported that there were occasions when consultation between  Social Services and other health providers was required and this would be strengthened by the recent local government White Paper.
• Future scrutiny arrangements.
• The establishment of a smaller working group of the Board to meet regularly with NHS bodies and Adult Social Services to discuss forthcoming proposals.

The Chair thanked those present for their attendance.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

Monday, 23^rd April 2007 at 10.00 a.m. in the Civic Hall, Leeds (pre-meeting at 09.30 a.m.)

Monday, 23^rd April at 10.00 a.m. (pre-meeting at 09.30 a.m.)