Agenda and minutes

In accordance with her powers under Section 100B(4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972, the Chair admitted to the agenda a late report from the Head of Scrutiny and Member Development regarding Children’s Hospital provision in Leeds.

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillors Atkinson, Chapman, Iqbal and Monaghan; and co-opted members – E Mack and S Saqfelhait.

To receive and approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on 21 October 2008

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held 21 October 2008, be confirmed as a correct record.

To receive and consider the attached report of the Head of Scrutiny and Member Development.

The Head of Scrutiny and Member Development submitted a report which referred to recent media reports that between June 2005 and June 2008, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (LTHT) had made clinical negligence payments in the region of £13million.  A briefing note of the LTHT outlined payments made and comparisons with other hospital trusts.

The Chair welcomed Craig Brigg, Director of Quality, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust to the meeting.

Members attention was brought to the payments made by LTHT in respect of clinical negligence claims and a significant variance was noted in payments made during the 2006/07 year.  It was reported that all claims were dealt with as quickly as possible and though there was concern regarding the length of time to settle some claims and It was aimed to settle any claims within a 2 year period, depending on the complexity of the claims.  It was reported that the trust was assessed annually on its processes regarding negligence claims and had received positive reports from internal and external auditors.  The trust also compared favourably to other trusts who provided similar services.

In response to Members questions and comments, the following issues were discussed:

• The Obstetrics department saw the largest number of claims.
• How the Trust paid for any claims – a brief description of how the insurance system for the Trust covered any claims was made.  It was explained that LTHT was currently on level 1 of the Clinical Negligence Scheme for Trusts (CNST) and a change in this would lower current insurance premiums.  Various measures would be used to assess the Trust’s level such as policies and procedures relating to risk assessment within the organisation.  It was hoped that LTHT would achieve level 2 status within 18 months.
• National figures for comparison were not available.  
• The impact of the ‘no win no fee’ claims culture.

Further information was requested from the Trust on the level of insurance premiums paid and a more detailed breakdown of claims made.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To receive and consider the attached report of the Head of Scrutiny and Member Development.

The Head of Scrutiny and Member Development submitted a report which provided the Board with an update into the inquiry into GP-led Health Centres across Leeds.  Attached to the report were notes of the meetings of the Working Group and a submission from NHS Leeds.

The Board expressed disappointment that no representative of NHS Leeds was present to address their questions and the following concerns were raised:

• That expectations of a ‘walk-in’ style centre had not been met
• That the Burmantofts Health Centre building was not fit for purpose and did not have satisfactory facilities for the disabled.
• Provision in South Leeds.

RESOLVED – That a further report be brought to the next meeting of the Board and that representatives of  NHS Leeds be requested to attend.

To receive and consider the attached report of the Director of Adult Services

The Director of Adult Social Services submitted a report which informed Members of the main provisions of the Mental Capacity Act.

The Chair introduced the following to the meeting:

• Dennis Holmes, Chief Commissioning Officer, Social Services
• Dave Shields, Service Delivery Manager, Adult Services
• Dr Tim Branton, Leeds Partnership Foundation Trust

It was reported that the Mental Capacity Act focussed on decision making and would introduce safeguards and balances designed to protect the rights and interests of vulnerable people who may be deemed to lack capacity and who had no other appropriate people to act on their behalf.  The strategic provisons of the Act would be in place by April 2009, but as the Act was so wide ranging it would take longer for full implementation of all provision.  Members attention was also brought to a report of the Leeds Independent Mental Capacity Service (LIMCAs) which had been submitted with the agenda.

In response to Member comments and questions, the following issues were discussed:

• There would be extensive codes of practice which would ensure practices were safeguarded, particular with an individuals rights for liberty. 
• Processes for determining a persons capacity to be able to take care of their personal affairs.
• The role of Adult Social Care.
• It was suggested that the Board speak to representatives from LIMCAs.
• Provision to prevent the exploitation of people with incapacities.

The Chair thanked those present for their attendance.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To receive and consider the attached report of the Director of Adult Social Services, Director of Children’s Services and Director of Public Health

The joint report of the Director of Adult Social Services, Director of Children’s Services and the Director of Public Health, informed the Board of the new statutory duty under Section 116 of the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act to produce a Joint Strategic Needs Assessment for health and well being.  It also informed of the work programme for the JSNA in Leeds and the progress made to date.

The Chair welcomed the following to the meeting:

• Dennis Holmes, Chief Commissioning Officer, Social Services
• Lucy Jackson, Public Health Consultant, NHS Leeds
• Jane Stageman, Senior Project Manager, Planning, Policy and Improvement

It was reported that a Programme Board led by an independent Programme Manager had been established for the JSNA.  Data collection had taken place along with stakeholder consultation as part of the planning process to determine the future commissioning needs for the people of Leeds.  Main issues highlighted had coincided with those detailed in the Leeds Strategic Plan and target population groups had also been identified.

Concerns highlighted by Members included the following:

• Elderly people, particularly those over 75 and associated health issues.
• Fuel poverty
• Childhood Obesity – provision for play areas for young people and related planning issues.  It was reported that the planning process could be informed of concerns regarding the loss of play areas for new developments.
• Difference in life expectancy across Leeds.

In response to Members comments and questions, it was reported that all data collected would be used to identify all targets and priorities across Leeds.  Planning alignment would then take place to complement the requirements of the Leeds Strategic Plan and between all partner organisations involved.

The Chair thanked those present for their attendance.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted and the Board receive an update in 3 months.

The Chair welcomed Sylvia Craven, Director of Strategic Planning, Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust to the meeting.

The Board was given on update on hospital provision for children in Leeds.  It was reported that there had been ongoing consultation with staff and parents to develop proposals for children.  Building work had commenced on the Children’s Assessment Unit which was due for completion in January 2009.  Further building would take place between April 2009 and June 2010 before all the new provision was complete.  All children’s provision would then be based at the Leeds General Infirmary site.  Further issues for consideration included the transfer of staff and patients.

RESOLVED – That the Board receive an update report in January 2009.

To receive and consider the attached report of the Head of Scrutiny and Member Development.

The Head of Scrutiny and Member Development submitted a report which outlined the Board’s Work Programme for the remainder of the 2008/09 Municipal Year.

In addition to issues discussed earlier in the meeting, Members suggested that the Board may wish to consider other health issues including Stroke Prevenetion and Statin Treatments.

RESOLVED – That the work programme be agreed and amended as appropriate.

Friday, 12 December at 10.00 a.m. (Pre-meeting for all Members at 09.30 a.m.)

Friday, 12 December 2008 at 10.00 a.m. (Pre-meeting for all Members at 09.30 a.m.)