Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Stephen Crowe, Councillor Dave Ward and Co-opted Member Diane Griffin.

There were no declarations of pecuniary interests

The minutes were agreed as a true and accurate record.

The Chief Medical Officer gave an overview of the report and highlighted a new five year strategy has recently been developed. The Care Quality Commission are currently undertaking an inspection of the Trust, the outcome is pending but they haven’t raised any immediate concerns. The quality of estates remains an issues which impacts water supply, drainage, electrical wiring, due to old piping and infrastructure. The Trust has received £25m from the Treasury to address the urgent issues.

It was reported that the cardiac surgery department has faced a number of issues but they are now satisfied the service is safe and the governance within the department has been strengthened.   An external mortality review is looking at cardiac surgery care to patients over the last decade to review the care that was given. The outcomes from the review will be published in the autumn.

A panel member asked if the increase in A&E attendance is linked to the 4 hour waiting target not being met. The Chief Medical Officer agreed there is a link and they are looking at how to improve patient flow. There is a national increase in patients attending A&E and the reasons are not completely understood. The aim is to strengthen primary care.

Panel members asked a number of questions in regards to improving standards within the Trust including improving discharge times, if they are seeking robust feedback beyond the friends and families test and dealing with variations in standards between wards.

It was reported that the Trust need good discharge standards to maintain patient flow. There are standards on number of patients discharged before 11am. Delayed transfers of care are also measured. Feedback from patients is obtained from a range of methods mainly through electronic forms. There is a Ward Accreditation Programme, recognitions those who are doing well and encourages all wards to raise standards.

A panel member asked for an update on the changes to Urology services which was considered by this panel in 2015. The Chief Medical Officer reported that a update will be provided to the Panel.

A Panel member thanked St George’s for the service providing cochlear implants and highlighted the importance of ensuring technology is improved in ear, nose and throat departments and out- patients’ needs are being met. The chief medical officer said new technology is continually being developed and the service is improving at an impressive rate.

The Head of Operations provided a background to the work and highlighted that all the recommendations from the scrutiny review have been implemented.

A panel member asked if the scheme is advertised on the council website. It was reported that it is being promoted through word of mouth as it is targeting an older age group. The service will also be on the on-line directory in the future.

Panel members also asked how they attract younger people to act as companions and join the scheme , if is there a limit in the number of people who can be involved and what happens if the relationship breaks down. It was reported that it is a new service and numbers are growing steadily, There is a settling in and probationary period, there is oversight initially and continuous monitoring. It is a national scheme and has been very successful. They do a wide range of advertising to attract younger people.

A panel member asked who is responsible when things go wrong. It was reported that Merton Share and Care manage the relationships and the council has a statutory duty to safeguard residents.

A panel member asked for national data on safeguarding and the Head of Operations said she will provide this information.

RESOLVED

The Panel asked for an update in 12 months  and to invite Homeshare Merton to join the discussion.

The Director of Public Health gave an overview of the report and key messages include; diabetes can be acerbated by lack of physical activity and obesity. The local place has an impact and we need to make healthier food choices and improve the environment for physical activity.

It was reported that Merton Clinical Commissioning Group has agreed additional investment including extending the  Improving Access to Psychotherapy Therapies  service for people with long term conditions and linking social prescribing with diabetes. Panel were asked to engage the public on the issues within the report.

A panel member asked about the sugar smart campaign. The Director of Public Health reported that her team are working on new standards in school food and within our own caterer. Improvements in food vendor’s offer have been seen at the Mitcham carnival and local fireworks events.

A panel member asked about the success of the social prescribing pilot. The Director of Public Health reported that it is now being rolled out to all practices, many GP leads are promoting. Health partners will monitor uptake and look at improvements over the longer term.

A panel member highlighted that some jobs can contribute to an inactive lifestyle. The Director of Public Health reported that the council promoting the Mayors initiative on healthy workplaces which addresses issues such as this. 

The Chair said there are a number of important activities affecting the health sector and the work programme will have to be flexible to accommodate this. The Chair informed the Panel that he will request a special meeting to consider the Improving Healthcare Together Proposals in due course.

RESOLVED

The Panel agreed to hold a special meeting to discuss the Improving Healthcare Together proposals.

The work programme was noted.