This Committee has established a sub-committee with membership from Merton, Sutton and Surrey councils to conduct detailed scrutiny of the proposals within the Improving Heathcare Together 2020-2030 Programme. Committee Members requested for information updates on the progress with this work.The sub-committee chair, Cllr Stears, will also update provide an update on the scrutiny of this programme.    

The Accountable Officer gave an update on the Programme, highlighting that if the provider impact demonstrated that other areas may be affected we may need to re-consider the membership of the sub-committee. She added that there would be more in-depth discussion at next week’s meeting of the JHOSC sub considering this matter.

Councillor Colin Stears Chair of Improving Healthcare Together sub-committee said that although some initial work had been undertaken on the provider and travel analysis, the sub-committee were of the view that the workshops had taken place too early and as a result attendees were not working from meaningful information.

Councillor McCabe said Merton Council wants to see all services maintained at St Helier Hospital and expressed concern about the multiple attempts to close the accident and emergency services over the last fifteen years. The Accountable Officer stated that there is no intention to close hospitals but some services need to be co-located.  However a lot of services for the elderly will be accessed in the same way as present.

Councillor Schaper asked if residents are of the view that the IHT programme constitutes a closure of services. The Accountable Officer said they need to convince people that change is necessary, it will enhance services but they still haven’t gathered all the evidence to determine which outcome is the best one. It is recognised that this is a great concern for local people.  The Accountable Officer added that no decisions would be made prior to consultation and consultation later this year would only take place if there is a good chance of securing capital.

Councillor Stears said it is important to provide the evidence from the equalities, provider impact and travel analysis to ensure residents are not of the view that the outcome has been pre-determined. The Accountable Officer said the only outcome from the workshops is that it is clear change is necessary.

Councillor Andy Stranack said Croydon University Hospital have been clear that they cannot absorb the impact of the closure of accident and emergency at St Helier and it would mean that they would require three extra wards.

The Accountable Officer said she will provide the Committee with the response she sent to Croydon Hospital about this issue. All providers have said all options are possible but the analysis and evidence gathering is still taking place. Further details on each specialist area is required before applying for the capital monies that will be required.

RESOLVED

Accountable Officer to provide the letter sent to Croydon University Hospital about the potential impact of the Improving Healthcare Together Programme.

The Chair accepted a question from the public gallery

Sandra Ash from Keep our St Helier said she is keen to see services retained at both Epsom and St Helier hospitals. The programme has argued that 85% of services will remain but ‘out patients are a thing of the past’ How can the two be reconciled.

The Accountable Officer said the proposal is to change the way services are delivered and it will not make other services unsustainable but they will provided in a different way. Dr Murray said it will result in enhanced support for the elderly who will be seen by a holistic team. There will be a wraparound range of rehabilitation services in a district hospital. The aim is to improve clinical standards and some are currently not being met. Services for stoke and trauma in London were changed and it resulted in much better outcomes.

A further question came from the public gallery on how many hospitals in the country meet the clinical standards. It was reported that this information is available on the website.