Professor Rhodes said the Panel would be concerned about the Care Quality Commission (CQC) Report received last year in which the Trust was rated as inadequate and placed in special measures. A significant amount of work had taken place to resolve these issues and although progress has been made there was still more to do. Further inspections on the severe regulation notices had taken place a month ago and the Trust is awaiting the results of this.

A panel member expressed concern about reductions in the building maintenance budget as they understood that the wiring and electrics were in poor condition.  They also queried provision of dialysis services being held in a truck in the car park and suggested this service could usefully be moved to St Helier hospital.

Professor Rhodes reported that problems with the fixed wiring structure have been resolved. Renal services were considered to be in an inadequate setting as a result of the CQC inspection and the Trust was given two weeks to relocate it. Out-patient dialysis is now provided in mobile wards on site. This is high quality provision and considered to be better than what was previously in place. They are working towards a long term future for this service. Dialysis provision should be near where people live and there is a balance in how far people are willing to travel. St Helier provides their own services.

A panel member asked if the Uro-Gynaecology services at St George’s will be re-opened and the current state of the Trust’s finances. Professor Rhodes reported that the Uro-Gynaecology services had to be closed due to concerns about safety. A working group was set up with Wandsworth and Merton Clinical Commissioning Group.  It was felt that the high level surgery was not required and care could be delivered by physiotherapy. In regards to the finances, The Trust was £78 million in deficit last year, it is hoped to reduce this to £45 million this year. The turnaround is taking longer than anticipated as there is a need to constrain costs and improve quality.

A panel member asked what impact the CQC inspection had on staff morale. Professor Rhodes reported the uncertainty caused by the inspection was upsetting for staff. Other issues affecting staffing levels include Brexit, South West London location and  higher staff turnover within the leadership team. Professor Rhodes reported that the staffing structure was good. There are more nurses on the ward and staffing is above safe levels.

A Panel member asked if there are any additional resources for the improvement work which needs to be implemented following the CQC inspection. Professor Rhodes reported that the Trust can apply for emergency funding as they are now in special measures. Capital funding requirements remain an issue.

A panel member asked how many agency staff the Trust employ at any one time. Professor Rhodes reported that approximately 8% of the work force is drawn from agency staff. There are a number of projects being undertaken to reduce this figure and bring staff in-house. 

A panel member asked what recent fire inspections had taken place. Professor Rhodes reported that the Secretary of State required all Trusts to carry out inspections over the weekend and St George’s buildings did not pose a significant risk.

RESOLVED

Professor Rhodes was thanked for attending the Panel to present the report