Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence had been received from Councillor Edwards (Councillor Ahmad-Wallana was present as his substitute).

RESOLVED:  That all items of business be considered in public.

RESOLVED:  That the minutes of the meeting held on 15 June 2016 be agreed as a correct record. 

Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust (CNWL)

Ms Maria O'Brien, Divisional Director of Operations at CNWL, advised that a number of changes had been planned around community services to ensure that they were fit for purpose, supporting GP Networks and fit in with local service provision.  The services had faced a number of challenges which included high appointment cancellation rates (which had been largely caused by unexpected staff absence) and operating hours (for example, the MSK physiotherapists saw patients that were predominantly of working age, mobile and needed appointments outside of office hours). 

Over a 2-3 month period, CNWL had engaged with patients of the services: letters had been sent out to approximately 2,000-3,000 patients, feedback had been received and Healthwatch Hillingdon had been involved in the process.  The purpose of the changes was to concentrate the services in three easy to reach centres (MSK physiotherapy would be based at Eastcote Health Centre, Uxbridge Health Centre and The Warren Practice and podiatry services would be based at the Hesa Centre, Eastcote Health Centre and Uxbridge Health Centre) so that they aligned with other relevant specialist services (for example, diabetes and tissue viability).  This would enable the services to offer evening and weekend appointments and would enable patients to see more than one specialist at one location during one visit.  It was noted that the podiatry home visit service would not be changed. 

During the consultation period, CNWL had received about 50 responses which were predominantly concerned with where a patient would now need to go and the transport arrangements available.  It was noted that the engagement process would continue over the next month and that CNWL would be working closely with transport services to ensure continued access for patients.  Additional help was being provided for those patients who had not previously needed to use transport but who might now need to use this service to access the centres. 

It was agreed that the rationalisation of centres from which services were provided seemed to be a reasonable move but that it was important that communication with service users about the changes and the implications was crucial.  The new arrangement would offer economies of scale and help to mitigate the impact of staff shortages as a result of sickness absence. 

Members were advised that there had previously been a number of administrative posts based at the centres and that a number of these had been relocated to provide room for the collocation of services.  This had also provided additional flexibility and growth for the future of the services. 

Although CNWL did take on students, 90% of the staff were qualified podiatrists.  The footcare specialists were unqualified staff who were monitored and supervised at all times by a qualified member of staff and undertook footcare assessments.  There were currently a low number of newly qualified staff and the changes to the provision of the service would enable CNWL to take on more students as they would have a greater support  ...  view the full minutes text for item 13.

Consideration was given to the Committee's Work Programme. 

Members discussed the issue of paediatric cardiac services at Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust (RB&H).  It was noted that outcomes tended to be better for patients cared for in larger specialist settings and it was recognised that withdrawal of the service would have a knock on effect on things like staffing levels and the onward pathway from Hillingdon Hospital paediatric department.  It was noted that RB&H was cost effective and, to a certain extent, was effectively financially propping up other Trusts.  Members were keen to gain further information about the proposals so that consideration could be given to whether or not an additional meeting should be scheduled. 

The Committee agreed to have an update on child sexual exploitation at its meeting on 15 February 2017.  The Chairmen of the Social Services, Housing & Public Health and Children, Young People & Learning Policy Overview Committees would be invited to take part in this meeting. 

It was agreed that a Working Group would be set up to look at community sentencing: What had replaced probation? How effective was it?  It was suggested that the review include witnesses such as former offenders and that it also cover reoffending. 

It was noted that the Fire Brigade would be invited to attend the next meeting of the External Services Scrutiny Committee as part of the Committee's bi-annual scrutiny of the Safer Hillingdon Partnership. 

Consideration had previously been given to the creation of a Working Group to review CAMHS.  It had been suggested that this Group comprise the Chairman and Labour Lead of various relevant Council Committees.  It was noted that this review was currently on hold. 

RESOLVED:  That:

1.    a Working Group be established to undertake a review into community sentencing; and

2.    the Work Programme be noted.