Agenda and draft minutes

An apology was received from Councillor L Hailstones and Councillor J Waring (Portfolio Holder for Community Safety and Wellbeing).

To receive declarations of interest from Members on items included on this agenda.

There were no declarations of interest stated.

To consider the minutes of the meeting held on 19 October 2017

Agreed:                     That the minutes of the meeting held on 19 October 2017 be accepted as a correct record.

Matters arising

Care Navigation Programme.

Members discussed the Care Navigation Programme with Anna Collins (Head

of Communications and Engagement at the North Staffordshire Clinical

Commissioning Group and Stoke on Trent Clinical Commissioning Group). 

Anna Collins explained how the programme was a non-optional part of

Governments national 5 year Forward View and it aimed to ensure that the

patient saw the appropriate medical professional quicker.  Success relied

upon trained reception staff and the willingness of the patient to disclose

information relating to their medical condition. A future evaluation of the

scheme with Healthwatch was anticipated.

Members sought assurances regarding the level of training which the

receptionist received and issues relating to the importance of maintaining

confidentiality. The Programme did not replace the need to continue to recruit

doctors.

 Members spoke about the historical notion of “dragons on reception”. Anna

Collins mentioned mental health referrals to the charity and voluntary sector

 which led to a discussion on the need to refer patients with mental health

needs appropriately to ensure correct diagnosis and treatment.

Anna Collins suggested that Charlotte Harper, Queens Nurse, who was responsible for the introduction of the Care Navigation project, be invited to attend the next meeting of the Scrutiny Committee.

Agreed:         That the summary of business transacted at the meeting of the Healthy Staffordshire Select Committee held on 1 December2017 be noted.

Members considered a written response to a request from this Committee (19/10/2017) for a representative from the Royal Stoke University Hospital (RSUH) to attend a meeting of the Committee to discuss certain issues:-

Is the Royal Stoke Hospital achieving timely discharge for residents of Newcastle under Lyme?

If there are delays what is the cause?

Do the residents of Newcastle under Lyme experience any delays in relation to operation waiting times?

Members of the Committee expressed deep concern at the absence of a representative from the hospital and at the lack of an explanation of measures that were being undertaken to address the difficulties being experienced at the hospital.

Agreed:         That a letter be sent to the Chief Executive of the Royal Stoke Hospital, with a copy to the Chair of the Healthy Staffordshire Select Committee, expressing the deep concerns of this Scrutiny Committee in relation to the absence of a representative in attendance at the meeting and also the poor quality of the information given by the hospital, particularly the lack of any information on how the situation in relation to the timeliness of discharge and waiting times for residents of Newcastle under Lyme was being addressed.

Following a request from members at the Joint Meeting of the Health and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee and the Active and Cohesive Scrutiny Committee (5/7/2017), the Partnerships Locality Officer presented a data base of dementia friendly activities in the area of the Borough, compiled with the assistance of the CEO of Approach, with the emphasis on partnership activities and projects.

The report was welcomed by members who wished to see the document kept up to date and maintained in a paper format in addition to a digital presence and available to the public.  Members also asked whether the Borough could help to support other organisations to contribute to the list and the Partnerships Officer invited members to email with information in respect to any gaps that they identified.

Agreed:         That the report be noted

Agreed:         That the Project Manager for the Care Navigation Project and Primary Care Nurse Facilitator, Charlotte Harper, Queens Nurse be invited to attend the 11 April meeting.

Any member of the public wishing to submit a question must serve two clear days’ notice, in writing, of any such question to the Borough Council.

There were no members of the public present at the meeting.

Invitation to be involved in designing future local health services in North Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent.

The Scrutiny Officer highlighted an invitation received from the North Staffordshire Clinical Commissioning Group and Stoke on Trent Clinical Commissioning Group for members to attend a 2 day Options Development and Appraisals event on 23 January and 14 February at the Bridge Centre, Birches Head.

The next meeting will be held on 11 April 2018.