Decision details

The Chairman invited Adam Driscoll, Commissioning Lead – Planning, Barnet Council Commissioning Group, Mike Decoverly, NHS England Officer,and Fiona Erne, Deputy Head of Primary Care, North Central and East London NHS England (London Regional Team), to the table.

Mr. Decoverly informed the Committee that NHS England (NHSE) and Barnet Council Commissioning Group had requested to attend the Committee in order to engage with Members about the health proposals that were being considered in respect of the Colindale regeneration project.  Mr. Decovely informed the Committee that officers wished to understand what information the Committee needs as representatives of the local population.

The Committee noted a postal drop of 20,000 communications had been delivered in and around the Colindale area.

Responding to a question from a Member, Mr. Driscoll advised the Committee that Officers had consulted with Colindale Ward Members.  The Member suggested that Officers also contact Burnt Oak Ward Members. 

A Member commented that there was a high amount of development expected near Mill Hill and questioned if this development was expected to impact on the Colindale area.  Mr. Driscoll commented that whilst there could be some growth in demand, it was considered to be of a level that existing GPs would be able to manage.  Ms. Erne commented that Primary Care tends to have some flexibility to deal with some population growth and that NHSE is offering grants to practices to convert non clinical space, such as records rooms, into clinical rooms to provide additional capacity for more patients.

A Member commented on the issues that were faced in getting GPs to occupy vacant space at Finchley Memorial Hospital.  Mr. Driscoll commented on the importance of producing the lease structure and noted that whilst dealing with planning applications for the Colindale project, officers were also considering the types of leases that would be needed in order to avoid the problems at Finchley Memorial site.

A Member questioned how Officers were intending to publicise the new health centre near Colindale Tube Station.  Mr. Waverly informed the Committee that there would be two consultation events taking place in early January and that there had been drop in sessions. 

A Member noted that the process of engagement seemed a little bit late and questioned if officers felt that engagement should have taken place earlier.   Ms. Erne informed the Committee that she felt that consultation could have taken place earlier, however, the reorganisation of the NHS in 2010 had delayed this.  Ms. Erne noted that NHS England was trying to work closely with local authorities.

Mr. Waverly informed the Committee that Officers were working closely with two GPs in Grahame Park so that they are kept informed as to what the process will be when the current building is demolished.  The Committee noted that efforts were being made to enable the two Practices to move straight into the new centre.

A Member questioned how assessments of future need were made.  Mr. Driscoll informed the Committee that Officers would look at a range of data, included age groups and growth. 

A Member commented on an expected development of 800 flats in Mill Hill Ward and questioned when Officers anticipated planning for any changes to health provision in the area.  Mr. Driscoll commented that this was an area that might warrant a review of provision in the future. 

A Member noted that he could see the rationale as to why contracts for GP provision needed to be flexible and commented on the need to encourage existing GPs to be more flexible or to merge with other GP Practices.   The Member also expressed concern about finding sufficient GPs.  Ms. Erne noted that there was a workforce challenge and noted the changing needs of the population.  Ms. Erne also commented on the task of training people and also then attracting them into London.  The Committee noted that NHSE was having strategic discussions with their commissioning colleagues about how to make practicing in London affordable and how to aid the career progression of healthcare professionals in the capital.   

The Chairman requested that the Committee consider a further update report to cover the consultation and the progress on the business case at their meeting in July 2016.

RESOLVED that:-

1.    The Committee notes the report

2.    The Committee requests to be provided with a further update report from NHS England and the London Borough of Barnet in July 2016 as set out above.