Decision details

The Chairman introduced the report, which provided an update on the acquisition of Barnet and Chase Farm Hospitals NHS Trust by the Royal Free London NHS Trust. 

Mr. Kim Flemming, the Director of Planning at the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trustadvised the Committee that the acquisition had become effective from 1 July 2014.

Referring to the report, Mr. Flemming advised that, as part of the acquisition, one of the next steps would to be to introduce “The Royal Free way of doing things”  Mr. Flemming outlined that this meant working towards a clinically led organization. 

The Committee noted that the issue of waiting times was a top priority at Barnet and Chase Farm Hospital. 

Mr. Flemming advised the Committee that he wished to see continued improvement in Accident and Emergency.

Responding to a question from a Member, Mr. Flemming advised that he would be able to provide current and historical statistics on the number of people waiting on a trolley at A&E for over 12 hours.

A Member expressed concern that whilst she was at Barnet General recently, she had seen at least seven ambulances waiting outside the hospital. 

A Member asked for more clarity on “The Royal Free way of doing things” as set out in the report.  Mr. Flemming advised the Committee that there were currently four clinical divisions at the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust.  The Committee noted that the head of each division was a working clinician, whose role would involve both looking after patients and management of the division. 

Responding to a question from a Member, Mr. Flemming informed the Committee that the vast majority of staff were in post by 1 July 2014 and that the Trust had made efforts to ensure that staff knew who their manager would be. 

A Member questioned how the Trust would be governed following the acquisition.  Mr. Flemming advised the Committee that the Board of Governors would become much bigger and that there would be elections in the Autumn for the new Council of Governors. 

A Member questioned how in practice the Trust worked with social care organisations to keep people out of hospital.  Mr. Fleming advised that today people had a much better understanding of social care and noted that The Better Care Fund would also assist with providing more integrated care. 

The Chairman questioned how much money the Royal Free London Hospital NHS Trust would receive should the acquisition go ahead.  Mr Flemming advised that the figure was expected to be approximately £263 million, the majority of which would come from the Department of Health.  The Committee noted that some money was earmarked to deal with the financial deficit.  The Committee were also advised that some of the money would fund the new Chase Farm Hospital. 

The Chairman invited Selina Rodrigues, the Head of Healthwatch Barnet to the table in order to provide Healthwatch Barnet’s perspective on the proposed acquisition.  Ms. Rodrigues advised the Committee that Healthwatch Barnet was concerned about the issues surrounding Referral to Treatment and A&E waiting times.  The Committee noted that Healthwatch Barnet also planned to scrutinise trolley waits. 

Ms. Rodrigues advised the Committee that the Healthwatch Barnet would be keen to see formal structures for patient engagement in relation to the proposed acquisition.

RESOLVED that:

1)    The Committee note the update from the Royal Free London NHS Trust on the potential Acquisition of Barnet and Chase Farm Hospitals NHS Trust

2)    The Committee note the Update from Healthwatch Barnet

3)    The Committee request to be provided with the current and historical statistic’s on the number of people waiting on a trolley at A&E for over 12 hours