Issue - meetings

The Chairman invited to the table:

·       Mr Will Huxter – Director of Strategy North Central London CCGs

The Committee received a presentation from Mr Huxter which focused on four of the largest workstreams under the STP programme and its ambitions.

Mr Huxter informed the Committee that the five North Central London CCG’s are working together under joint arrangements with a single Accountable Officer and Chief Finance Officer. The Committee also heard about the sustainability of services by providing integrated care which improved health and wellbeing outcomes for residents.

The Committee noted the importance of clinical input and leadership into each of the workstreams to develop each step of the STP. Mr Huxter briefed the Committee about the work being carried out around recruitment and workforce retention.

The Vice-Chairman asked for a breakdown analysis of the increase in operational hours of surgeries. He queried its impact on waiting times and whether the increase in surgery hours has meant that more patients are being seen.

In respect of Care Closer to Home Integrated Networks (CHINs), Mr Huxter noted that the benefit has been that patients can be seen more quickly than previously and further noted that data in respect of usage can be shared with the Chairman and Members. (Action)

In relation to CHINs, the Vice-Chairman queried the coverage of GP Practices under CHINs and requested an update as to the which surgeries were and were not covered under the so-far proposed arrangements. He also asked about further information on mental health and cancer. Mr Huxter undertook to provide this information on population size and Practices under CHINs as well as further information on mental health and cancer. (Action)

The Committee expressed their disappointment at the absence of information concerning the estates strategy in the report. Mr Huxter agreed that more work needs to be done in respect of estates and the provision of adequate housing for NHS staff in Barnet.

RESOLVED that the Committee noted the report.