Agenda and minutes

Venue: Hendon Town Hall, The Burroughs, London NW4 4BQ

Contact: Anita Vukomanovic Email: anita.vukomanovic@barnet.gov.uk, 020 8359 7034 

Note: Public Questions and Comments must be submitted by 10am on the third working day before the meeting. The deadline for this meeting is 10am on Thursday 1st February 

Items
No. Item

1.

Minutes pdf icon PDF 129 KB

Minutes:

The Chairman of the Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Councillor Alison Cornelius welcomed all attendees to the meeting.

 

She noted two corrections to the previous minutes:

 

·       On page 6 of the minutes, deletion of comma to read:

Selina Rodrigues, - Manager, Healthwatch Barnet

·       Inclusion of the word ‘the’ in the penultimate paragraph to read:

Ms. Clifford informed the Committee that one of the challenges facing dental care is that the level of UDAs had not been increased for many years despite the significant increase in the population

 

Matters arising from the previous meeting:

·       The Chairman noted that, following a request, the Committee had received information pertaining to the Capital Nurse Programme, Exit Interviews and CQC.

·       It was noted that data for nurse retention statistics was still outstanding.

 

·       Further information was also outstanding in respect of:

-        The recruitment of 30 Patient and Family Experience Partners and an explanation of the role of a ‘Partner’ (p.5 of the previous minutes)

-        The root cause analysis of the 47 cases of C.Diff across the Trust against a target of 39 cases. (p.5 of the previous minutes)

-        details of the web-based survey to analyse the experience of bereaved families and friends.

 

·       The Chairman provided an update in respect of the parking situation at Barnet Hospital. She informed the Committee that a planning application had been submitted to the Council which included the proposal to replace a cycling lane with 26 additional parking spaces. The Hospital had also applied to retain the portacabins for a further five years, but Chipping Barnet Area Planning Committee which met on 18 January 2018 had reduced this to six months.

 

The Chairman informed the Committee that she had received a letter from Kay Matthews, Chief Operating Operator, Barnet CCG, and Dr. Debbie Frost, Chair, Barnet CCG on issues surrounding the full utilisation of Finchley Memorial Hospital.  The Chairman informed the Committee that the letter had highlighted the following points:

 

·     Barnet CCG has been assisting the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust (RFL) to move the mobile service that the North London Breast Screening Service provides at Finchley Memorial Hospital into a new, purpose built unit on the site.  Barnet CCG will continue to work with RFL and Community Health Partnerships (CHP) to have the service operational by June 2018.  This will also assist with the CCG’s plans to reduce the vacant space at FMH.

·     The 17 bed Adams Ward at FMH is caring for patients who are ready to leave acute beds at Barnet and the Royal Free but who require ongoing assessment and individual discharge packages before returning home.

·     The recent opening of Adams Ward and the new Breast Screening Unit will take the amount of space let to NHS providers at Finchley from 75% to approximately 90%. 

 

Following the update from the Chairman, the Committee asked the following questions in relation to Adams Ward: 

 

1. What is the average length of stay on the Ward?

2. What is the through-put?

3. Adams Ward has  ...  view the full minutes text for item 1.

2.

Absence of Members

Minutes:

Apologies were received from:

 

·         Councillor Philip Cohen who was substituted by Councillor Anne Hutton

3.

Declaration of Members' Interests

Minutes:

The following declarations were made at the meeting:

 

Councillor

Agenda Item(s)

Declaration

Alison Cornelius

11

Declared a non-pecuniary interest by virtue of knowing one of the Healthwatch Authorised Representatives, Mrs Margaret Peart.

Alison Cornelius

9

Declared a non-pecuniary interest in reference to page 3 of the Minutes of the Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 24th November 2017 by virtue of being a Trustee of Eleanor Palmer Trust which operates a Care Home. 

Alison Moore

9

Declared a non-pecuniary interest by virtue of being the Chair of the East Central Early Years Locality Advisory Board.

Anne Hutton

9, 11

Declared a non-pecuniary interest in connection to Finchley Memorial Hospital which is located within her Ward.

 

4.

Report of the Monitoring Officer

Minutes:

None.

5.

Public Question Time (If Any)

Minutes:

None were received.

6.

Members' Items (If Any)

Minutes:

The Chairman introduced the Member’s item in her name and noted that at the January Full Council meeting, the Leader had confirmed the extension of the Breastfeeding Support Service beyond the end date of the current contract with CLCH.

 

Upon invitation of the Chairman, Councillor Helena Hart, Chairman of the Health and Wellbeing Board, joined the meeting. Councillor Hart informed the Committee that in accordance with the Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2015-2020, the Health and Wellbeing Board as a partnership is fully signed up to promoting successful breastfeeding particularly among younger and first time older mothers.

 

One of the ways in which this is currently supported is through a breastfeeding peer support service Contract with CLCH – the future of which is due for consideration by the Policy and Resources Committee on 13 February 2018. Councillor Hart noted that the Committee will be updated following the decision of the Policy and Resources Committee and the outcome of the ongoing discussions with CLCH.

 

RESOLVED that:

 

The Committee requested to receive a report at its next meeting on 24May 2018 and instructed Officers to prepare a report detailing the provision of all Breastfeeding Support Services in Barnet, the delivery locations and details of the contract extension with CLCH.

(Action: Forward Work Programme)

 

 

6a

Member's Item in the Name of Councillor Alison Cornelius pdf icon PDF 226 KB

Minutes:

The Chairman introduced the Member’s item in her name and noted that at the January Full Council meeting, the Leader had confirmed the extension of the Breastfeeding Support Service beyond the end date of the current contract with CLCH.

 

Upon invitation of the Chairman, Councillor Helena Hart, Chairman of the Health and Wellbeing Board, joined the meeting. Councillor Hart informed the Committee that in accordance with the Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2015-2020, the Health and Wellbeing Board as a partnership is fully signed up to promoting successful breastfeeding particularly among younger and first time older mothers.

 

One of the ways in which this is currently supported is through a breastfeeding peer support service Contract with CLCH – the future of which is due for consideration by the Policy and Resources Committee on 13 February 2018. Councillor Hart noted that the Committee will be updated following the decision of the Policy and Resources Committee and the outcome of the ongoing discussions with CLCH.

 

RESOLVED that:

 

The Committee requested to receive a report at its next meeting on 24May 2018 and instructed Officers to prepare a report detailing the provision of all Breastfeeding Support Services in Barnet, the delivery locations and details of the contract extension with CLCH.

(Action: Forward Work Programme)

 

7.

Minutes of the North Central Sector London Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee pdf icon PDF 206 KB

Minutes:

The Chairman introduced the item which set out the Minutes of the NCL JHOSC held on 24 November 2017. She noted that the next meeting will be held on 6 February 2018.

 

Members heard about the discussion which took place at the November meeting of the NCL JHOSC which highlighted the major social care challenges nationally as well as staffing shortages across London. The discussion also covered the pressure on Care Home beds in Barnet and that, due to the number of bed spaces available, other local authorities placed people from their borough into Barnet Care Homes.

 

In relation to long term workforce planning in the social care sector, it was noted that this topic would continue to be discussed at the next NCL JHOSC meeting on 6 February 2018.

 

RESOLVED that the Committee noted the Minutes of the North Central London Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 24 November 2017.

 

 

8.

Minutes of the Barnet Health and Wellbeing Board pdf icon PDF 88 KB

Minutes:

The Chairman invited the following to the table:

 

  • Councillor Helena Hart – Chairman of the Barnet Health and Wellbeing Board
  • Dr Jeff Lake – Consultant in Public Health

 

Councillor Hart presented the minutes of the Board meeting held on 9 November 2017 as set out in the agenda.

 

She also provided a verbal update of the discussions held at the Health and Wellbeing Board meeting on 25 January 2018.

 

The Committee heard about the discussions held at numerous previous Health and Wellbeing Board meetings on the topic of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). At the January meeting of the Health and Wellbeing Board, Councillor Hart drew the Board’s attention to the International Zero Tolerance to FGM Day to be held on 6 February this year.

 

The Committee noted that this had been discussed on numerous occasions at Board meetings where the Chairman, on behalf of the Board, had expressed unequivocal opposition to FGM and highlighted the physical and mental harm caused as a result of it.

 

The Committee noted that training on FGM will continue to be rolled out across the CCG.

 

A Member noted that a statement will be released and made available on the Council website to promote International Zero Tolerance on FGM Day on 6 February 2018.

 

The Committee heard about the discussion held at the January Health and Wellbeing Board meeting which considered the annual Director of Public Health’s report. This year’s annual report focused on the Built Environment and Health.

 

A Member noted work should be considered to support young people with the provision of appropriate open spaces and housing.

 

Dr Lake spoke about the research on how the Built Environment can help to improve health and wellbeing, along with the work already being done to develop and enhance the Built Environment together with some recommendations for further action.

 

Councillor Hart briefed the Committee about the work already underway through the Borough’s regeneration schemes and building programmes such as:

·       The £50m funding that has already been committed towards improving roads and pavements.

·       Referring to parks and open spaces, a significant investment in outdoor play facilities and Outdoor Gyms and Marked and Measured Routes in Parks - as well as the ‘Our Parks’ and Barnet Health Walks programmes.

·       Working with traders on initiatives such as the healthier catering commitment which includes using colour-coded systems for all vending and catering products to educate customers to choose healthy food options.

·       In respect of physical activity, Councillor Hart welcomed the achievements and increase to over 77% in the percentage of the 16+ population taking part in sport and physical activity. She envisaged even greater improvements once the new Fit and Active Barnet Campaign was launched in May.

 

Following a query on provision of information about healthy nutrition from a Member, Dr Lake noted that the Health and Wellbeing Board had discussed tackling obesity and its adverse effects on health.

 

Councillor Hart reiterated the importance of providing information to all residents and supporting them to make healthier lifestyle choices including healthy  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

9.

Sustainability and Transformation Plan (STP) pdf icon PDF 255 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

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.

 

10.

Suicide Prevention in Barnet pdf icon PDF 237 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Chairman invited to the table:

·       Dr Jeff Lake – Consultant in Public Health

 

Dr Lake presented the report which sets out the progress made in delivering the annual 2017-2018 Action Plan.

 

Dr Lake noted that, following publication of the ‘Inquiry into Local Suicide Prevention Plans in England’ by the All Party Parliamentary Group on Suicide and Self-harm, all authorities must have in place:

 

·       A suicide audit work to understand local suicide risk

·       A suicide prevention plan in order to identify the initiatives required to address local suicide risk

·       A multi-agency suicide prevention group to involve all relevant statutory agencies and voluntary organisations in implementing the local action plan.

 

The Committee requested that, for future reports, all acronyms should be written in full in the first instance and only abbreviated subsequently. (Action)

 

A request was made in reference to the sample size on page 63 regarding the Thrive Programme as they will have statistics based on a larger sample. (Action)

 

It was agreed that a copy of the extract of the minutes under this item be circulated to Dr Jeff Lake for action.

 

RESOLVED that:

 

1.     The Committee noted the suggestions of the Health Select Committee Inquiry into Suicide Prevention, local arrangements for suicide prevention and progress in delivering the 2017/2018 suicide prevention action plan ahead of its being refreshed for 2018/2019.

2.     The Committee receive an annual report on suicide prevention. (Action: Forward Work Programme)

 

11.

Healthwatch Barnet Update Report pdf icon PDF 254 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Chairman invited to the table:

·       Ms Selina Rodrigues – Manager Healthwatch Barnet.

 

Ms Rodrigues presented the report and highlighted the example of good communication between General Practice and service users. She explained the importance of further engagement between Health Commissioners and patients.

 

The Vice-Chairman welcomed the report and noted that the residents’ views should also be sought in respect of the development of CHINs.

 

A Member raised the need for further PPG engagement with GP Practices. Ms Rodrigues informed the Committee that Barnet CCG provide face-to-face support for the development of local PPGs working closely with Healthwatch.

 

She emphasised that the success of the PPGs is also dependent on active engagement of patients and commitment from Practice Managers and lead GPs.

 

Following a suggestion from a Member for information sharing between PPGs, Ms Rodrigues noted that further encouragement would be beneficial to ensure that PPGs share information, resources and lessons learnt.

 

In respect of Mealtimes Investigation at the Royal Free Hospital, Ms Rodrigues spoke about the support provided for patients. She also raised concerns about nutrition for patients with pre-existing conditions and regular provision of clean drinking water. These formed part of the recommendations to the Royal Free. She noted the assurance received by the senior dietitian. It was noted that, as the current catering contract is due to end, it is important for these issue to be embedded within the new contract.

 

The Committee welcomed the report and commended the work of Healthwatch Barnet and its volunteers.

 

RESOLVED that the Committee noted the report.

 

12.

Health Overview and Scrutiny Forward Work Programme pdf icon PDF 196 KB

Minutes:

The Committee noted the standing item on the agenda which lists the reports due to be reported the Committee on 2018.

 

It was noted that the Forward Work Programme will be updated to include:

·       Suggested items by Barnet Healthwatch will be included on the Forward Work Programme – as noted under item 11 at this meeting.

·       Update report on Breastfeeding Support Services, as noted under the Member’s item 6 (a).

·       Annual report on Suicide Prevention, as noted under item 10.

 

RESOLVED that the Committee noted the Forward Work Programme, as updated during this meeting.

 

13.

Any Other Items that the Chairman Decides are Urgent

Minutes:

The Chairman thanked the Committee and Officers for their contributions to the discussions held at this meeting and during the municipal year.  She also thanked the Governance Officers for all their help.

 

The Chairman expressed her gratitude to Councillor Old for his continued commitment as Vice-Chairman of the Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee as well as his enormous contribution to the work of the Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

 

The Chairman also thanked Councillor Helena Hart for her invaluable contribution to all the HOSC meetings throughout many years.

 

The Vice-Chairman thanked the Chairman for her all her work and efforts as Chairman of the Health Overview and Scrutiny and Barnet representative and Committee Member on the Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee.