Agenda item

The Chairman introduced and welcomed this update which sets out further details about the strategic framework for the Primary Care Strategy. She invited Sean Barnett, Interim Head of Primary Care and Leigh Griffin, Director of Strategic Development, Barnet CCG to join the meeting.

The Chairman particularly welcomed the proposals for the new services to be developed at Finchley Memorial Hospital.  She highlighted the establishment of a new GP Practice devoted primarily to the needs of the frail elderly and linked to the Walk In Centre and the establishment of a permanent Breast Screening service. She also welcomed proposals for the increased in patient activity in relation to the empty 17 bed ward.  Dr Frost noted that an update would be brought to the next meeting of the HWBB in July. (Action)

Mr Barnett briefed the Board about the content of the paper and noted the principles and priorities which have helped develop the framework of primary care strategy. Mr Barnett gave an overview of the key areas of the Strategy which cover accessible care, coordinated care and proactive care.

The Board heard that arrangements have been put in place in Barnet to enable all practices to adopt data sharing arrangements so that clinical records can be shared among practices and other service providers.

In relation to expanding the workforce, Mr Barnett stated that the aim will be to utilise a wider multi-skilled workforce and also ensure that GP’s can oversee other staff that deliver patient care such as nurses and volunteers, especially in managing complex cases. The Chairman noted the importance of ensuring that patients were being informed of the benefits of having multi-skilled staff able to provide patients with the most appropriate care.  

Mr Barnett also highlighted that the Strategy aims to address the issue of sustainability and the need for recruiting essential staff, particularly in the light of an ageing workforce.

The Chairman noted the importance of communicating to patients the changes from 2015/16 towards service delivery of the out-of-hours service and to communicate the way this is likely to impact on patients seeking to access GP services. 

Mr Chris Munday raised concerns that the engagement that had been carried out previously with children and young people was not reflected in the updated version of the strategy. Mr Munday explained that progress had been made to ensure that primary care is family friendly and he had been pleased with the text included in the previous version of the strategy presented to the Board in January. Ms Griffin responded by assuring the Board that the Children and Young People’s Plan and the emphasis on families will be re-incorporated into the Strategy along with the focus on Family Friendly Barnet. (Action)

Dr Andrew Howe, Director of Public Health welcomed the Strategy and noted the emphasis on training and development (at pp.33-34 of the appendix) for staff who provide care services.  He further noted that the Public Health team had provided comments on the Strategy and that he would like to see these comments incorporated into the Strategy itself rather than in a separate appendix (Action).

Dr Charlotte Benjamin, Barnet CCG welcomed the document and highlighted the importance of addressing the needs of those with mental health issues throughout the Strategy. (Action) 

In relation to a query from Councillor Reuben Thompstone, Lead Member for Children and Chairman of CELS Committee, about plans to engage with small businesses, Mr Barnett stated that this is an element which would need to be developed and will be looked into via Council contacts with a view to expand on engagement with local small businesses. Dawn Wakeling, Commissioning Director for Adults and Health, welcomed the proposal and noted that the Council has a number of forums which meet with local businesses which the CCG can utilise. (Action)

Mr Michael Rich, Head of Healthwatch Barnet, emphasised the need for incorporating plans within the framework to support Patient Participation Groups. Ms Cathy Gritzner welcomed the comment and assured the Board that resources had been allocated for engagement and informed the Board that plans have been put into place to work together with Public Health colleagues towards engaging with Patient Participation Groups and that an update will be provided to the Board in September 2016. (Action)

Mr Rich introduced a Healthwatch video which focused on the experience of healthcare users with learning disabilities and autism. The Board noted the video clip and some of the key points put forward by users around easy to understand language and readability of feedback forms and letters sent to patients with learning disabilities and autism. The Board noted the importance of taking the lessons forward and into consideration. Dr Charlotte Benjamin also welcomed the video as a good insight evidencing the need for extra consideration for patients with learning disabilities and autism. Dr Frost stated that this could be considered as good information for GP bulletins and newsletters.

The Chairman thanked Mr Barnett and Mr Griffin for their presentations to the Board.

It was RESOLVED:

1.    That the Health and Wellbeing Board provided comments, as set out above, on the framework, especially in relation to engagement and supporting the primary care vision on the three themes of Accessible, Proactive and Coordinated Care.

2.    That Barnet CCG develops their implementation plan considering any comments from the Board and feedback on progress to the Board in September 2016.

3.    That the Strategic Framework for Primary Care is duly noted, and once approved by the CCG, will be shared across members of the Health and Wellbeing Board for inclusion in other workstreams.