Agenda and minutes

Councillor Jack announced that co-optees would be offered the opportunity of a mentoring service from elected members on the panel.  She asked if anyone was interested it taking up the offer, they should contact Delia Watts.

Councillor Jack reported that Russell Wells, the co-optee from the National Autistic Society had suggested that the Panel receive a presentation on the Adults with Autism in England.  A suggestion was made that this be programmed into the Members’ Seminar Programme and that co-optees be invited to attend.

Councillor Jack also suggested that there be a Members’ seminar given by Cheryl Henry, the new Domestic Violence Co-ordinator.

There were no declarations of interest.

There were no members of the public and press present.

Chris Stainforth, Director of Finance, NHS Rotherham gave a presentation in relation to consultation on proposals to improve mental health services.

NHS Rotherham had been planning improvements to mental services in line with best practice guidance for some time, but had delayed making the required changes due to problems finding suitable inpatient accommodation which was affordable and met the needs of users.  These issues had now been overcome and it was possible to progress to consultation around the premises proposals and the shift of emphasis from inpatient to community services.  The consultation would be run jointly by NHS Rotherham, Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber Mental Health, NHS Foundation Trust and Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council.  It was proposed that the PCT commissioned new mental health service models for both adults of working age and older adults that would focus upon bringing more services into the community.  This would incorporate a new build project which consolidates specialist inpatient services for older adults on the Rotherham Foundation trust site.  The needs of the adult inpatient service would be met by a refurbishment and a partial new build on the Swallownest Court site.

The options which had previously been considered included:-

• Refurbishment of the existing RFT site accommodation rather than a new build
• New builds for both older people and adults on the RFT site
• Maintenance of the current level of community services

However these were discounted for a variety of reasons.

The consultation aimed to ensure that the modernisation of service met the whole needs of users and carers including fast convenient access to community services and facilities that aid rehabilitation and respect dignity.

The formal consultation started on 16 September 2008 and it was anticipated that it would last for 12 weeks.  It was endorsed by the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health on 8 September 2008.  The PCT Professional Executive supported the consultation at their meeting on 3 September 2008 and the RPCT Board at their meeting on 15 September 2008.

The consultation would involve patients, the public and all key stakeholders.

It was anticipated that the delivery of the proposals would improve recovery, rehabilitation and the quality of life of service users.  The new and refurbished accommodation would meet the specific health and social care needs of users, family and carers and the integration of services across the care pathways would enable equal access for adult users.

Questions were then addressed to Chris Stainforth, Mel Turton (Mental Health Commissioning Manager, NHS Rotherham), Richard Banks (Director of Integrated Governance and Performance, RDASH) and Tracey Clarke (Commercial Development Director, RDASH). The following issues were discussed:

• The type of mental health conditions that would be treated under the new arrangements. It was confirmed that a full range of mental illnesses would be treated in 3 wards.  One ward would deal with severe mental illness and the other two would deal with dementia type illnesses.
• Whether the general public would be safe if mental health patients were  ...  view the full minutes text for item 188.

Steve Turnbull, Head of Public Health presented the submitted report which explained the background to the current consultation on the new NHS Constitution.  Further background was provide by Keith Boughen from NHS Rotherham and a Department of Health video explaining the context for the draft constitution.

The Department of Health had published a draft NHS Constitution to coincide with Lord Darzi’s review of the NHS and the 60^th anniversary of the setting up of the NHS.  It outlined the core principles and values of the NHS for the next generation, whilst setting a clear direction for the future.  It reaffirmed rights to NHS services, free of charge and with equal access for all and it enshrined patient rights to choice and to NICE-approved drugs recommended by clinicians.

The draft Constitution had been developed from the bottom up, with active engagement of staff, patients and the public.  The next step in the process was a public consultation on the contents of the draft Constitution and how to put them into practice.  This would run until 27 October 2008.

The Constitution aimed to provide clear statements of how the NHS works and what patients and staff could expect from it for the next 10 years.  In addition there was a draft Handbook that described what underpinned each of the statements.  In the case of rights this would usually be a legal basis; in case of pledges, this was in the form of a set of actions or commitments which the NHS would strive to achieve.  It was suggested that the handbook be revised every three years.

Although consultees could comment on any aspect of the proposals, responses were specifically invited on the following questions:

• Should all NHS bodies and NHS-funded organisations be obliged by law to take account of the NHS Constitution?
• Do you think that the Government should have to renew the Constitution every 10 years?
• Are there any important principles missing?
• Should values be included in the Constitution?
• Is it useful to bring together all the key patient rights and pledges?
• Are responsibilities and expectations of patients and the public appropriate?
• Is the list of staff pledges right?
• Is the description of staff responsibilities right?
• How should all this be communicated to patients, the public and staff once it becomes law?
• How can we all make sure it leads to better NHS services?

A question and answer session ensued and the following issues were discussed:-

• Whether human rights had been consulted in relation to the protection doctors and nurses received in respect of allegations by patients
• What measures were in place to prevent the spread of MRSA via staff uniforms.  It was confirmed that guidance had been put in place recently in relation to staff dress to address this problem
• The need for the Constitution to focus more on the wellness agenda
• Lack of clarity about what is behind the suggestion that NHS resources are used ‘fairly’
• No mention of whether patients should be allowed to ‘top up’  ...  view the full minutes text for item 189.

Shona McFarlane, Director of Health and Wellbeing gave a presentation in relation to the Revenue Outturn 2007/08, 2008/09 Performance and Budget

The presentation drew specific attention to:

• 2007/08 Revenue Outturn
• Changes in 2007/08
• Resources
• Monies received from Medium Term Financial Strategy Investment bids
• MTFS Savings Summary
• Demographic/Demand Pressures
• Present Policies Budget
• Service Priorities 2008/09
• Key Objectives – Service Plan
• Budget Monitoring 2008/09
• Challenges for the Council in setting the 2009/10 Budget

A question and answer session ensued and the following issued were raised:

• Whether the underspend of £634k in relation to Learning Disabilities would influence the amount of funding received from the NHS in future.  Shona confirmed that all funding was given based a strict criteria.  If the criteria was met then funding would be made available.
• Whether the budget was robust and whether it delivered on the Council’s priorities.  Shona confirmed that all requests/demands were challenged robustly and monitored by the Director of Housing and Neighbourhood Services.

Resolved:- That the minutes of the meeting of the Panel held on 4 September 2008 be approved as a correct record for signature by the Chair.

Resolved:- That the minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet Member and Advisors for Adult Social Care and Health held on 8 September 2008 be received and noted.