Agenda item

Report from Moneeza Iqbal Director of Strategy attached.

Will Blandamer introduced the report which covers the disaggregation of clinical services from the previous Pennine Acute Hospitals Trust footprint

Moneeza Iqbal, Director of strategy advised that in 2021, Manchester Foundation Trust acquired the North Manchester General Hospital (NMGH) site, and Salford Royal Foundation Trust (SRFT) acquired the remaining sites of Pennine Acute Hospitals Trust, creating the Northern Care Alliance. Since then, due to the way in which digital systems and clinical rotas operate, there are some services which operate across the two providers which have not yet been ‘disaggregated’. This means that the services still need to be split between the two organisations using an agreed set of principles: including splitting of the workforce, budget and waiting lists.

Questions took place regarding hospital preference for Bury residents. Members were informed this is a conversation with your general practitioner, the consideration of patient preference, waiting times at local hospitals for the treatment required and distance.

Councillor Hussain asked a question regarding the medical certificate for cause of death (MCCD). He reported a large number of people who have passed away in hospital and hospital doctors being reluctant to issue a medical certificate for cause of death because of lack of information or connectivity with hospital doctors and General Practitioners and has caused problem in the Christian, Muslim and Jewish community. This is because it is a religious duty for all faiths to bury the deceased as soon as possible. Moneeza Iqbal, Director of Strategy asked if this discussion can take place following the meeting. In addition, Heather Caudle, Chief Nursing Officer from the Northern Care Alliance added one of her main duties is servicing is user and patient experience and the end of life and palliative care team. She advised there have been reasonable adjustments to the processes described to expedite burials in line with patients’ cultural norms. Heather Caudle advised that she will be involved in these discussions and work can be done to make the cultural adjustments stronger to ensure a difference experience. Councillor Hussain outlined he would like to meet with officers and the Jewish community to discuss this further.

Councillor Moss advised he has reports of Prestwich residents being referred to an outpatient clinic in Radcliffe but suggested it may just be for dermatology. Councillor Moss advised he has reports of Prestwich residents being referred to an outpatient clinic in Radcliffe but suggested it may just be for dermatology. Moneeza Iqbal, Director of Strategy advised Dermatology is a Salford Royal service and arrangements have been put in place, so patients do not have to travel to Salford for an appointment.

Councillor Hayes, asked about the consultation process especially the patient surveys and opportunities of a wider consultation. In response Moneeza Iqbal, Director of Strategy advised currently patient feedback and other options and clinical team views. Following this it will be pulled into a substantial variation document and considered by the integrate care system.

Councillor FitzGerald thanked Moneeza Iqbal for her attendance and update to the Committee.