A presentation will be given at the meeting.
Minutes:
Dr Victoria Moyles and Margaret O'Dwyer, representing NHS Bury CCG gave a presentation on the current work with Stakeholders and engagement with the public to support the configuration of the Urgent Care services in Bury. A review of current service provision had concluded that the system was disjointed, had areas of inequality and supported duplication of some services in Bury. It was reported that the new model of service provision would not be about saving money but was about public engagement, ensuring that investment in services were being made in the right areas in order to provide a more simpler and efficient service. The presentation focused on the following key areas:-
An explanation of what constitutes Urgent Care Services;
The key reasons why the CCG needs to redesign Urgent Care Services in Bury;
The CCG's vision for Urgent Care Services;
What national guidance suggests;
What the proposed model of service provision 'might' look like and why it would be better for patients;
The implications for existing services;
How the public can have their say on the proposals.
The Chair invited questions/comments and representations from members of the public present at the meeting, as follows:-
- Councillor Cathcart asked if the presentation was part of a formal consultation process or an exercise of public engagement. Dr Moyles explained that the was an engagement exercise, an opportunity to receive the views of the public. The decision in relation to the closure of the walk-in centres in Bury had not yet been made.
- The Chair, Colin Jones commented that it was difficult for those present at the meeting to fully digest the amount of information provided in the presentation and provide instant feedback. It was explained that there were a number of ways people could provide feedback. The proposals were being presented to Township Forums and were available on the Bury CCG website. The consultation period would last until the end of October.
- What were the costs of the Walk-in centres compared with the costs in patients accessing walk-in at an A&E department? Dr Moyles explained that the two services were difficult to compare in terms of costs as the CCG use block contracts - they pay the provider an amount of money to provide the walk-in services as opposed to A&E funding and costs.
- Is there enough capacity to provide services to those groups who are able to access GP appointments and those who don't often use GP services and who subsequently rely on walk-in services? Dr Moyles informed the meeting that in Greater Manchester, the CCG's services are provided in conjunction with the Primary Care standards. That is a minimum of 75, 10 minute-appointments per 1,000 patients per week which may generate up to 50,000 to 60,000 additional appointments - this is the capacity that they have signed up to provide.
- A member of the public present commented that demand for services is increasing yet funding for services is not, is Bury CCG overspending on their budget and would this scheme help to ensure that it stays on budget? It was reported that Bury CCG does not receive near target allocation. This financial year there had been significant investment above inflation – 5 % nationally is where it should be. The CCG had managed their budgets in recent years and the expectation was that it would continue to do so.
- A comment in relation to the need to better manage and improve the NHS 111 service and would resources not be better to improve this service. Councillor Briggs asked about public awareness of services in Bury. The meeting was informed that Bury CCG, as a provider actively monitor and the service which is regulated. It was explained that the CCG learns from the feedback it receives. Margaret O’Dwyer reported
that telephone triage means that people can receive an assessment from the comfort of their home.
- Councillor Cathcart commented on the increasing emphasis on patient self-help such as using the internet to access information.
- Councillor Preston asked how many people used the walk-in Bury? The meeting was informed that 33,000 people had accessed the service in Prestwich and 34,000 in Bury. The statistics reflected a 10,000 reduction year on year. Councillor Preston also asked about people who do not live in Bury accessing the Bury Walk-In Centres. It was reported that funding for the Bury Walk-In Centres was based on the number of people who live in Bury.
- Dr Patel, a Radcliffe based GP commented that fewer Radcliffe residents use the Walk-In Centres than in any other area in Bury. As a local GP, Dr Patel believed that it was better to have re-investment in services and areas in order to make service provision and accessibility more equitable. This new scheme would help to address some of the health inequalities that exist in Radcliffe.
It was agreed:
That the information provided be noted, with thanks.