Martin Roe, Chief Executive (Acting) will report at the meeting.
Minutes:
Martin Roe, Acting Chief Executive, Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust provided members with a verbal update in respect of the Care Quality Commission Action Plan, the Trust’s financial position, a Strategic Plan Overview and a general management organisational update.
A robust CQC action plan is in place, the simple and immediate actions have been completed and the majority of the short/medium-term actions have also been completed or are on track, the longer-term actions are in the early stages.
The Acting Chief Executive reported that challenges continue regarding funding to support recommendations and it is estimated that approximately £15 million additional funding is required. Funding is being considered by commissioners and the GM Health and Social Care Partnership. The CQC were onsite recently re-inspecting some of the core services inspected last time.
With regards to the financial position the Acting Chief Executive reported that the Trust will be reporting its first deficit plan in the history of £6.6m.
The board did not support cost reductions of £2.2m in mental health as this would have resulted in closure of two wards or reductions in community mental health or psychological therapies. A summit meeting was held on 22 June 2017 to discuss sustainability and CQC plans.
A new Chief Executive Claire Molloy has been appointed and is due to commence her post in September, the tenure of the Chairman ends in October, the recruitment process is underway.
Members discussed the various plans in respect of the establishment of the Locality Care organisations in each of the localities within the Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust. The Acting Chief Executive also shared with members a summary of an “a typical” night on an older peoples ward with the purpose of emphasising to Members the stress and strain the Trust and staff are under at this current time.
Those present were invited to ask questions and the following issues were raised:
In response to a Member’s question the Acting Chief Executive reported that two of the biggest problems facing the Trust is historic under investment in informatics and a pre-occupation in Bury, Oldham and HMR with re-tendering services. The Trust has one of the lowest reference costs in the country.
In response to a Member’s question in respect of the Board, the Pennine Care Board met to consider the financial position at the Trust, the Board did not feel they could support additional cost reductions. The Board also could not support the closure of any beds as the occupancy levels currently within the hospital in most wards are above 100%.
In response to concerns raised by members in respect of the CQC report and action plan, the Trust’s primary aim has been to support front line clinical services. One such concern was in respect of mixed sex wards. The Acting Chief Executive reported that if the Trust was to enforce this rigorously as required by the CQC, this would result in an increase in the number of patients placed out of area. Out of area placements are not in the best interest of the patient and would result in greater financial pressure placed on the Trust.
The Acting Chief Executive reported that Pennine Care requires an additional £15million to stabilise the Trust. A joint meeting with commissioners and GM Health and Social Care Partnership has taken place.
In response to a Member’s question the Acting Chief Executive reported that it is becoming increasingly difficult to recruit staff. This is due to a number of factors including the removal of the nursing bursary, an ageing workforce and Brexit.
Members discussed different aspects of the CQC action plan including risk assessments, supervision models, bed occupancy and timescales for completion.
In response to a Member’s question with regards to the development of each Boroughs Locality Plans; the Acting Chief Executive reported that going forward Commissioners may need to provide further funding for services or redesign to reflect the financial position. The Trust will need to improve its financial position, invest in staffing while still maintaining quality.
Members of the Joint Committee asked for further information in respect of how the increasing numbers and complexity of Deprivation of Liberty Orders have impacted the Trust.
As a result of concerns raised by the CQC, the Head of Integrated Governance reported that two bed managers had been recruited to enable clinicians more time to spend with patients.
It was agreed:
1. A briefing note in respect of Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust’s plans for clinical supervision be circulated to members of the Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee
2. Further information be presented at the next meeting of the Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee in respect of how deprivation of Liberty Orders have impacted the Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust.
3. A summary report will be presented for consideration at the Local Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee in respect of the Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust’s plans for each Borough.
4. The Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny officer will invite Jon Rouse to the next meeting of the JHOSC
Following discussions with Jon Rouse members may want to consider arranging a meeting with Local Authority and CCG leads to discuss the current financial position at the Trust.