Agenda item

This report asks Members to consider a scrutiny topic registered by Cllr Sue Galloway to scrutinise the performance and value for money of the North Yorkshire and York NHS’s alcohol treatment services, particularly in relation to admissions and the impact on National Indicator 39 of the Local Area Agreement.

Members received a report asking them to consider a scrutiny topic registered by Councillor Sue Galloway to scrutinise the performance and value for money of the North Yorkshire and York NHS’s alcohol treatment services, particularly in relation to admissions and the impact on National Indicator 39 of the Local Area Agreement.

Representatives from the Primary Care Trust and York Hospital NHS Foundation gave details of the work that was taking place regarding the setting of targets and the commissioning of services in respect of alcohol misuse. 

It was noted that data was collected and reported but there were a number of difficulties in obtaining accurate information from patients admitted to the Accident and Emergency Department.  Staff were initially concerned with treating the presenting injury and would not ordinarily be aware that a patient had been drinking unless the patient informed them of this. There was a need to deal sensitively with patients and hence questioning about their alcohol intake may be seen as intrusive or inappropriate.  Instances could also arise whereby a person who had been drinking may have been involved in an accident but alcohol may not have been a contributory factor.  The gathering of statistical data by A&E staff also had to be seen in the context of the often significant demands on their time and the pressures to keep down waiting times.

Members were informed of a Government Office pilot project that was taking place at Harrogate Hospital whereby data was being collected electronically by hospital staff.

RESOLVED:            (i)            That, prior to a decision being made as to whether to

proceed with a scrutiny review on this topic, a joint briefing paper be prepared by the Primary Care Trust and the Hospital to include:

·        Clarification as to the data that is currently collected

·        Confirmation of targets and how these are reported (including the definition of an alcohol related hospital admission)

·        Historical data

·        Feedback from the pilot being carried out by Harrogate Accident and Emergency Department in respect of the electronic collection of data.

(ii)That, following the meeting, representatives from the Primary Care Trust and the Hospital advise the Scrutiny Officer of a realistic timescale within which the briefing report could be completed and presented to the Committee¹.

REASON:      To enable the Committee to determine whether there was a need to proceed with a Scrutiny Review in respect of Alcohol Harm Reduction Strategy.