Issue - meetings

To receive a presentation on the role of Health Scrutiny, with input from the Director of Nursing at York Hospitals NHS Trust.

Members received a presentation from the Chair and the Scrutiny Officer on the role of Health Scrutiny, followed by a presentation from the Chief Operating Officer and Director of Nursing at York Hospitals NHS Trust outlining the Trust’s role as a health partner in the scrutiny process.

The first presentation provided an introduction to Health Scrutiny - its Department of Health (DoH) definition, who it represented, and the Committee’s powers and responsibilities under the Health and Social Care Act and City of York Council’s Constitution.  The second presentation provided an update on the Trust’s performance and the financial challenges it faced in the current year.  Despite these challenges, targets were continuing to be met and managers were confident that internal savings could be made to compensate for reduced government funding, without compromising clinical standards.  The Trust’s application for Foundation status, which would bring further financial freedoms and some independence from the DoH, was currently under consideration, with a decision due in August. 

Members queried the maximum bed occupancy percentages,  in the light of plans to reduce the number of beds and the length of hospital stays.  It was confirmed that the Trust aimed for a maximum occupancy of 85%, as this allowed the necessary margin of flexibility.

RESOLVED: That the presentations be noted and that the presenters be thanked for their input.