Agenda item

This report is to update members on issues which they may wish to consider as part of their programme of work for scrutiny of the financial recovery plan for North Yorkshire and York Primary Care Trust.

Members considered a report which provided an update on issues that they might wish to consider as part of their programme of work on this scrutiny review.  It was noted that the Selby and York Primary Care Trust (PCT) was now part of the new North Yorkshire and York PCT, which was still awaiting the appointment of a non-Executive Director. 

Jim Easton, the Chief Executive of York Hospitals NHS Trust, was in attendance to provide further information on proposals to close 60 beds at York Hospital and to answer Members’ questions on this issue.  He emphasised that the proposals did not involve changes to the services provided to patients – such changes would require formal consultation.  Instead, they resulted from plans to increase the provision of day surgery in appropriate cases, following the recent opening of a new day surgery unit and the planned provision of 22 new “23-hour” beds before Christmas.  Shorter hospital stays meant better services for patients and a lower risk of infection, as well as enabling the reduction of in-patient beds.  In response to Members’ questions, Mr Easton confirmed that:

• The closures would not reduce the level of care provided to patients
• Follow up care from day surgery was the responsibility of Community Nursing Services.  However, it was recognised that pre-operative assessments (including the patient’s social circumstances) were vital in selecting appropriate cases for day surgery in the first place
• There would be no redundancies at the hospital, although some vacancies would not be filled
• These proposals would make a fairly small contribution to the PCT’s savings targets, compared to the proposals for emergency care
• Discussions were ongoing with the PCT with regard to the hospital’s role in managing chronic conditions and providing rehabilitation
• With reference to recent reports in the Press, the decision to put out to tender the non-emergency ambulance service had been taken following a review of the service. The current providers had been involved in discussions and were expected to submit a bid.

Bill Hodson, Director of Housing and Adult Social Services, commented on the PCT’s proposals to reduce the number of Intermediate Care beds available across the City.  He regretted the loss of beds but was relieved that most of the beds at Archways Intermediate Care Unit would be retained.  He stressed the need for all parties to continue to communicate with each other on the provision of care and noted that the Council’s policy of moving from acute to community provision was clearly in line with that of the Trust.

The Chair reported that the Chief Executive and Chair of the new PCT would be visiting the Guildhall next Tuesday and had offered to meet representatives of Health Scrutiny.

RESOLVED: (i)         That the information provided be noted and that Members continue their scrutiny of this area.

                        (ii)        That representatives of the new North Yorkshire and York PCT be invited to provide an update at the next meeting of the Committee on the PCT’s financial recovery plan and clinical thresholds guidelines.

                        (iii)       That the Chair, Cllr Fraser and the Scrutiny Officer meet with the Chief Executive and Chair of the new PCT between 1 and 2 pm on 17 October and ask them to clarify the situation regarding the impact of the proposed bed closures on Community Nursing Services.