Issue - meetings

This covering report introduces the final report of the Independent Healthcare Commission for Northwest London.  Following a year long investigation into health service changes across five London boroughs the Independent Healthcare Commission for North West London reported its findings in December 2015.  The Commission was established to investigate the impact of the implementation of the Shaping a Healthier Future programme since 2013 across North West London.  The SaHF programme has seen the closure of A&E facilities at Central Middlesex and Hammersmith and Fulham Hospitals and proposals the consolidation of acute services into five Major Hospitals across North West London.  It also sets out plans to provide more services out of hospitals in community settings and through extended GP services.

(i)         that the findings of the Independent Healthcare Commission for North West London detailed in the accompanying report be noted;

(ii)        to note that a copy of the Commission’s report and a letter from the five commissioning boroughs has been sent to Jeremy Hunt, Secretary of State for Health and the Nation Audit Office;

(iii)       to note that the Council and members of the Health and Wellbeing Board are developing  joint approaches to local service models intended to improve healthcare services, make best use of shared resources and achieve better outcomes for patients.

(iv)       to note that the Council remains concerned that the population modelling used to forecast the investments in future health services in west London significantly underestimates the likely growth in population and the impact of regeneration programmes such as Old Oak Common..

The report from the Strategic Director of Community Wellbeing introduced the final report of the Independent Healthcare Commission for Northwest London.  Following a year long investigation into health service changes across five London boroughs, the Independent Healthcare Commission for North West London reported its findings in December 2015.  The Commission was established to investigate the impact of the implementation of the Shaping a Healthier Future programme since 2013 across North West London.  The SaHF programme has resulted in the closure of Accident and Emergency facilities at Central Middlesex and Hammersmith and Fulham Hospitals and proposals to consolidate acute services into five major hospitals across north west London.  It also sets out plans to provide more services out of hospitals in community settings and through extended GP services.

Councillor Butt (Leader of the Council) stated that the report highlighted the intense pressure and the need for services to be reshaped. Councillor Hirani (Lead Member, Adults, Health and Wellbeing) referred to the concern of north west London boroughs at waiting times, in particular at Northwick Park which was the worst in the country since the closure of the Central Middlesex accident and emergency unit. Councillor Hirani drew attention to the increasing costs of the SaHF programme with costs now estimated at £1.3 billion and argued that there was a need for reconsideration and greater local involvement.

With the consent of the Chair, Councillor Warren questioned the independence of the Commission’s report given that it was chaired by Michael Mansfield QC and the length of time taken to produce the report. He also questioned whether a request for a judicial review would be put forward. Councillor Hirani responded that Michael Mansfield was well regarded with a track record of involvement in many high profile cases. A considerable amount of evidence had been considered and the right of reply had to be offered, all of which took time. In the absence of any improvement, a Judicial Review would be considered. Members expressed grave concern at the findings, the decline in A&E services with Northwick Park Hospital being overwhelmed. They considered that the SaHF programme was fundamentally flawed and noted that a letter to the Secretary of State had yet to receive a response.

The Cabinet agreed on the need to continue to call for accountability, additional funding and improved outcomes.

RESOLVED:

(i)         that the findings of the Independent Healthcare Commission for North West London detailed in the accompanying report be noted;

(ii)        that it be noted that a copy of the Commission’s report and a letter from the five commissioning boroughs has been sent to Jeremy Hunt, Secretary of State for Health and the National Audit Office;

(iii)       that it be noted that the council and members of the Health and Wellbeing Board were developing joint approaches to local service models intended to improve healthcare services, make best use of shared resources and achieve better outcomes for patients;

(iv)       that it be noted that the council remained concerned that the population  ...  view the full minutes text for item 16