Agenda item

This paper is to provide the Scrutiny Committee with a briefing and update on the processes being undertaken by NHS England to procure contracts to continue services for patients of five practices across Brent.

Julie Sands (Head of Primary Care NW London, NHS England) introduced the report before the committee which provided an update on the processes being undertaken by NHS England to procure contracts to continue services for patients of five practices across the borough.  She stated that the period of engagement had now ended and the outcomes were being compiled.  However, the proposal to bring together under one contract the Acton Lane surgery with Harness Harlesden needed more time for work to be undertaken on the proposed premises and further engagement activity which would have the effect of delaying the  procurement process outlined in paragraph 6.1.

In answer to questions from members about the consultation process, Julie Sands explained that the original timetable had envisaged decisions being made in August, plans being finalised in September and consultation taking place in October.  However it had been discovered that letters had not been delivered and this had added a delay to the process by two weeks.  She re-assured the committee that existing staff would have the opportunity to transfer to the new provider and that restrictions written into the contract would ensure a certain number of GPs being engaged.  Julie Sands explained that the procurement process was part of the QIPP programme which sought to ensure quality and value for money but there was no intention to reduce the amount of resource going into this service specifically.

Members discussed the provision of PMS contracts and what they saw as the unannounced phasing out of some contracts.  The committee asked for details of any existing PMS contract holders that had a role in the CCG.  It also asked for information on the performance issues with the Sudbury surgery.

With regard to the standard service provision including remote access for appointments, it was explained that this was included in the specification because it was desirable to encourage such provision.  The current capacity for this provision varied within each practice.  The committee emphasised the importance of engaging with patients over how to use on-line appointment facilities.

Councillor Mitchell Murray addressed the committee as a patient of one of the practices.  She criticised the public consultation carried out by NHS England.  She questioned the opening hours under the new contracts.  The practice she used also ran a blood service and it was not clear within the proposals if this would continue.  Councillor Mitchell Murray questioned exactly who within the list of those engaged shown in paragraph 5.1 of the report had been contacted and criticised the fact that the procurement timetable did not include time for feedback on the results of the consultation.  She expressed support for her existing practice which had been built up by the two GPs working there who now faced an uncertain future.  In response, Julie Sands explained that NHS England was legally obliged to seek new contracts because it could only extend existing contracts for a limited time.  She added that there was no intention to reduce opening hours.  Sarah Mansuralli (Chief Operating Officer) added that GP access hubs were let on a separate contract which allowed for additional hours to be provided.

A member of the public addressed the committee criticising the proposals and supporting the existing provision.

Requests for information

·         details of any existing PMS contract holders that also have a role in the CCG. 

·         information on the performance issues with the Sudbury surgery

RESOLVED:

(i)         that the briefing and timeline for the procurement process for five GP practices in Brent be noted;

(ii)        that an update on progress be submitted to the Committee in March 2016.