Agenda item

(Maximum of 30 minutes allocated)

The Panel considered the Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust draft Quality Account 2014 (as at Quarter 3).  David Townsend, the Chief Operating Officer for the Trust presented the report, due for publication in June 2014, which set out progress made against quality priorities for the year and planned priorities for next year with respect to clinical effectiveness, patient experience and patient safety, and invited comments and questions.

The Panel asked a number of questions from which the following points arose:

• The 2013 National Staff Survey referred to comparisons with other (unnamed) mental health/learning disability trusts.  It was suggested that an indication of the comparator Trusts be included, together with confirmation that the Trust was taking account of the survey results in its future planning.  The Panel was pleased to note the improvement in the ‘staff recommendation of the Trust as a place to work’ compared to the previous year.
• The concept of Harm Free Care was designed to bring focus to the patient’s overall experience and was measured by reference to four ‘harms’ (pressure ulcers; falls; urinary infection in patients with catheters; and venous thromboembolism).  There had been a gradual increase in the number of patients receiving harm free care from the Trust although this was still a little below the national average.
• Clarification was given of the figures relating to absence without leave (AWOL) where a patient had failed to return after being given leave and the number of patients absconding whilst under a Mental Health Act Section.  It was confirmed that the reasons for each case were investigated and reviewed to check for any emerging trends.
• Medication errors fluctuated but amounted to an average of 140 per month, with no clear trend.  None had resulted in moderate or severe harm to patients.
• Additional information was to be included, relating to complaints and how they had been dealt with, which would be added as an appendix.

Resolved -   That the draft Quality Account 2014 be noted and the suggestions made at the meeting and referred to above be included in a formal response to be sent to the Trust.