Agenda item

The Panel considered the draft Slough CCG Operational Plan 2014-2016, presented by Dr Jim O’Donnell, setting out how the CCG intends to commission for its local population for the next 2 years, and by working with stakeholders to continually improve the health of Slough.

The Plan set out five system objectives (with details of the interventions by which these would be delivered) as follows:

1.  To significantly reduce under 75 CVD mortality rates by 2% over 5 years

2.  Increase people’s confidence in managing their long term conditions to 80% (from baseline 75%)

3.  Increase number of older people living independently at home

4.  Improve patient experience of access in Primary Care and Community Services

5.  Improve patient experience (Friends and Family Test) and improve experience of care in a hospital setting

The Plan explained the Vision and Values of the CCG and the principles guiding its commissioning approach.  The Unit of Planning showed diagrammatically how the Slough CCG worked jointly with its two neighbouring CCGs, the local authorities, Berkshire Healthcare and the Hospital Trusts in a collaborative approach to its commissioning.  This was carried out in the context of the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) and the ten Slough identified health priorities.  The Panel was reminded that the number 1 priority was diabetes (where Slough was the second worst area in the country after Tower Hamlets).

The Plan went on to outline outcome ambitions for the next five years.  A ‘quantifiable ambition’ target had been set for five of the seven ambition outcomes identified (and reference to other data for the remaining two) together with baseline measurements to work from.  The financial overview showed how the CCG planned to manage resources to deliver a 1% surplus (as required by NHS England).  It was noted that the proposed acquisition of Heatherwood and Wexham Park Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust by Frimley Park Hospital NHS Foundation Trust would require local CCGs to make a financial contribution, the largest of which would fall on Slough, which would push the CCG into a deficit position.  The financial allocation received by the CCG would be significantly increased if the number of people not registered with a GP (approximately 12,000 in Slough) could be reduced.

From questions and discussion, the Panel noted that the main challenges posed by the Plan were around the effectiveness of the co-operation and collaboration with social care, also involving the co-operation of the Ambulance Trust and the support of the acute Trust.  This was key to increasing the number of older people living independently at home, to make best use of the finite resources available.  The CCG had used innovative methods to engage the public, leading to the co-design of the plan.  This involved online consultation through the Berkshire East Health Network and engagement with the patient groups at each of the member surgeries (totalling over 600 active consultees), as well as meetings and other public events.  There was still work to be done, however, as regards communication with some hard to reach groups.

Resolved –

(a)  That the Slough CCG 2 Year Commissioning Plan be noted.

(b)  That Dr Jim O’Donnell be thanked for presenting it and invited to report back to the Panel on progress in due course.

(c)  That Officers be requested to look at any ways the CCG could be assisted to increase the numbers registering as patients with a GP.