Agenda item

The Panel received a presentation from the Associate Director of Emergency & Urgent Care and the Head of Unplanned Care for the East Berkshire Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) on Planning of Winter services.

A wide range of partners from across the health system were working collaboratively in the planning process to ensure that services were as resilient as possible.  The demand patterns had changed and pressures across the system were now more constant during the year, with attendances at Wexham Park Hospital rising consistently throughout the summer months, putting extra pressure on the health and social care system.  Despite the rising demands, NHS England had reported Wexham Park as the best performing Trust in South of England Area to August 2016.  Operational resilience processes were still in place to help meet rising demand in winter, however, funding to support additional winter services had been significantly reduced.  It was therefore crucial that partners communicated effectively and built strong relationships to enable effective planning and make maximum use of the available resources.

Hospital discharge performance was crucial and the Panel was informed that partnership working on the discharge protocol and policy had improved significantly in recent years.  The projects that supported the NHSE five key interventions were explained – ambulances, 111, flow, discharge and streaming at the front door.  The 111 service was being re-procured with a new service in place from April 2017.  Members sought assurance that there would no disruption to service in the transition to a new provider.  It was recognised that it was important that 111 performed well over the winter months as a key part of meeting increased demand and avoiding unnecessary pressures at Wexham Park Hospital and GP surgeries.

The Panel discussed a range of other issues which are summarised as follows:

·  There had been some peaks in hospital attendance over the summer, such as for respiratory conditions that could be attributed to increased air pollution.  Members asked for further information on this issue.

·  A Member asked for examples of improved working relationships amongst partners and in response, the work of the hospital based social work team and discharge team was highlighted.  Working proactively with nurses on each ward had helped identify people’s needs earlier and improved the discharge process.

·  Areas identified as priorities for further improvement and risk included ‘discharge to assess’ - greater assessment taking place outside the hospital setting; working collaboratively with the third sector; and implementing the new 111 service.

At the conclusion of the discussion, the Panel noted the report.

Resolved –

(a)  That the presentation and update be noted.

(b)  That the Panel receive further information on peaks in attendance relating to issues such as high levels of air pollution.