Agenda item

Sir Andrew Morris, ICS Lead gave a presentation on the progress of the Frimley Health & Social Care Integrated Care System (ICS), previously known as the Sustainability & Transformation Partnership.  The ICS aimed to improve the integration of health and social care services.

The Panel was updated on the progress of the ICS governance, workstreams, key initiatives and performance indicators.  One of the key approaches was support people at home and avoid unnecessary hospital admissions.  An 8am to 8pm GP offer would be introduced from October 2018, building on some the experiences of the extended hours through the Prime Minister’s Challenge Fund, and a cross system approach t mental health crisis care services was being developed.  Work had taken place to connect IT systems and improve information sharing to improve efficiency and provide better services to people.  The combination of projects was intended to increase access to relevant care services, ensure provision was at a consistent level across the region and co-ordinate services.  Early indications were positive with improved performance across a majority of indicators across emergency admissions, non-emergency admissions and GP referrals.

An emerging priority for Slough was the review of the model of urgent care services and community hospital beds.  The Clinical Commission Group was carrying out a ‘big conversation’ with people about the future of urgent care services and any proposals would be subject of more formal consultation and consideration by the Panel in the future.

(Councillor Shah joined the meeting)

Members asked a number of questions and discussed a range of issues which are summarised as follows:

·  Communication with residents was recognised as being very important in ensuring they understood the most appropriate services to use, to seek to avoid unnecessary pressures on accident & emergency and GP services.  Once the urgent care model was decided a communications plan would be needed to raise awareness and understanding.

·  The efficient discharge of patients from hospital remained a key challenge, particularly when a care package may be required, and Members asked about how social workers involved other Council services such as transport or housing where relevant.  It was responded that the overall position regarding hospital discharges was improving and Wexham Park was now in the top 20% in terms of performance.  Hospital and social work teams worked closely to plan discharges and sought to learn lessons in incidents where to process hadn’t worked as well as it should.  Further information would be provided to any Member particularly interested in performance.  The Council was working hard to align its services to best meet the wider needs of services users.

·  In terms of the ICS governance arrangements it was noted that significant progress had been made, demonstrated by the fact ICS status had been awarded.  Sir Andrew highlighted that a clear vision and strong partnership had been formed.  Whilst there were key themes across the whole ICS, it was recognised that localities would need some different solutions to meet their local need.  This was particularly true of Slough given its population and health profile was different to other parts of the Frimley area.  Members were assured that the ICS model was able to respond to local need and priorities where required.

·  The conversation on the future of urgent care was discussed, which included the future of the walk-in centre at Upton Hospital, NHS 111 Service and same day GP access.  Members were asked to encourage residents to get involved by responding to the survey or participating in the events.  The current stage of the conversation would end on 6^th August and the feedback would be considered before bringing forward more specific proposals for the new service model.

·  The key challenges for Slough were discussed and these included the recruitment and retention of GPs, nurses, paramedics and other skilled health professionals.  Making best use of the available skills was therefore a priority and a range of measures were in place to ensure patients accessed the most appropriate clinician.

·  Technology was being used to improve the efficiency of the system and services to local people for example with shared patient records and the roll out of the e-consult programme.

At the conclusion of the discussion, the Panel recognised the progress that had been made in relation to the ICS and thanked Sir Andrew for his presentation.  It was agreed to receive a further update at the meeting on 21^st November 2018.

Resolved –

(a)  That the update on the progress being made in developing the Frimley Integrated Care System be noted.

(b)  That the Panel receive a further report on progress at the meeting to be held on 21st November 2018.

(Councillor Strutton left the meeting)