Agenda item

The Executive Place Managing Director introduced a report that set out the intention of NHS East Berkshire, North East Hampshire & Farnham, and Surrey Health Clinical Commissioning Groups to merge on 1^st April 2021.

Feedback from Members was sought regarding the proposal.  In particular views on the challenges a merger could effect, and any practical matters that needed to be taken into consideration.

Following the conclusion of the presentation, the Chair invited comments and questions from the Panel.

During the course of the discussion, the following points were raised:

• It was highlighted that Slough’s demographic and ‘health profile’ was not typical of its neighbouring areas.  Reassurance was sought that the proposal would not have a detrimental impact on the services Slough residents received.  In addition, it was queried how the ‘patient voice’ would be considered within an enlarged Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).  In response, it was explained that the governance arrangements recognised the importance of ‘place’ and services would be built around the needs of the Slough community.  The allocation of funding from NHS England would remain unchanged and Slough would retain significant control on how resources were utilised.  Engagement with residents and co-design of services would be a central focus.  The merger would allow expertise from across the three CCGs to be shared and built on to better deliver services to local residents.
• It was highlighted that most residents were unaware of the structures that made up their local health and care services and it was asked how communities had been consulted on the proposed merger plans.  It was explained that the proposal had been communicated through the Integrated Care System Communication Team, however it was acknowledged that a more joined up approach with local authorities needed to be developed. 

The Chair then invited Councillor Dhaliwal to address the Panel under Rule 30. 

Councillor Dhaliwal asked what tangible benefits the proposed merger would deliver.  He raised concern regarding the different demographics of the five areas and queried what impact the merger would have on the provision of services for Slough.

In response the Executive Place Managing Director acknowledged the presence of health inequalities across the Frimley Collaborative and explained that the proposed merger would provide greater value for money as duplication would be reduced.  There would be opportunities to use resources and assets more effectively, centralising some functions to be more effective and enabling better access to support and expertise.

The Director of Adults and Communities added that the proposed merger would deliver services focused on locality; whilst also providing the benefits of being part of a larger CCG system.

In relation to time frames, it was explained that during September 2020, the Frimley Collaborative Board would be deliberating whether or not to submit an application to merge.  Member GPs would be asked to vote on the proposal in mid September and the deadline for applications to be submitted to NHS England was 30^th September 2020.  The Executive Place Managing Director agreed to provide an update report to the next Panel meeting.

The Chair thanked the Executive Place Managing Director for the report.

Resolved –

(a)  That the report be noted.

(b)  That an update report be provided at the next Health Scrutiny Panel meeting.