Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies for absence.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the Health and Housing Policy Development and Review Panel meeting held on 24 September 2015.

Councillor Mrs Trott referred to the minutes of the previous meeting item 12 – Affordable Housing Programme and stated that the third paragraph should read Stephenson Court and not Silverton Court.

It was AGREED that, subject to the amendment above, the minutes of the Health and Housing Policy Development and Review Panel held on 14 September 2015 be confirmed and signed as a correct record.

The Chairman welcomed Dr David Chilvers and Richard Samuels Executive Director of the Fareham and Gosport Clinical Commissioning Group (F&GCCG) to the meeting.

The Chairman read out the following announcement:

‘In accordance with legislation, members of the public and press are able to audio and video record all meetings held in public by Fareham Borough Council.

I can confirm that there have been no requests to film any part of this meeting, however, should members of the public or press wish to do so, they must respect the wishes of other members of the public present who do not wish to be filmed.’

To receive any declarations of interest from members in accordance with Standing Orders and the Council’s Code of Conduct and disclosures of advice or directions received from Group Leaders or Political Groups, in accordance with the Council’s Constitution.

There were no declarations of interest made at this meeting.

To receive any deputations of which notice has been lodged.

There were no deputations made at this meeting.

To receive a presentation from Fareham and Gosport Clinical Commissioning Group (F&GCCG) on Local Health Priorities.

The Panel received a presentation from Richard Samuels and Dr David Chilvers from the Fareham and Gosport Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) on the Fareham Community Hospital and the Better Care Fund.

Richard Samuel started the presentation by addressing concerns that have been raised over the usage of the Fareham Community Hospital. He informed members that the hospital is currently being underutilised which has been a result of the complex charges that are applied to those wishing to use the space in the hospital. He informed the Panel that the hospital has recently been reorganised with departments such as ultrasound being moved in order to be use the space.

He confirmed that the Red Cross will be moving into the hospital at the end of January 2016, now that the CCG have provided funding for them to do so.

Councillor Hockley enquired if the Government can assist in the cost of running the hospital. Richard confirmed that they will shortly be having a meeting in December 2015 with MP Suella Fernandes to discuss this issue. Richard confirmed that they are also looking into the possibility of buying out the lease on the hospital.

He is also informed members of a new operating model being trialled at Gosport War Memorial for Care Provision which will deal with things such as minor illness, diagnostics and same day treatments. It is proposed that should this be successful a similar trial will be introduced at Fareham Community Hospital.

Councillor Trott raised a concern that it is has been in the press that  Queen Alexandra Hospital has had to send patients to both Chichester and Southampton hospitals for treatment as they have had concerns that they would be unable to provide the care needed for them. Richard Samuel explained that this is not a frequent occurrence but is necessary at times in order to ensure the safety and care of patients.

He also stated that he is extremely proud of the work that is undertaken by frontline staff, especially in such challenging and difficult circumstances. However he accepts that more work needs to be done in being proactive in tackling and preventing illness and injuries at an early stage.

Dr Chilvers then addressed the Panel to give a brief overview of the Primary Care Trust and the Better Care Fund.

Councillor Knight was concerned in the rise of obesity and how was this been addressed. Dr Chilvers explained that there had been a rise in obesity trends but this was now levelling off. He explained that better advertising needed to be done to tackle this issue as many are unaware of the health problems that can come with this, such as; diabetes, cancer, heart disease and dementia. There are also programmes within schools to advise children of obesity issues.

Councillor Hockley asked what action is being taken to stop bed blocking. Richard Samuel explained that not all reports of bed blocking have been accurate, and that he feels that it is not as big an issue as the media has suggested. However he accepts that there needs to be better procedures in place, such as more efficient and quicker assessments when patients leave the hospital to free up beds.

Councillor Wood expressed concerns over waiting times for GP appointments, and gave an example of a member of public was told to go to Accident and Emergency as his GP’s appointments were full and were unable to offer them an appointment for 6 weeks. Richard confirmed that this was a problem nationally and that Fareham wasn’t as big a problem as other areas. However he acknowledged that this is an issue and needs to be tackled and in order to address this they need to look at ways to use GP’s more effectively, and to introduce new ways of working such as email consultations.

At the invitation of the Chairman, Councillor Mrs Mandry Executive Member for Health and Housing, addressed the Panel on this item.

It was AGREED that Dr David Chilvers and Richard Samuel be thanked for their presentation.

To receive a verbal report by the Chairman for Health and Housing on Local Strategic Health Issues.

The Panel received a verbal update from the Chairman on local health issues.

He explained to the Panel that the Mental Health Service, at the Osborn Centre, are moving to Fareham Community Hospital in the new year.

He also explained to the Panel that there is still an ongoing debate on high tech Vascular Surgery and where this will be done. Portsmouth are keen to keep some vascular service whilst allowing Southampton to provide the high tech surgeries.

It was AGREED that the Chairman be thanked for his verbal update.

To consider a report by the Director of Operations, which invites the Panel to review the work programme for 2015/16.

The Panel considered a report by the Director of Operations which reviewed the work programme for 2015/16.

The Director of Operations addressed the Panel and suggested that the item on Affordable Housing Update be removed from the January meeting, as the Panel received an update on this at the previous meeting and there would be very little change to the information already provided. Councillors Mrs Hockley and Mrs Trott expressed a concern with this and requested that this item remain on the work programme, but agreed that it could be a verbal update.

It was AGREED that the proposed work programme for 2015/16 be approved.