Decision details

The Chair welcomed Dr Gerry Skailes, Sarah James, Helen Curtis and Lee Hay to present an update from the Our Health Our Care Programme on the future of acute services in central Lancashire. A copy of the presentation delivered at the meeting is set out in the minutes.

It was explained that the purpose of the report was to provide the Committee with an early opportunity to consider the emerging model of care and agree the next steps and future consultation.

On the case for change, the importance of health and care working in partnership was recognised. The partnership involved the County Council, District Councils, Lancashire Teaching Hospitals Foundation Trust, Lancashire Care Foundation Trust, Chorley and South Ribble Clinical Commissioning Group and Greater Preston Clinical Commission Group developing strategic objectives across three separate workstreams:

1. Acute Sustainability (formerly 'hospital care');
2. Locality Care (out of hospital care); and
3. Prevention, early help and self-care.

It was acknowledged that the third sector was missing from the list of partners, but it was emphasised that voluntary organisations and community groups would form a part of developing an integrated model of care.

The six key drivers for change included:

1.  Changing population demographics;

2.  Health inequalities;

3.  Limited workforce;

4.  Bed occupancy;

5.  Variation in meeting standards; and

6.  Decrease in planned surgery

Prevention and intervention were seen to be of significant importance as part of the model of care. There was a consensus that public information and education regarding these should be included as part of the model of care to enable people to take responsibility for self-management of their care.

It was highlighted that the proposals were not yet final as there were still further enhancements to be made. It was confirmed that officers would be meeting with NHS England and the Clinical Senate in July as part of the assurance process.

Whilst it was hoped that a pre-consultation business case would be completed around September 2018, the Committee noted that the Our Health Our Care programme could not enter any consultation exercise until options were considered deliverable. Members requested further details on engagement information. In addition it was suggested that updates on the programme be presented to the Committee at its meetings scheduled in September and December 2018.

Resolved: That:

1.  The update be noted;

2.  Further updates be presented to the Health Scrutiny Committee at its scheduled meetings in September and November 2018;

3.  The importance of all partners working together on prevention and early intervention form a part of developing the new models of care for acute services in central Lancashire; and

4.  Public information and education be included in the new model of care for acute services in central Lancashire.