Agenda and draft minutes

The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting, inviting them to introduce themselves.

Carrie Butler substituted for Jennifer Allen.  Paul Cowling substituted for Ann-Marie Matson.  Cllr C Sherwood substituted for Cllr J Reed.

Alex Seale declared a personal interest as Chair of the Humber Acute Services Executive Oversight Group.

Resolved - That the minutes of the meeting of the Health and Wellbeing Board, held on 19 June 2023, be approved as a correct record.

There were no questions from members of the public.

Ivan McConnell, Director of Strategic Development, and colleagues provided a comprehensive presentation on the proposals contained within the Integrated Care Board’s (ICB) Humber Acute Services public consultation.  The presentation covered:

·       Why hospital services need to change – key challenges,

·       What the ICB are proposing,

·       What would stay the same, and what would change,

·       How the ICB arrived at the proposals,

·       Key issues and impacts,

·       How stakeholders, residents, and other interested parties can respond to the consultation,

·       Timeline and next stages.

The presentation was interspersed with patient stories, which helped to describe how people might be affected by the proposals, if they go ahead.

The Chairman asked a number of questions around the seemingly greater impact of the proposals on North Lincolnshire, the effect that this would have on health inequalities in North Lincolnshire, transportation issues, the deliverability and practical implications of the proposals, including the workforce, and the future viability of the Scunthorpe General hospital site.

Ivan confirmed that the proposal would provide a disadvantage to the fewest number of people.  Anja Hazebroek highlighted that it was important to focus beyond in-hospital care, stating that the proposals would allow for additional services to be delivered in community settings, meaning improved services for the majority of patients.  The issues set out in the associated documents illustrated that the estate at Scunthorpe General Hospital was particularly challenging.  Anja also reminded the Board of recent significant investment at the Emergency Department in Scunthorpe.     

Dr Kate Wood also highlighted that a degree of centralisation would lead to improved clinical outcomes for patients, better patient flow and accessibility, and an improvement in care at evenings and weekends.

The Chairman led a continued discussion on the proposals, with other Board members asking questions.  Cllr Hannigan asked about increasing demands due to the forthcoming Community Diagnostic Centre, and it was acknowledged that this may be the case, but that the proposals would be the best way to address this.

Other Board members asked questions on topics such as transport options, the impact on staff, the future vision for health and care services in North Lincolnshire, and funding.  The ICB reps acknowledged that more work was required in several areas, which was reflected in the relatively lengthy implementation plan.

Arising from this discussion, the Chairman summarised nine areas that the Board felt required further information and discussion.  These were:

·       Proposals for an elective clinical hub in North Lincolnshire,

·       The potential for a joint, integrated workforce plan,

·       Community Investment Proposals,

·       Seeking the views of primary care professionals on the proposals,

·       Scunthorpe General Hospital - Capital Spend Requirements and actions,

·       Infrastructure Optimisation (esp. the Ironstone Centre, but also other sites),

·       Ambulance and Patient Trasport provision arising from the proposals to centralise services,

·       Travel Planning for carers, families etc.

·       Further discussion on inpatient paediatric care.

The ICB representatives agreed to conduct this work, and to present and answer questions at a future meeting of the Health and Wellbeing Board.

Resolved – (a) That Ivan McConnell, Dr Kate Wood, Dr Linsay Cunningham,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 535.

The Chairman suggested moving the scheduled meeting back to enable the Integrated Care Board to conduct the requested work.

Resolved – That a rescheduled date for the Board to meet be co-ordinated and communicated to all.

There was no urgent or additional business.