Agenda item

Nicky Bentley, Associate Director (South of England Specialised Commissioning Group, NHS Kent and Medway) was in attendance for this item.

(1)       The Chairman introduced the item and explained that it was for the Committee to consider whether the changes were a substantial variation. Medway Council’s Health and Adult Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee had considered this and asked for further information before deciding whether this was a substantial variation.  If both Health Overview and Scrutiny Committees decided that this was a substantial variation then it would be considered at a Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

(2)       Ms Benton presented the paper on the Kent and Medway NHS vascular review which included an outline of the proposal with reasons for the changes and the timescale.  The Trust had to report to the Strategic Health Authority by the next financial year that they had a plan in place.

(3)       Members expressed their appreciation to the Trust for coming to the Committee at this early stage; they welcomed the review and the holistic and long term approach taken.  The comment was made that it would be helpful to know the costings and estimated savings from these proposals. Confirmation was sought that this review was more to do with clinical excellence than achieving savings. Ms Benton explained that the proposal was related to Consultant training and Junior Doctors, there was a need for a critical mass of expertise for this service and she did not believe that it was possible to achieve this on two sites. 

(4)       Information was sought on the impact that travelling a greater distance for surgery would have on the outcome for the patient.  Ms Benton stated that this was not available yet but that they would need to have this information for the review.

(5)       Responding to a question about screening it was confirmed that it was already in place in GP surgeries in Canterbury. It was reported that this had been very successful and was being rolled out across Kent and Medway.

(6)       As only data for 2011/12 had been supplied, a Member asked if this was indicative of previous years. Ms Benton explained that data was available for previous years and would be supplied for as part of the full review.

(7)       Ms Benton confirmed that patients would still have the option of being treated at Kings College Hospital.

(8)       In relation to a question on the impact of the European Working Time Directive on achieving 24/7 cover, Ms Benton stated that part of the impact was physically having the right number of people, with the right skills in the right place at the right time.

(9)       RESOLVED that:

(1)       the Committee considers that the proposed changes to Vascular Services are a substantial variation and that, subject to the view of Medway Council, further consideration will be given to them by either the Kent Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee or the Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee with Medway Council, and

(2)       an item on the impact of the European Working Time Directive be added to the work programme for this Committee.