Agenda item

Adam Wickings (Chief Operating Officer, West Kent CCG) was in attendance for this item.

(1)       The Chairman welcomed Mr Wicks to the Committee. Mr Wicks began by thanking the Committee for considering the item at short notice. He stated that the proposals aligned to the local care update which the Committee had considered in November 2016. He explained that the proposals had been reviewed by NHS England as part of its assurance process and the CCG was seeking formal authorisation by NHS England to start public consultation on 1 February. He stated that there were four options had been developed which all involved the construction of a modern, purpose-built building which would house both the GP practice and community services. He reported that both the medical practice and hospital were not currently located in fit for purpose buildings which was impacting on recruitment and the sustainability of services. He acknowledged the limited availability of capital for the construction of a new build.

(2)       Mr Wicks reported that both of the current providers KCHFT and the GP practice welcomed the opportunity to co-locate and modernise services.  He noted that one of the proposals to be set out in the public consultation was the closure of 14 inpatient beds to enable the expansion of ambulatory and outpatients services to meet local needs; only two – three beds were currently used by patients from Edenbridge. Mr Wicks requested that the Committee make a determination about whether the proposals represented a substantial variation of service and if public consultation was required.  The Scrutiny Research Officer advised the Committee that the CCG had separate and distinct duties to consult with the Committee and the public; if the Committee determined the proposals to be a substantial variation of service, it would trigger a period of formal consultation with the Committee.

(3)       In response to a specific question about the use of the 14 inpatient beds, Mr Wicks explained that the beds were used by patients in the West Kent area. He reported that there would be service improvements by co-locating the GP practice and community services in a new building with modern facilities.

(4)       A local Member raised concerns about the funding of the proposed scheme. Mr Wicks stated that it was not a funded scheme and there was a possibility that it would not be funded. He explained that the CCG was in discussion with NHS Property Services about the sale of the current site to provide capital. He highlighted that the proposed model would improve local care with an expanded range of services and extended opening hours.

(5)       RESOLVED that:

(a)       the Committee does not deem the proposed changes to primary and community care in Edenbridge by NHS West Kent CCG to be a substantial variation of service;

(b)       West Kent CCG be invited to submit a report to the Committee in June with the outcome of the public consultation;

(c)        the Committee will re-consider in June whether the proposed changes to primary and community care in Edenbridge represents a substantial variation of service.