Agenda item

In attendance for this item: Justin Chisnall, Director of Patient Pathways, NHS Kent and Medway.

1. The Chair welcomed the guest and asked Mr Chisnall to introduce his report and provide any updates since its publication. Mr Chisnall said there were no further updates and welcomed any questions from the committee. 
2. Recognising the importance of full integration between acute NHS providers, Adult Social Care and the voluntary sector, the Chair asked how the procurement would achieve that. Mr Chisnall explained the proposal from the ICB was for the establishment of transformation boards, bringing together partners to develop a programme of integration together. For that reason, contracts awarded on 1 April 2024 would be on the same terms as the current contracts. Mr Chisnall explained that strategic expectations would be developed for the transformation by way of a prospectus. Whilst these would align objectives to ensure  strategic continuity across Kent and Medway, it was also important to reflect the needs at place level. It was confirmed that the prospectus on the expectations for the transformation boards would be ready to be circulated prior to HOSC’s briefing about  hospital discharge on 28 September 2023.
3. A Member asked about social prescribing interventions going forward. Mr Chisnall said that social value provisions of the providers would be considered as the contract progresses. Part of the transformation partnership processes would be to offer services beyond the traditional NHS model and work with the voluntary sector. It was noted that workforce issues remained a challenge going forward. 
4. Asked if social prescribing interventions offered by voluntary organisations were integrated with GPs, and what level of communication was there between these services. Mr Chisnall noted a social prescribing strategy had recently been completed across Kent and Medway. He said that currently there were different processes in different areas but that the strategy would simplify this going forward. 
5. Mr Chisnall provided further details on the communications and engagement plan. It was noted that during the continuity stage, there would be engagement with the public to inform the developmental process and will draw on past work from CCGs?. There would be a link with Healthwatch to help inform governance and programme management and effectively engage with the public going forward.  
6. Asked if there would be a single provider and what impact this would have. Mr Chisnall said no prejudgment on future providers would be made before the procurement process. The procurement would commence upon the expiration of the 3 contracts, bidders would have to demonstrate the ability to deliver continuity and how they would work in partnership with stakeholders currently in the system along with a track record of joint working across Kent and Medway as well as other areas. 
7. A Member asked if there was enough time for a full recommissioning by March 2024. Mr Chisnall acknowledged there was insufficient time for a full consultation in that time, but that was one of the reasons the procurement would be for a continuity of service, rather than substantial change. He accepted change was needed, perhaps substantial, but that would become clearer post-award, with engagement and consultation carried out as required. 
8. Members did not think  there was not enough detail available to make a decision on whether the proposals constituted a substantial variation of service. The Chair announced that a formal decision as to whether this constituted a substantial variation would be deferred until the 5 October 2023 meeting of the committee.  

RESOLVED to note the report and invite the ICB to attend the next meeting once more information was available.