Decision details

Nick Swift, Chief Financial Officer presented the Board an update on progress with the BHRUT Clinical Strategy, work on which began in May this year and which details what the Trust Hospitals will look like in 2, 5 and 10 years’ time  in respect of continuing to provide high quality care for the people they serve.

The development of the strategy which is being led by clinicians and staff has involved working with partners such as GP’s and local authorities in a spirit of collaboration. Phase 1 which involved seeking views and evidence gathering has been completed, from which three key areas of work have been developed, namely

·  The principles and objectives of the strategy

·  The case for change (the opportunities to improve)

·  The 10 priority areas

The presentation concluded with information on Phase 2 of the process which will include developing a list of possible options, and using an evaluation criteria (applying a set of standards to each option to see if each would work and be of benefit to patients and the care provided), to arrive at a set of preferred options. The Trust will in the next few months be looking to engage in a dialogue with the Board on these issues.

It was reported that forming an integral part of the way forward the Trust has announced that they will be looking to appoint a Joint Chief Executive with NELFT.

A number of issues were raised by the Board including concerns over ongoing behaviours, the potential monopoly of the new structure which this Board will want to closely monitor and hold to account, the ongoing problem of the deficit, the proposed governance arrangements and finally how the Clinical Strategy will support and relate to the emerging PCN’s and Localities structures.