Issue - meetings

Mathew Cole, Director of Public Health, presented the report and drew the Board’s attention to issues set out within the report and appendix and the significant issues that remain in A&E, referral to treatment time, the cancer pathway and unplanned admissions for ambulatory care sensitive conditions.  The discussions included:

Councillor Carpenter drew the Boards attention to page 45 of the agenda and raised concern around the Chlamydia screening targets and achievement rates, which appeared to show both a reduction in target levels and a worsening performance.  Matthew Cole explained that that tests undertaken at GUM clinics are not included in the figures and how the target had changed from the number of positive results to the number of people screened: on that basis we were achieving higher identification rates.  Matthew Cole also reminded the Board that currently the contract is out for procurement.  Testing facilities will also be at all LBBD 50^th Anniversary public events during 2015.

Councillor Worby raised the issue of how the awareness of the young could be increased in regards to the risks of Chlamydia and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Frances Carroll, Healthwatch, drew the Boards attention to page 41 of the agenda and commented that there still appeared to be a considerable level of unprotected sexual activity in under 25s and there were clearly links to this behaviour and the under 18 conception rates and asked what the plans were to target this issue.  Matthew Cole responded significant work had been undertaken on this issue in previous years and that under 18 conception rates, whilst still of concern, had been reducing over the years.

The Chair, Councillor Worby, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health, raised the issue of the A&E performance.  Dr Nadeem Moghal, Medical Director, BHR Hospitals, recognised that there has been a problem around A&E over the winter pressures and why the targets were important to the treatment and subsequent discharge of patients.  Dr Moghal explained that the Elderly Receiving Unit had now been established and also gave an update on the progress that was being made in regards to ambulatory care team(s).  Consultants were also looking at redesigning the A&E and other systems to improve workflow and patient transitions.  Work was also being undertaken to ensure that the workforce was skills based and not just profession based.

Conor Burke added that the figures had improved since the report was completed in January.  There have been a number of occasions where 97% or 98% of patients had been seen within four hours at King George’s Hospital and 90% to 95% at Queens Hospital and work was continuing to achieve those rates every day.  Discharge rates had also improved and they were now amongst the higher quartile.

Councillor Turner raised the issue of the London Ambulance Service (LAS) and their input to the process and the lack of LAS engagement with this Board.  Conor Burke advised that the LAS do attend the Urgent Care Board.  The  ...  view the full minutes text for item 92