Decision details

The Board, when receiving the next update from the Task and Finish Group, will review the full implementation plan that has been developed to deliver the Francis recommendations.

Conor Burke (Accountable Officer, B&D CCG) introduced the report to the Board. It was noted that the task and finish group’s work is drawing to a close. The group will report its progress publicly and agree the next phases of taking forward the Francis Report recommendations. Key tasks include establishing how the partnership can develop assurance mechanisms to detect shortcomings in the quality of care, and deciding what will be the ongoing response to the Francis Report once the task and finish work is completed.

The Board asked if the Action Plan has been reviewed since BHRUT has been placed on special measures by the NHS Trust Development Authority. Conor Burke advised that the CCG has been well sighted on the findings of CQC and as such the special measures status and other judgments of the CQC has had little bearing on the content of the Action Plan which is comprehensive and takes account of BHRUT quality issues.

Anne Bristow (Corporate Director, Adult and Community Services) highlighted discussion which took place at the Health and Adult Services Select Committee about taking individual responsibility and positive action to challenge bad practice when encountered. Conor Burke agreed that the task and finish group will need to reflect on how individuals can be empowered and how to create genuine collective responsibility in health and social care post-Francis.

Conor Burke asserted that BHRUT was not comparable to Mid-Staffordshire as the system as a whole is much stronger. BHRUT is distinct from Mid-Staffordshire because the collective governance of the health and social care economy is more robust and there is a greater level of focus and scrutiny on quality of care.

The Board agreed to:

1.  Consider the report noting the progress made to date and the commitment of the task and finish group members to ensure recommendations are implemented and embedded

2.  Discuss the implications for Barking and Dagenham and propose any further actions the Board agrees are required.