Issue - meetings

Dr Mike Gill (Medical Director, BHRUT) presented the report to the Board.

Dr Gill reported that CQC visited the Trust for an unannounced inspection recently. The report is not yet published but the Trust expects to see positive progress confirmed in that inspection report.

The Board challenged the Trust on its resilience with regard to infection control. Dr Gill advised the Board that the Trusts record with infection control is good and the appointment of a new director has made a big impact on compliance with infection control.

From the report the Board felt it was difficult to draw out the elements from the action plan that directly responds to CQC’s concerns. Dr Gill explained that the action plan is comprehensive and is drawn together from a collection of problems that must be addressed hospital-wide. Responding only to CQC’s concerns would be insufficient to drive the change that is required elsewhere at Queen’s hospital. Dr Gill referred the Board to paragraph 3.4 of the report which outlines the five operational priorities and workstreams to deliver the Emergency Care Programme.

The Board asked for an update on the closure of King George Hospital’s A&E department. Dr Gill advised the Board that the Trust is still working to the Health for North East London plans. The A&E department will not be closed until Queens Emergency Department has demonstrated improvement. The Board was reminded of the plan to open a 24/7 urgent care centre at King George Hospital.

Dr Mohi (Chair of Barking and Dagenham Clinical Commissioning Group) assured the Board that commissioners were reviewing performance regularly. The CCG expressed its concerns over the format of reporting and whether it was sufficient enough in detail to judge if operational changes were making an impact on quality.

Conor Burke (Accountable Officer, CCG) reported that the CCG has established an Urgent Care Board which is scheduled to meet on 19June.  Its terms of reference are to address problems with urgent care system including relationship with A&E. Briefings for Board members will be circulated if it is thought helpful.

The Board noted the actions being taken by BHRUT to improve emergency care at the Hospital, and gave their comments on the plans and progress described in the report.  The Board gave its views about the system wide implications of this work and the future co-ordination of urgent care improvement activity.