Verbal discussion led by Interim Corporate Director People, Harrow Council, and Managing Director, Harrow Clinical Commissioning Group
Minutes:
The Interim Director of People Services and CCG Managing Director led a discussion on the future key priorities for the Health and Wellbeing Board in the context of the NHS Long Term Plan, particularly with regard to consolidation of the work of the Board and maximisation of opportunities for a collective approach. Due to the large number of NHS initiatives that were the subject of consultation, it was pertinent to determine local priorities, interdependencies and identification of sequential changes to the work plan.
The Board was informed that discussions were planned with Board representatives, senior leaders at the CCG and Harrow Council, and community providers to sign up to the vision and identify proactive actions regarding the alignment of commissioning intentions, integration and the care landscape. The Learning Disability Integrated Services and JSNA were given as examples of collaborative proactive work which focused on the needs of Harrow residents.
It was considered that Harrow was efficiently delivering good services despite being underfunded in comparison with other boroughs. It was noted that work on interdependencies was taking place pending the results of the forthcoming spending review and the Fair Funding Review. The Board considered that integrated work was fundamental to responding to financial challenges. Priorities on the model of care in Harrow had been identified and action was now needed to align those priorities and consider how to do things differently.
A Board Member enquired whether the priorities would take into account the expansion of medical facilities to respond to the population increase particularly arising from regeneration projects. The Board was informed of a working group including the Corporate Director Community together with the Chair of CCG and estate lead. It was noted that a Section 106 agreement arising from the Kodak site development provided for a GP practice covering a list size of over 2,000 patients. Following discussions at a recent CCG Primary Care Commissioning Committee the CCG would be writing to GP practices throughout Harrow to seek expressions of interest from those Practices that would be keen to relocate to the Kodak Development when ready, with a proviso that the expectation for this would be that these Practices would be able to expand their list size to accommodate new residents within these developments.
A CCG representative informed the Board that the primary care networks would be expected to share expertise and be able to provide equitable care for 100% of their network population. A health app (Harrow Health Help Now) was available to signpost patients to the most appropriate care aimed to remedy capacity difficulties at A&E.
The Director of Public Health reported that evidence for the JNSA Strategy refresh was being collated, including workshops with the community, for submission to next Board meeting. It was noted that the strategy took into account Harrow residents registered with GPs elsewhere and vice-versa.
In response to questions, the Board was informed that:
· the police sought greater involvement in the co-design of health and wellbeing, recognising the benefit in comparison to integration at a later date. The police were particularly interested in mental health pathways;
· whilst there was a demand for digital services it was recognised that it was a concern for some residents. Initiatives included a health app which included a local directory, a website which listed all surgeries that had signed up would be available shortly. Skype had been tested and appeared useful, such as for long term conditions with patients being referred to surgery if required. It needed to be bourn in mind that all information obtained outside the system needed to be input into the patient records.
The Board was informed that work was progressing and a report would be submitted at the next stage.
RESOLVED: That the discussion be noted.