Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies.

At this point Members must declare whether they have an interest, whether personal or prejudicial, in any of the items on the agenda. Members must also declare if they are subject to their party group whip in relation to any items under consideration.

There were no declarations.

The minutes of the meeting held on 17 February 2009 were approved subject to the minutes being amended to show Councillor Dobbs in attendance rather than Councillor Goodwin.

To receive a presentation from 3Well Medical on the new Primary Care Centre

The Panel received a presentation from representatives of 3Well Medical on the proposed new primary care centre at Alma Road, Peterborough. The ethos of 3Well was “whole person care” with an emphasis on quality of care, working with the community to ensure that provision was line with that expected by patients. The centre would offer unprecedented accessibility with patients being able to see a doctor with or without an appointment. In addition a “docbus” would be in use within the area which would visit various locations on a fixed timetable. The building would be welcoming and comfortable and would offer rooms for the use of the community.

Observations and questions were raised and responses given including:

·           What hours will be offered for home visits?

·           We would like to offer visits throughout the day but will need to look at the logistics.

·           Will the other contracts being taken on by 3Well be linked to this practice?

·           We are taking on the contract for Botolph Bridge practice centre and would like to see the 2 centres working closely together whilst keeping retaining their individuality to reflect the community. It does mean that there will be administrative and doctor support and backup to ensure continuity of care.

·           Will there be any specialist services for the elderly of for mental health care?

·           We will be offering services that support and meet the needs of people of all ages. We are looking to offer mental health services from the practice.

·           Are you recruiting new doctors for the practice?

·           We have advertised and have received a significant number of high quality applicants. We will be interviewing shortly and will seek to recruit doctors that fit with our ethos.

·           Will there be a pharmacy provision within the centre?

·           We are currently in discussions with the PCT about the best way to offer pharmacy services.

ACTION AGREED

The Panel noted the presentation and thanked representatives from 3Well Medical for attending.

To receive a presentation outlining the Trust’s performance, strategy and future

The Panel received a presentation from the Hospitals Trust on its performance, its strategy for 2008-2013 and progress on the new Peterborough City Hospital which was due to open in 2010.

Observations and questions were raised and responses given including:

·                The presentation made reference to a woman and child centre within the new hospital – what will this mean?

·                It will provide for a woman and child sensitive area with a separate entrance. We are trying to provide a specific environment that will be less fearful for children.

·                Are you losing the battle against MRSA?

·                No, our MRSA figures are usually very good. We have a number of measures in place aimed at improving our performance – the hospitals are physically cleaner than they have ever been. The new hospital will provide 60% single rooms which will help greatly.

·                What will happen to the Memorial Wing at the current hospital?

·                We are looking to sell the site to raise income to help improve services. The site is of no architectural interest but we would like to take all the artefacts to the new building.

·                Will moving facilities out to the community affect the hospital’s viability?

·                No, it shouldn’t do.

·                Are there plans to improve the hospital’s carbon footprint?

·                We have gone a long way to ensure sustainability and all facilities are tested against environmental standards. We are currently looking at recycling and waste issues.

·                Will the car-share scheme be continuing?

·                We are hoping to extend the scheme and will provide more dedicated spaces for patients and visitors.

ACTION AGREED

The Panel noted the presentation.

To receive a progress report on the Teenage Pregnancy Strategy

The Panel received a presentation on progress to date on the teenage pregnancy strategy. The national teenage pregnancy target was a 55% reduction in teenage pregnancies by 2010. This was a challenging target and one which was unlikely to be met nationally, according to the latest national data published in February, with only the current year remaining of the 10 year strategy.

            Peterborough’s latest teenage pregnancy data had been released in February 2008 and related to the calendar year 2007.  This gave a provisional rate of 48.5 conceptions per 1,000 15-17 female population which was a 16.7% reduction from the baseline. This equated to 155 conceptions (down from 190 in 2006 and 185 in the baseline year). The proportion of conceptions leading to abortion was 41% for under 18s (51% nationally). Accordingly, the local area agreement (LAA) Year 1 target of 8% reduction had been exceeded.

However, teenage pregnancy remained a significant issue for Peterborough as its rates were still above regional and national averages. Locally, 16 of 24 wards had rates higher than the national average. The trajectory to target remained very challenging with the need to reduce conceptions from 155 to 83 by end of 2010.

Peterborough had received a positive Teenage Pregnancy National Support Team (NST) visit in October 2008. The strategy had been examined in the newly created Greater Peterborough Solution Centre, the findings of which had been presented to the NST. The team had endorsed the solution centre recommendations and made a number of additional recommendations which were currently being implemented.

Observations and questions were raised and responses given including:

·                Why do you target the 19-25 age group?

·                Evidence shows that the longer pregnancy is delayed, the better the outcomes.

·                There seem to be a lot of “buzz words” in use but can we be confident that we are concentrating on what we will be delivering?

·                We are redesigning over the next 3 months the service we provide. Services we have provided in the past have not made significant impact. We have looked at high performing authorities to see why they are successful and have put in place many of their strategies.

·                Who will be providing advice to young people and where/when will it be provided?

·                There are many services already being provided such as school based sexual health education. We have a specialist nurse in post to deal with young people who have already gone through pregnancy. We are waiting to appoint to an NHS post to provide a contraceptive nurse to encourage access to long term contraception. All our providers are specially trained. We want to make sure we make services available to the most vulnerable people.

·                What is being done to ensure that young people who have been excluded from school are being monitored?

·                We have good tracking and follow-up rates. The number involved is very low.

·                Is support given to parents and grandparents?

·                They are a key strand to the strategy. We need to empower parents to feel confident  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

To receive a standard report providing feedback on any issues or questions raised at previous meetings

The Panel received updates on the following:

·         Annual Health Check Submissions

·         Budget 2009/10 – Out of Area Placements

ACTION AGREED

The Panel noted the report.

To consider the latest version of the Forward Plan

The Panel received the Council’s Forward Plan which outlined forthcoming Executive Decisions for the period April to July 2009.

ACTION AGREED

The Panel noted the report.