Issue - meetings

To consider the report on proposals from the NHS or providers of health services to vary or develop health services in the area of the Committee.

a)    Building Better Emergency Care Programme (Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust)

b)    Proposal to create an Elective Hub (Hampshire and IOW ICS)

a)    Building Better Emergency Care (Portsmouth Hospitals Foundation Trust)

The Committee received one of a series of regular updates on the BBEC programme to redevelop the Emergency Department at Queen Alexandra Hospital. Members heard that all preparatory works had taken place and groundworks and foundation were 75% completed. The main structure of the building was being erected and was on schedule for a Winter 2024 opening.

In response to Members’ questions it was noted that:

·       There would be enough bays for sixteen ambulances which was planned to significantly reduce waiting times.

·       There would be the same amount of car parking provision as was previously available prior to the redevelopment. Staff car parking provision had moved to a nearby Park and Ride.

·       The construction contract had a defined cost but that this did not mean a fixed cost. Inflation and cost increases had been planned for with contingency funding in place. It was confirmed that the programme was running to budget.

RESOLVED:

i)             That the Committee welcome the progress in the Building Better Emergency Care Programme and request a further update for the January 2024 meeting as construction work progresses.

b)    Proposal to create an elective hub (Hampshire Hospitals/Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board)

Members received a presentation on plans to develop an elective orthopaedic facility to address the backlog waiting list created by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Committee heard that the hub would contain two theatres and a twenty-eight bedded in-patient ward with associated facilities. The unit would be built within the Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester was intending to deliver an additional 2,400 procedures each year. Members noted that the business case for the proposals was currently awaiting NHS England approval and that, subject to being approved, construction could start as early as September 2023 with the facility opening in November 2024. It was confirmed that the hub was planned to be in operation 6 days a week and that opportunities to enable Sunday working were being explored.

RESOLVED:

i)     That the Committee continue to monitor the progress of the elective hub development and request a further update at the November 2023 HASC meeting following the estimated construction start date.