Agenda item

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

Items for which NHS colleagues will attend:

a) Hampshire Together: Modernising our Hospitals and Health Services – Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Commissioners

b) Building Better Emergency Care Programme – Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust and Commissioners

Hampshire Together: Modernising Our Hospitals and Health Services - Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Commissioners

Representatives from Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and the Hampshire Clinical Commissioning Group Partnership gave a presentation to summarise the written report provided (see Item 6 in the Minute Book) regarding the ‘Hampshire Together – Modernising our Hospitals and Health Services’ programme.

Members heard that there was funding available under the governments ‘Health Infrastructure Plan’ for building a new hospital.  This proposal was under the second round with construction aimed for 2025 to 2030.  Options to continue with services in their current locations, or consolidate all down to one location had been ruled out.  The options that remained under consideration involved having one Acute Centralised Hospital and a Main Local Hospital.  There were five options that varied the split of services across the two types.

A process had been undertaken to identify possible sites for building a new hospital.  This had resulted in two possible options being short listed, one near junction 7 of the M3 and one on a piece of land adjacent to the current hospital in Basingstoke.  The public consultation would invite feedback on both options.

Analysis had been undertaken of the home addresses of patients using Hampshire Hospitals services which found that around 90% of patients came from Hampshire.  The Local Authorities serving the areas where the other 10% of patients came from had been approached to identify how they would like to scrutinise the proposals.  Southampton City Council determined the proposals a substantial change, which would require forming a joint health scrutiny committee if other local authorities also determine the proposals a substantial change.  Surrey County Council expressed interest in sending a standing observer to attend any joint committee meetings.  The other neighbouring Local Authorities did not wish to take part.

The future timeline for the proposals was for public consultation on the shortlisted options in early 2021 and a final decision on service configuration and locations in late 2021.  Building work would be likely to start around 2024/25 and a new hospital open around 2026 to 2030.

In response to questions, Members heard:

·      It was planned to produce a plain English document describing the options for the public consultation, including case studies of example patient journeys. It was likely given the pandemic that public meetings would be held virtually as part of the consultation

·      The estimated cost of each option would be assessed and included in the consultation materials

·      If patients currently use other services e.g. Frimley hospital, it was not anticipated that these proposals would affect them. Patients would be free to continue accessing services elsewhere

·      Discussions were taking place with University Hospital Southampton regarding any potential shift in demand from patients south of Winchester. Some services would remain at the hospital in Winchester under the proposals. The ambulance service had been engaged on the plans and were supportive of centralising elements of critical care

It was noted that if the Committee determined the proposals to be a potential substantial change in service, a Joint Health Scrutiny Committee would need to be established.  Draft terms of reference had been prepared and included with the documents for this item, and the appropriate delegation would need to be agreed through full County Council at its meeting on 3 December 2020.

RESOLVED

That the Committee:

a)    Determine that the proposals constitute a substantial change to health services.

b)    Request that either the HASC or the Joint Scrutiny Committee if established, have the opportunity to comment on the plans for public consultation on the proposals.

c)    Note that if a Joint Scrutiny Committee is established, the proposals will primarily be scrutinised by that Committee, and updates on progress be reported to the HASC by the Joint Committee Members.

d)    The HASC support the Draft Terms of Reference for the Joint Scrutiny Committee, for consideration by Council.

Building Better Emergency Care Programme – Portsmouth Hospitals University Trust

A representative from Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust presented an update on plans to redevelop the Emergency Department at the Queen Alexandra Hospital (see report, Item 6 in the Minute Book).

Members heard that the outline business case had been approved in September 2020 and a supplier had been appointed to progress designs.  A preferred site had been identified that included part of the East car park.  The car parking lost would be replaced. It was intended that the new emergency department open in 2024.

RESOLVED

That the Committee:

a)    Note the update.

b)    Request a further update in Summer 2021.