Agenda and minutes

An apology for absence was received from Councillor Rhoda Bailey

To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 7 August 2015 as a correct record

Consideration was given to the minutes of the meeting held on 7 August 2015

RESOLVED

That the minutes of the meeting be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To provide an opportunity for Members and Officers to declare any disclosable pecuniary and non-pecuniary interests in any item on the agenda.

There were no declarations of interest

To provide an opportunity for Members to declare the existence of a party whip in relation to any item on the Agenda

There were no whipping declarations

A total period of 15 minutes is allocated for members of the public to make a statement(s) on any matter that falls within the remit of the Committee.

Individual members of the public may speak for up to 5 minutes, but the Chairman will decide how the period of time allocated for public speaking will be apportioned, where there are a number of speakers.

Note: in order for officers to undertake and background research, it would be helpful if members of the public notified the Scrutiny Officer listed at the foot of the Agenda at least one working day before the meeting with brief details of the matter to be covered.

Mrs C Peters Rock attended the meeting and spoke on behalf of Cheshire Area for Cheshire Action on the lack of medical assessment for dementia and the closure of ward 9 at Macclesfield District General Hospital and respite care facilities, which did not bode well for carers.

To receive a report and presentation on a joint review between NHS South Cheshire CCG, NHS Vale Royal CCG and NHS England

Consideration was given to a presentation and report on the review of specialised gynaecological cancer pathways to achieve best outcomes and experience for cancer patients in South Cheshire and Vale Royal. The review would be limited to a number of services that do not meet national standards or where access could be improved, such as delivering chemotherapy or outpatient services closer to home.

Currently patients who are diagnosed with cancer at Leighton Hospital and require specialised treatment may be referred to specialised health providers in different geographic locations, based on agreed guidelines and protocols between local and specialised teams.  However better outcomes may be achieved if the specialised treatment was to be received at the University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Foundation Trust, which already collaborate in the provision of a significant number of services.

Members stressed the importance that no change should take place, unless the outcomes could be improved or at least matched. Evidence to prove this would need to be provided.

The engagement process was outlined to Members, and it was noted that the work would be completed by March 2016.

RESOLVED

1. That the report and presentation be received.

2. That a further update be provided in due course.

To submit any comments and suggestions on the 2014/15 Annual Report

C O’Brien, Chief Executive of Community & Voluntary Services (CVS) attended the meeting to submit the Healthwatch Cheshire East, Annual Report 2014/15. She highlighted to Members that CVS had the contract for the delivery of the Health Watch Service and that this was its second Annual Report.

It was noted that work was ongoing in partnership with Eastern Cheshire CCG with regard to Autism and Asperger’s diagnosis as the pathway was confused and very lengthy, the final report would be circulated to the Committee for information.

It was agreed that as this was only the second year CVS had responsibility for Healthwatch, the report was based around general engagement rather than specific work and that the next report would be more project led.

RESOLVED

That the Annual Report for 2014/2015 be received.

To receive a report of Jacki Wilkes, Associate Director of Commissioning ECCCG and Joint Commissioning Team Lead for Carers.

J Wilkes, Associate Director of Commissioning ECCCG and Joint Commissioning Team Lead for Carers attended the meeting to update Members on the development of a Cheshire East Strategy for Carers.

It was noted that in April 2015 a Cheshire East Strategy for Carers was presented to accountable bodies and strategic leadership groups across the three health and social care commissioning organisations within the Cheshire East Council footprint. There was general agreement that this was the right approach and recognition that the engagement with carers was both representative and adequate, however the Governing Body for Eastern Cheshire felt unable to support the strategy as it was presented, requiring assurance on a number of issues including clearer evidence on the benefits to carers, the resources identified to deliver these benefits and clearer governance arrangements for how the benefits would be delivered. 

The strategy was therefore being refined to address these concerns,  it was agreed that the refreshed strategy would be brought back to Committee on 5 November 2015.

RESOLVED

That the revised Cheshire East Strategy for Carers be brought back to the Committee on 5 November 2015.

To consider the progress made by the trust in its first year of trading as an independent charitable trust.

Consideration was given to a report on the progress made by the trust in its first year of trading as an independent charitable trust prior to the Annual Report being submitted to Council.

In line with the Council's drive towards being a commissioning council, the Committee was requested by P Hartwell to examine opportunities to commission further services from ESAR under the existing contract terms. Such services to be complementary to delivery of the shared vision of helping people live well for longer and may include Countryside Services, Health Improvement, Playing Pitch Management, Strategic Parks Management and Events Management.

It was agreed that a tour of Crewe Lifestyle Centre should be arranged for Members.

RESOLVED

1.    That the progress made in the first year of trading as a Charitable Trust be noted.

2.    That a site visit of Crewe Lifestyle Centre be arranged.

3.    That the possibility of ESAR commissioning further services be added to the work programme.