Agenda item

Ian Davidson, Interim Chief Executive of the Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, will verbally update the Committee on the following matters:

      The impact of the current financial climate;

      Emergency management action undertaken in relation to Bollin Ward, Macclesfield;

      Learning Disability Supported Housing Network – transfer of contract to three providers for Congleton, Macclesfield and Central Cheshire/Knutsford;

      Consultation by the Partnership Trust and the Primary Care Trusts in relation to the eligibility criteria for health respite care;

      Current developments – Greenways, Macclesfield, new build at Wirral and relocation of alcohol services in Wirral.

The Committee considered a verbal update report from Dr Ian Davidson, Interim Chief Executive of the Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust on the following matters:

Impact of the current financial climate

Ros Preen, Director of Finance, briefed on the current financial position.  She explained that Foundation Trust status had been successful for the Trust for various reasons in that it had enabled investments to be made, enabled greater engagement through membership, greater focus on longer term planning and contracts that were “legally” binding. 

There were a number of key financial drivers impacting on the Trust including an on-going driver for efficiencies and a reduction in resources for the Health Services.  It was also important to note that Payment by Results did not apply to mental health and that the service was very staff intensive, more so than in the acute sector. 

The Trust was planning efficiency savings but it would not be possible to meet these by back office savings alone.  There were increasing costs in meeting continuing care needs and specialist services.  Commissioners’ funding issues would impact on providers who would be expected to show increasing Value for Money with a risk that funding could be reduced.  The Trust would need to respond quickly in such cases.

Dr Davidson explained that demand for the Trust’s services had increased due to the growth in the older person’s population, with two major mental health issues affecting older people – dementia and depression.  For most people care in their own home was most appropriate with support from community services but some would need hospital provision so it was important to have the correct mix of both types of care.

He outlined that 2 of the Primary Care Trusts that were major commissioners of the Trust’s services were currently in financial balance – Wirral and Western Cheshire – but Central and Eastern Cheshire PCT was predicting a financial overspend if remedial action was not taken and had devised a Sustainability Plan to address the financial situation.  As a result of these difficulties the Central and Eastern Cheshire PCT had advised the Trust that they would not be able to pay £1m previously agreed and this was currently under discussion between the PCT and the Trust.

The Trust did not own buildings nor was it given rental funding.  Commissioners would determine a Mental Health Programme Budget and would then commission services from the Trust and other providers. 

Emergency Management Action

Dr Davidson briefed Members on a Trust Board decision to temporarily close Bollin Ward, Macclesfield Hospital.  This was due to the Trust spending more on delivering mental health services in Central and Eastern Cheshire PCT than it received in income from the PCT.  The level of funding from the PCT had been an issue for several years and the PCT was committed to resolving this but in the meantime the Trust could not afford to overspend alongside the efficiency savings it was required to make.  The closure of Bollin Ward was seen as the safest action to take with the least impact on services to local people.  There was spare capacity within Older People’s Inpatient Services and was confident that high quality care could continue to be provided from a reduced number of beds.  The Trust was also committed to providing community care and this was consistent with national policy.  The closure would be managed carefully.#

Update on Supported Housing Network

This service, that provided supported living services for people with learning disabilities, had now been transferred to new providers:

      Macclesfield – Lifeways;

      Congleton – Choice Support;

      Central and Knutsford/Wilmslow – Alternative Futures.

The arrangements were still to be finalised due to discussions taking place between the Trust and Central and Eastern Cheshire Primary Care Trust regarding the contract value and how much funding would transfer to the Local Authority.  The transfer would be cost neutral for the Trust.

Update of Respite Care Consultation

The Trust was consulting on the eligibility for and process of assessment and allocation of respite care in Cheshire and also on (on behalf of commissioners) the proposal to close the Primrose Avenue unit and operate an improved single service for central Cheshire at Crook Lane Winsford.  A number of representations had been received on the order and content of the consultation resulting in delays to the consultation process which was now expected to be completed by December.  All information received would then be reviewed and recommendations drafted and a report submitted to the Committee.

Update of relocation of Wirral Alcohol Services to the Stein Centre

This project was currently out to tender with an expected start on site aimed for February 2010 and move into the new building in July 2010.  The service would include the alcohol harm reduction team, dependent drinker’s team and engagement team, there would also be clinic facilities to enable nurse practitioners to offer health checks, blood tests etc.

Update on the Development of Older Peoples In-Patient Services from St Catherine’s Hospital to Springview Hospital, Clatterbridge

This project was on target for service users to move in on 20 January 2010.  An open day would be held on 22 December.  All rooms would be single, en-suite and there would be a male only area, female only area and a communal area.  Service users had been asked to make suggestions as to the names for the two wards. 

Update on Greenways Assessment and Treatment Unit, Macclesfield

This was a purpose built 12 bed assessment and treatment unit for adults with a learning disability on a site adjacent to Macclesfield District Hospital.  Patients would transfer into the Unit in November.

World Mental Health Day 10 October 2009

A family event had been planned at Winsford Lifestyle Centre to mark World Mental Health Day.  There would also be the Annual Members Meeting on the same day.

Members discussed the financial issues outlined at the meeting and proposed a special meeting to hear from the Primary Care Trusts directly.  It was also agreed that a visit to Greenways Unit would be helpful.

RESOLVED:  That

(a) a meeting be arranged as soon as possible between the Joint Committee and representatives of the Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, the 3 Primary Care Trusts and the North West Strategic Health Authority to consider the financial position and future allocation of resources to the Partnership Trust at a venue located in East Cheshire;

(b) a visit to Greenways Assessment and Treatment Unit, Macclesfield be arranged.