Issue - meetings

To consider a report prepared by the Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust on progress with items highlighted in the Quality Account.

The Committee considered the Quality Quarterly Report which set out progress against each of the quality priorities identified in the Quality Account for 2009/10. 

All priorities identified for Patient Safety had been achieved for the first quarter and were on track for the remainder of the year.  For patient related performance CWP was performing on track or better when measured against key national priorities apart from in relation to the average length of stay which had increased.  All targets for achieving quality improvement and innovation goals were also on course.  Targets relating to patient safety and patient experience were also achieved.  Members suggested that in future more ambitious targets may be needed and were advised that future targets would be more challenging.

One area of concern was around the average length of stay (measured in days).  The aspiration of the Trust was for this average to show a reduction but the actual position showed an increase from 18 days in April to 24 in July.  It was important that a service user’s care and treatment was in the least restrictive environment possible and the Crisis Resolution Home treatment team facilitated the earliest discharge possible.  The average length of stay would be monitored by the Trust’s Performance and Compliance Sub Committee.

It was noted that medication errors and certain self harm incidents had increased along with minor injuries; Members were advised that minor injuries meant issues that could be dealt with on site without any need to go to Accident and Emergency.  Members requested that more information was included in future on what was meant by medication errors and self harm incidents so it was clear whether there were any significant issues in these areas.  It was noted that the Trust’s Suicide Prevention Strategy was currently being revised and would be considered at a future meeting.

RESOLVED:  That the report be noted.