Issue - meetings

To consider and comment upon the Quality Account of the Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS foundation Trust (report to follow).

Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Trust (CWP) had produced its first Quality Accounts in 2009/2010. 

The Quality Accounts for the period 2010/2011 were tabled at the meeting by Ursula Martin, Associate Director of Quality, Compliance and Assurance for CWP. A covering briefing note was also tabled, suggesting a timeline for Scrutiny Committee Members to comment .

Members expressed disappointment that the report had not been made available with the agenda. In response, the Joint Committee was informed that the final guidance for preparation of the accounts had not been given until 31 March 2011. 

The Regulations required CWP to allow its Commissioners (Primary Care Trusts) 30 days to review the Quality Accounts and provide a commentary for inclusion in the final accounts.  CWP confirmed that it was affording this time to all third parties required to comment.  Comments representing the views of the Joint Committee were required by 1 May 2011.

Brief comments were made as follows:

      Concern was expressed in respect of the deadline date for the commentary and its close proximity to the forthcoming elections.

      Insufficient performance data included.

      Means of measuring performance not identified for priorities identified for the forthcoming year.

      No explanation of the reasons for non-compliance with NICE guidance.

      Lack of bench-marking information and comparisons with last year’s performance

In response, the Officer from CWP stated that the timeframes were nationally specified by the Department of Health. There was some discussion regarding the quality priorities and outcomes identified for 2011/2012. Dr Ellis commented that patient-related outcomes, in mental health for example, were relatively new and there were no comparisons available yet. 

The Chairman suggested that Members submit all comments to Democratic Services (Cheshire East Council) as soon as practicable.  She would arrange to meet with Councillor Lott (Cheshire West and Chester Council) and Councillor Bridson (Wirral Borough Council) to review comments received.  Where appropriate, amendments would made; all comments would be included as an unedited Annex to the Quality Accounts.

The Chairman’s suggestion was supported by Members and it was agreed that Officer input was essential to the process.

RESOLVED:

(a)               That Members submit comments on the Quality Accounts 2010/2011 to Democratic Services, Cheshire East Council; and

(b)               That Councillors Flude, Bridson and Lott meet to review the comments submitted, the meeting to be supported by appropriate CWP Officers; and

(c)               That the report be re-submitted to the Joint Committee at the first available meeting after 30 June 2011.