To notify the Chairman of any items that appear later in the agenda in which you may have an interest.

Members had no interests to declare.

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting held on 10^th January 2006.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 10^th January, 2006 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

A representative of Ferryhill Police will attend the meeting to give a report of crime statistics and initiatives in the area.

The Chairman of the Forum explained that a representative of Ferryhill Police was unable to attend.  A summary report was, however, provided and was distributed to the Forum. (For copy see file of Minutes).

Concerns were raised regarding vandalism within Chilton.  It was reported that a number of external lights had been smashed and plants pulled out and destroyed.  It was requested that an officer patrol the area from the Centre towards Rushyford and monitor behaviour.

A representative of Sedgefield Primary Care Trust will attend the meeting to give an update on local health matters and performance figures.

G. Wills, Chairman of Sedgefield Primary care Trust, T. Wilkinson, Primary Care Projects Manager and C. McCaughey, Director of Primary Care were present at the meeting to update Members on local health matters.

G. Wills explained that the consultation process regarding the restructure of the Primary Care Trust’s (PCT) had been carried out and would be completed at the end of the month.

It was also pointed out that Sedgefield Primary Care Trust (SPCT) had received the Practice Plus Award, which recognised them as a very good employer.

Concerns were again raised by members of the Forum regarding the inability to make appointments at Chilton surgery together with its limited facilities.  It was also pointed out that the surgery was closed every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon together with one Wednesday afternoon every month for training purposes.

Residents of Chilton felt that although the population of Chilton was increasing the health services available was decreasing.

C. McCaughey explained that the level of services available was as a result of the population, were it was felt by SPCT that the ratio of doctors, nurses and services was correct. It was, however, agreed that the issue would be monitored and more information would be brought to a future meeting.

Detailed discussion was held with regard to the introduction of the new system of supplying oxygen cylinders, which was due to start in the months of April to May. Residents were concerned as to where the oxygen cylinders would be provided, as the final delivery date from the old supplier was 1^st February 2006. Members of the Forum were reassured that the cylinders would continue to be provided by GPs until the start of the new system.

With regard to the development of the new Health Centre at Chilton, concerns were again raised regarding the lack of progress. C. McCaughey explained that a number of meetings had taken place both with the Chairman of the Workingmen’s Club and with Durham County Council regarding the old school site.  Meetings had also taken place with those who would be working from the Centre. Members of the Forum were again re-assured that the development was a priority of SPCT and that progress was being made. It was also pointed out that the restructure would not alter that. LIFT would also continue to be responsible for the development. C. McCaughey agreed to look into the matter and continue to attend the Forums to provide up to date information.

T. Wilkinson also attended the meeting to discuss the Forum’s concerns regarding dentistry.

The Forum was informed that the new contract that would entail the PCT being responsible for dentistry would come into effect on 1^st April 2006.

It was explained that within the new contract there would be new charges, which would be found in three bands:

Ø             Band 1         -         £15

Ø             Band 2         -         £41.40

Ø             Band 3         -         £183.00

Exemptions would remain the same.

It was also pointed out that there was a leaflet that detailed all information on the new contract and was available from all dentists. 

Arrangements have been made for a Forum Member to give a presentation regarding public involvement in health services in Sedgefield Borough.

M. Chappell was present at the Forum to inform Members of the workings of the Patient and Public Involvement Forum (PPIS).  

It was explained that the Forum was introduced on the 1^st December 2003 and was independent from the PCT. It was established as a result of the demise of the Community Health Council to ensure the public had an alternative to air their concerns.

With regard to membership it was explained that anyone could join the Forum providing they were over the age of 18 and a resident of Sedgefield Borough. The Forum also needed to have seven members, who would set their own agendas and had developed their own Action Plan and Work Plan. 

It was explained that the Forum had the right to enter and inspect a building where concerns had been raised, however, a public meeting must be held beforehand and owners of the building must be informed. They could not carry out on the spot checks.

Members were informed of the various issues that had been considered by the Forum since it was established. It was also reported that during 2006/07 the emphasis would be on monitoring the provisions for the elderly.

It was explained that meetings were held often and at various venues across the Borough and was publicised in local newspapers.

The Chairman will take questions from the floor

Dog Fouling

Concern was raised at the limited number of dog fouling bins in the Chilton area it was explained that it had been discussed at the previous Town Council meeting and a letter had been sent to the Borough Council.

Proposals For Church Lane Car Park - Ferryhill

Members of the Forum were informed that a meeting had taken place between Ferryhill Town Council, Sedgefield Borough Council, Durham County Council together with Traffic Officers and the Police Force Architectural Liaison Officer were it was agreed work would be carried out to improve various physical, landscaping and off site works.

18^th April 2006 at 6.30 p.m. at Chilton and Windlestone Community College.

18^th April 2006 at 6.30 p.m. at Chilton and Windlestone Community College.