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

No declarations of interest were submitted.

To consider the minutes of the meeting held on 11^th January 2006

The Minutes of the meeting held on 11^th January, 2006 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.  (For copy see file of Mintues).

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

There was no representative from Durham Constabulary at the meeting.

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

P. Irving was present at the meeting to give an update on local health matters.

Members were reminded that at the meeting of Area 3 Forum held on 11^th January, 2006 reference was made to the problem that Trimdon residents encountered in trying to access a GP.

It was explained that this issue had been raised with the Practice Manager and the protocol for making appointments had been revised.  A leaflet providing advice on how to make appointments and order repeat prescriptions had also been produced.

It was pointed out that the practice manager had offered to meet patients to discuss areas of concern.

With regard to accessing a GP within 48 hours it was reported that a demand audit had been carried out to ensure that GPs were located effectively. Access to GPs would also be monitored as a performance indicator.

Reference was made to the Choose and Book Service. It was explained that a document setting out frequently asked questions and leaflets had been produced in order to promote this service.

Discussion took place in relation to the proposed re-organisation of the NHS.  It was reported that the merger of the Mental Health Trust had been approved.  Consultation in relation to the merger of PCTs and the Strategic Health was still ongoing.

Reference was made to the White Paper, “Out Health, Our Care, Our Say : A New Direction in Community Services”, which aimed to improve access to GPs with a better choice of practices and extended opening hours, provide more support for people with long term conditions and create a new generation of hospitals and health centres.

It was reported that Sedgefield PCT had recently achieved the Practice Plus Award, which was a very good accolade for its staff.

Specific reference was made to the launch of three strategies which centred around activity for young people, healthy eating and tobacco control.

Members were updated on the financial position of the PCT.

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

Ms. J. King and Ms. M. Evans were present at the meeting to give a presentation regarding the public involvement in health services in Sedgefield Borough.

It was explained that the Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) Forum had been set up to help the public have a greater input into decisions that affect your health and the health of local communities.

Members were informed that there were 572 Patient and Public Involvement Forums nationally representing each Primary Care Trust and NHS Trust in England.  The Forums consisted of local people who worked on a voluntary basis and had powers and duties enshrined in law.

Reference was made to the proposed reorganisation of the NHS. It was explained that if a single countywide PCT was established the PPI Forums would need to be restructured.

It was reported that the PPI Forums had a number of roles including obtaining the views of their local communities about health services and making recommendations and reports to the PCT to help improve services. 

It was pointed out that PPI Forums had the right to visit or inspect any service managed or commissioned by the PCT providing a patient had raised a concern.  The PCT were required to respond to recommendations by the Forum or request for information within 20 working days.

The PPI Forums also had the power to refer a matter to Durham County Council Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee. 

It was explained that PPI Sedgefield had eight members.  There was a good working relationship with Sedgefield PCT, which was committed to consultation.

Forum meetings were held on a monthly basis and included both public and private meetings.

Public meetings were advertised through the display of posters and the local press.

Members were given details of some of the work undertaken by PPI Forum Sedgefield.

Anyone interested in becoming a Forum Member or would like to find out more about the Forum were advised to contact the Forum Co-ordinator.

The Chairman will take questions from the floor.

Laurel Crescent

Reference was made to the problems associated with the garages at Laurel Crescent, Trimdon Colliery.

Local Improvement Programme

Members queried when schemes eligible for support through the local improvement programme would commence.