Meeting documents

            Meeting: Health Scrutiny Sub-Committee (County Hall, Durham - Committee Room 2 - 03/04/2006 10:00:00 AM)

                  Item: A5 Coronary Heart Disease and Stroke Services

         

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Health Scrutiny Sub-Committee 3 April 2006 Coronary Heart Disease and Stroke Services in County Durham
Report of the Head of Overview and Scrutiny

Purpose of Report

1. To explain the attached Scrutiny report.

TO VIEW THE REPORT PLEASE LAUNCH THE ADOBE ATTACHMENT OR REFER TO HARD COPIES HELD IN CORPORATE SERVICES OR THE COUNTY RECORD OFFICE

Background

2. The Health Scrutiny Committee decided to investigate coronary heart disease and stroke services in County Durham. In terms of health improvement, heart disease is an important topic in Durham because the incidence is higher than in many other parts of the country.

3. The investigation took evidence from the North East Public Health Observatory, the County Durham and Darlington Acute Trust and visiting local hospitals and speaking to patients and staff. There is a significant amount of authoritative information about heart disease. Evidence from the National Audit Office, the Public Health Intelligence Service, the British Heart Foundation and local support groups have been used in preparing the report.

4. Northumbria University carried out research into good practice and drew attention to services provided by the Northumbria Health Care Trust in relation to Stroke Services. These services have been recognised as an example of good practice by the Department of Health. Some of this good practice has featured in the recommendations.

5. A number of recommendations are set out in the report suggesting increased publicity about the causes of heart problems and the way in which we can all seek to take action to avoid premature heart disease. There are recommendations about the improvement of stroke services in County Durham and also drawing attention to the importance of rapid action such as access to the new type of defibrillator. It is suggested that the public sector might take the lead in relation to health improvement issues in County Durham. The Health Scrutiny Committee members might like to consider ways in which the importance of prevention can be publicised.

6. It is proposed that this report is sent to all Primary Care Trusts in the County, the Acute Trust, the Esk, Wear and Tees Valley Trust, the Ambulance Trust, Patient Forums, the County Council, District Councils and local MPs. An appropriate response will be requested from relevant bodies.

Recommendation

7. You are recommended to approve the report and agree to its distribution.

Contact: Ian Mackenzie Tel: 0191 383 3506

Attachments

 Coroary Heart Disease & Stroke Services Comm Rept. 3 April.pdf;
 Heart Attack Summary.pdf