Meeting: Health Scrutiny Sub-Committee (County Hall, Durham - Committee Room 2 - 05/06/2006 01:00:00 PM)
Item: A2 Consultation Issues: (i) County Durham and Darlington Acute Hospitals Trust (ii) Shotley Bridge Hospital - Day Surgery
Health Scrutiny Sub-Committee
5th June 2006 County Durham and Darlington Acute Hospitals Trust - Consultation about Foundation Trust Status. | |
| Report of Head of Overview and Scrutiny |
Purpose of Report
1. To explain the attached report from the Acute Hospitals Trust about the outcome of the consultation relating to its application to become an NHS Foundation Trust.
Background
2. The attached report explains that the County Durham and Darlington Acute Hospitals NHS Trust is consulting about its proposal to apply to become a Foundation Trust. A copy of the formal consultation document was reported to the Sub-Committee on the 3 rd April.
3. The formal consultation process continues until the 26th May 2006. As the role of Health Scrutiny is to look at this type of issue from the point of view of patients and the public, it is very helpful for the Trust to report back to explain the outcome of the public consultation process.
4. The guidance from the National Health Service indicates that, over time, the Government wants all NHS Trusts to be in a position to achieve Foundation Status.
5. A summary of the aims of becoming a Foundation Trust as set out in the local consultation document are set out below:-
Some issues for the Health Scrutiny Sub-Committee
7. The different constitutional arrangements for a Foundation Trust will change the relationship with the Health Scrutiny Sub-Committee. Foundation Trusts are regulated and monitored by an independent national regulator known as “Monitor”. Also, there is a proposal for the establishment of a large membership as part of the Foundation Trust’s governance. This is intended to produce more direct accountability. Accordingly, the role of Health Scrutiny in relation to a Foundation Trust may be somewhat different than with other health trusts.
8. There will also need to be some clarification about the role of the Patient and Public Involvement Forum.
9. The indication by the Acute Trust on the 23rd March 2006 that significant staff reductions are expected over the next three years will need to be borne in mind.
10. Following the investigation into stroke services the need for compliance with the National Service Framework for Older People in relation to a specialist stroke service is another issue which may need to be considered.
11. Strictly, the Sub-Committee does not have the power to refer this consultation issue to the Secretary of State as it is based on Government policy. The report from the Acute Trust assesses views from consultees. The main issues raised relate to governance issues and the involvement of the proposed Foundation Trust members.
12. The Health Scrutiny Sub-Committee has had a positive relationship with the Acute Trust and, in general, it is hoped that this relationship will continue if the Trust achieves Foundation Status.
13. The main role of Health Scrutiny will, perhaps, be to ensure that, if this proposal goes ahead, it is demonstrated to be a beneficial change for the patients who take services from the Trust. The involvement of more local people in the governance of a Foundation Trust may mean some adjustment for the Health Scrutiny Sub-Committee. However, for the time being, it is suggested that the Sub-Committee should seek an assurance that it will continue to be consulted on substantial variations and substantial developments as it is at present by the Acute Trust.
Recommendation
14. You are recommended to indicate that if the application for Foundation Status is approved:-
i. The Trust should continue to consult the Sub-Committee on substantial variations and developments.
ii. The Sub-Committee should, in due course, be seeking to discuss with the Foundation Trust what improvements for patients have been introduced as a result of Foundation Status.
| Contact: Ian Mackenzie Tel: 0191 383 3506 |