Agenda item

To consider the attached report of the Better Health Programme Board.

Consideration was given to the report of Edmund Lovell, Communications and Engagement lead for the Better Health Programme which outlined preparations for the development of a communications and engagement plan to support statutory public consultation for the Better Health Programme.

The report set out the context within which consultation in respect of the Better Health Programme would take place, including the relationship between the BHP and the Durham, Darlington, Teesside, Hambleton, Richmondshire and Whitby STP.  The public consultation would now take place from September 2017 to avoid the summer period.

Members were reminded that the NHS Act 2006 (as amended by the Health and Social Care Act 2012) sets out duties for CCGs around involvement and consultation. As such, NHS organisations have to ensure that patients and the public are properly involved in the planning and development of health services. They must also consult with the relevant local authorities’ overview and scrutiny committees over any changes which could be considered to be substantial variations in the way services are provided. Organisations must also ensure that engagement and consultation activities are in line with the Equality Act 2010.

Mr Lovell indicated that when planning any service changes NHS organisations must also undergo a comprehensive programme of assurance by NHS England, which includes complying with four tests, two of which have implications for involvement and consultation (i.e. the first and fourth tests). The four tests are:

·                     Strong patient and public engagement

·                     Consistency with current and prospective need for patient choice

·                     Clear clinical evidence base

·                     Support for proposals from commissioners.

Reference was made to a series of reports and presentations given to the Better Health Programme Joint Health OSC to date regarding engagement activity that had been carried out to date. Members were advised that learning from all of this engagement activity was being used to shape a communications and engagement plan for formal public consultation.

Mr Lovell indicated that the objectives of the communications and engagement plan for consultation would include:

·                     Ensuring that public and stakeholders have an opportunity to comment on proposals for change, so that feedback can be used to inform the decision making process

·                     Making sure that the consultation is inclusive and provides opportunities for involvement by a diverse range of stakeholders and the public

·                     Including the public and stakeholder voice in the BHP

·                     Ensuring a high level of awareness and understanding of why changes are being proposed

·                     Ensuring that all steps are taken to maintain public confidence in the process, and in the future shape of services

·                     Meeting statutory requirements around consultation.

He also stated that some key messages were being developed which will be included in all public information supporting the consultation. These have been subject to discussions with clinical leaders and they are now being ‘road-tested’ with representatives from patient and community groups, whose comments will be taken into account. Their views are also being sought on how best to present these messages (i.e. in terms of format and visuals). The aim is to ensure that these messages are easy to understand for the general public and that they are presented in a way that is helpful.

The Joint Committee was invited to consider and comment on the proposals set out within the report in respect of the methodology for consultation, communications and engagement. Mr Lovell advised that a pre-consultation business case for the STP and the Better Health Programme element of that, together with options for future service provision and the results of the engagement activity undertaken so far would be produced.

The methodology set out how consultation would be undertaken with patients, carers and the public; NHS Staff and organisations and statutory bodies, including health scrutiny committees. For patients, carers and the public, a number of methods would be used including formal consultation documents; summary leaflets/flyers/posters; short video presentations; weblinks to further supporting information; structured public engagement events utilising a range of community assets and supported by the Community and Voluntary sector; targeted drop in sessions and roadshows; local and regional media, an advertising campaign and a digital media strategy.

Councillor Martin Wells emphasised that the most important aspect of the consultation process was to clarify exactly what was being consulted upon and to manage public expectations of the process and avoid any element of confusion. The frequent and interwoven references to STPs, the Better Health Programme, Not in Hospital services, Neighbourhood and community services all needed to be clearly set out within all consultation, communications and engagement material. He also suggested getting lay peoples’ views on the proposed consultation material when drafted.

Mr Lovell sought the Committee’s input in ensuring that the correct messages were being put out as part of the consultation process as well as the draft documentation when finalised.

Cllr Bailey suggested that when consideration was being given to the locations for roadshows, formal consultation events and drop in sessions, local Councillors be engaged in this process.

Cllr Temple encouraged the Better Health Programme Board to ensure that there was sufficient clarity within the consultation documents and that they set out the rationale for change as there was some scepticism amongst Councillors and the general public that these changes were being driven by financial pressures. Accordingly, and given the absence of any degree of detail surrounding the cost implications for the NHS and Local Government of the STPs and Better Health programme proposals, he asked that relevant financial information was included within the consultation documentation.

Councillor Tostevin highlighted concerns about the cost of the engagement activity undertaken so far. Mr Lovell stated that the costs of this work had been budgeted at £500,000 for 2015/16 and that the actual costs of the work was under budget.

In response to a query form Councillor Cook regarding the number of people who had participated in the engagement activity so far, Mr Lovell indicated that the Programme Board were happy with these numbers although it was expected that numbers would increase once formal consultation was commenced and clarity given on potential service changes.

Agreed that

(i)            the report be received;

(ii)           assurances be sought from the Better Health Programme Board that the Better Health Programme Joint Health OSC will be engaged in the development of consultation, engagement and communications plans for statutory public consultation;

(iii)          a further report providing details of the draft communications, engagement and consultation plans and associated documentation be brought to a meeting of this Joint Committee in June 2017.