Agenda item

The Committee received a report of the Director of Transformation and Partnerships which provided background information on proposals for pre -engagement activity by South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Partnership in respect of the development of options for future service provision in respect of the Phase 2 of the Path to Excellence Programme (for copy see file of minutes).

Councillor Grant advised that Trimdon and Thornley were electoral divisions affected by the proposals as users of Sunderland servicesand as such should be included within the list of wards affected by the programme.

In response to a question from Councillor Bell, the Medical Director for South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS FT and clinical director Path to Excellence programme, advised that the Integrated Care System had been consulted as well as CCGs and hospitals.  The proposals particularly affected North East Ambulance Service and therefore it had also been considered at a higher level.

The Chair advised that with regards to the vascular service review, NEAS had still to receive confirmation of what additional resources would be available to meet the demands of those service changes and asked for assurance that they had been included in the pre-consultation activity for the Path to Excellence programme.  He was advised that NEAS had been involved in the first phase and no service change would be implemented without prior agreement with NEAS as they would be directly affected.

The Principal Overview and Scrutiny Officer added that in relation to the vascular surgery review, NEAS had identified potential resource requirements which was then escalated to NHS England.  A decision followed which implemented a service change and NEAS were advised to report any issues to NHS England who would review if necessary. 

The Principal Overview and Scrutiny Officer reminded Members that as with any major service reconfiguration, a joint overview and scrutiny committee had been set up during phase 1 of the programme, however due to the negated impact on Durham, this Committee had not been included.  One of the proposed recommendations going forward was that this Committee appointed representatives to any such Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee that may be established between South Tyneside Borough Council, Sunderland City Council and Durham County Council, for the purposes of considering the Path to Excellence Programme Phase 2 and any associated statutory consultation.

Resolved:

That the Committee;

a)   receive the report

b)   consider and comment on the information detailed within the Path to Excellence Phase 2 case for change documentation and the presentation by the Path to Excellence programme team representatives

c)    Agree to the appointment of representatives to such Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee that may be established between South Tyneside Borough Council, Sunderland City Council and Durham County Council for the purposes of considering the Path to Excellence Programme Phase 2 and any associated statutory consultation.