Issue - meetings

To consider a report of Healthwatch Stockport.

The report sets out the findings of a Healthwatch Stockport consultation exercise on what local people want from their local health and social care services. The findings of the report would inform the development of the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment, which will in turn inform service delivery and commissioning.

The Scrutiny Committee is invited to comment on the report.

Officer contact: Jonathan Vali, 0161 474 3201, jonathan.vali@stockport.gov.uk

Sue Carroll, Vice-Chair of Healthwatch Stockport, attended the meeting to present the organisation’s report “What would a good experience of a health or social care service look like to you? – JSNA Report” (copies of which had been circulated) that had been commissioned to provide public input into the development of the new Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA). The report presented the views of the public gathered from a range of engagement activity on their ideal health care system.

The following findings in the report were highlighted:-

·         Respondents supported the idea of joined-up and ‘holistic’ approaches to their needs, and stressed the need for a seamless transfer out of hospital and back into the community.

·         There were particular concerns expressed that GPs gave the impression of being unsympathetic toward LGBT young people.

·         Responses from the BME community overall were consistent with the general response, but particular concerns were raised about the lack of sensitivity experienced from services for those of Asian backgrounds when suffering mental health issues.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         Councillors and officers welcomed the report and useful information it provided, paying tribute to Healthwatch for the work they had done. The data would be of significant benefit in the development of the JSNA.

·         There were a number of areas identified in the report that could be addressed now. An example was better communication between the hospital and GPs about waiting times for referrals that might better inform clinical decisions, reduce waiting and unnecessary appointments and improve outcomes.

·         Improving communications would go a significant way to improving services and people’s ability to find the most appropriate service for their treatment, such as increasing awareness of the services available at community pharmacies or the minor ailments service.

·         It was important for GPs to regularly review patient’s medication requirements. The fact some pharmacists were being more proactive in reviewing and questioning medication they were prescribing was welcomed.

·         Unfortunately it would not be possible to capture within the JSNA all the qualitative data contained in the report, but the report itself would inform business planning.

·         In relation to the increased reliance on digital communication, concerns were raised about the accessibility for some patients. It was commented that many people would welcome the opportunities for digital communication if this meant better services and increased choice. The importance of training for staff was also emphasised.

·         Concerns were expressed about the expansion of access to GPs and the increasing demands this would place on them. Councillors commented on the need to ensure patients, particularly those managing long term conditions, were able to access appropriate care that may not need to be their GP but should be the person who can best look after their needs. It was also commented that there was considerable variability in experience and service across GP practices and the role of receptionists acting as gatekeepers in some practices was highlighted as a concern. Better use of triage and telephone consultation was suggested as being possible means to better manage demand for GP services.

RESOLVED – (1) That the “What would a good experience of a health or social care service look like to you? – JSNA Report” be noted and welcomed and Healthwatch Stockport be commended for their work in preparing the report.

(2) That the Chief Operating Officer of the Stockport Clinical Commissioning Group be requested to submit a report to a future meeting on the variability of GP services across Stockport.

To consider a report of Healthwatch Stockport.

The report sets out the findings of a Healthwatch Stockport consultation exercise on what local people want from their local health and social care services. The findings of the report would inform the development of the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment, which will in turn inform service delivery and commissioning.

The Board is invited to comment on the report.

Officer contact: Jonathan Vali, 0161 474 3201, jonathan.vali@stockport.gov.uk

Sue Caroll, Vice-Chair of Healthwatch Stockport, attended the meeting to present the organisation’s report “What would a good experience of a health or social care service look like to you? – JSNA Report” (copies of which had been circulated) that had been commissioned to provide public input into the development of the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA). The report presented the views of the public gathered from a range of engagement activity on their ideal health care system.

The Chair acknowledged the valuable contribution Healthwatch had made and were continuing to make to the development of the JSNA.

Members commended the report and the openness and clarity of the document.

It was commented that staff at the Clinical Commissioning Group were being encouraged to read the document and reflect on how to act upon the findings in future service design and commissioning.

The Board discussed the common concern raised by the public relating to access to GPs and securing timely appointments, and how this could be addressed as part of ongoing work to enhance Primary Care. It was cautioned that simply expanding access would likely result in a corresponding increase in demand. The challenge was to improve access to a range of primary care services to improve outcomes. It was acknowledged that each respondent’s expectations about access differed. It was also commented that the re-launch of the NHS 111 Service in the Autumn may improve access but that in the short term there may be complaints arising from changing arrangements for out-of-hours care when phoning GP practices.

In relation to the JSNA, it was suggested that in light of the feedback in this report the JSNA could include a “You Asked, We Did” element, or at least a commentary on impact.

RESOLVED – That the “What would a good experience of a health or social care service look like to you? – JSNA Report” be welcomed and Healthwatch Stockport be thanked for their contribution.

To consider a report of Healthwatch Stockport.

The report sets out the findings of a Healthwatch Stockport consultation exercise on what local people want from their local health and social care services. The findings of the report would inform the development of the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment, which will in turn inform service delivery and commissioning.

The Scrutiny Committee is invited to comment on the report.

Officer contact: Jonathan Vali, 0161 474 3201, jonathan.vali@stockport.gov.uk

RESOLVED – That consideration of this item be deferred to allow representatives of Healthwatch Stockport to attend to present their report.