To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillors Alibor Choudhury, Rania Khan and Lutfur Rahman and Dr Amjad Rahi, Co-opted Member.

The Chair added that he would have to leave after consideration of the first agenda item, owing to other meeting commitments, following which Councillor Abdul Asad would chair the Panel for the remainder of the meeting.

To note any declarations of interest made by Members, including those restricting Members from voting on the questions detailed in Section 106 of the Local Government Finance Act, 1992.  See attached note from the Chief Executive.

There were no declarations of interest.

To confirm as a correct record of the proceedings the unrestricted minutes of the ordinary meeting of Health Scrutiny Panel held on 22^nd July 2010.

The minutes of the meeting of the Panel held on 22 June 2010 were agreed as a correct record, subject to the inclusion of Dr Ian Basnett, Director of Public Health, Tower Hamlets, and Mr John Wilkins, East London NHS Foundation Trust, in the list of those present.

Mr Ben Vinter, Head of Corporate Affairs, NHS Tower Hamlets, provided a brief to Members including a tabled update document summarising the new Government’s White Paper and some of its key proposals.  These included measures to improve outcomes to the level of the best in the world; giving patients increased choice about where and how they are treated; improvements to the commissioning of healthcare services; the development of all NHS trusts to foundation status by 2014; new roles for local authorities.  Mr Vinter added that Panel Members were invited to consider the changes proposed and an in-depth presentation would be made in October.

Ms M. Garrett referred to the Department of Health Document “Liberating the NHS” and it was agreed that Ms Katie McDonald, Scrutiny Policy Officer, provide copies for all Panel Members.

At 6.45 p.m. Councillor Tim Archer left the meeting.

COUNCILLOR ABDUL ASAD IN THE CHAIR

Discussion ensued on how local links could feed into the consultation programme on the White Paper and Mr Vinter expressed support for the Chair’s suggestion that the matter could be addressed through the Council’s LAP programme.

It was agreed that Ms Hafsha Ali, Acting Joint Service Head Scrutiny & Equalities, would consider how her service might assist in facilitating the White Paper consultation processes locally.

Ms Jane McClean, Associate Director Commissioning, NHS Tower Hamlets, introduced her report relating to both the Six Lives Panel Project and the subsequent NHS London health self-assessment for learning difficulties.  She indicated that the Rix Centre had been commissioned to produce a DVD in response to the Ombudsman’s recommendations following the Mencap’s Death by Indifference report (also known as Six Lives). This process enabled service users with learning difficulties and carers to recount their experiences in accessing relevant services. This was aimed at identifying gaps in service provision.  The Panel then proceeded to view a DVD showing excerpts of the project.

Ms McClean also tabled documents regarding the Rating At A Glance (RAG) assessment that had also been submitted as part of the NHS London health self-assessment, and an action plan which had subsequently been developed in order to ensure people with learning difficulties were able to access mainstream health services. This work was being taken forward by the Healthy Lives Sub Group of the Borough’s Learning Disabilities Partnership Board.   

Discussion ensued on the tabled information, which was broadly felt too detailed for immediate comments to be made. Ms Katie McDonald, Scrutiny Policy Officer, commented that the information had not been available in time to distribute with the meeting agenda. It was agreed that Ms McDonald pass on to Ms McClean any comments that Members may wish to make on the RAG plans.

Ms Katie McDonald, Scrutiny Policy Officer, introduced the report containing the Summary and Action Plan in response to the Health Scrutiny Evaluation conducted by Mr Tim Young in January and February 2010, the Final Evaluation Report having been considered by the Panel in March 2010.  She added that many of the action plan points would be ongoing throughout the year.

Ms Hafsha Ali, Acting Joint Service Head Scrutiny & Equalities, commented that it was recognised that Health Scrutiny had a powerful role to play for health issues in Tower Hamlets and there were many practical actions to be taken.  However, the Panel’s functions were very broad in nature and there needed to be a closer focus on particular issues and change the culture of meetings, so as to be able to maximise the potential of the Panel.

The Action Plan was agreed as put forward.

Ms Katie McDonald, Scrutiny Policy Officer, introduced the report outlining the draft two year work programme for the Health Scrutiny Panel for municipal years 2010/11 and 2011/12.  She pointed out that some updating of the draft would be required, with particular reference to maternity services and facilities for adults with learning difficulties.  Challenge sessions would be held later in the year in connection with Polysystems and Reconfiguration of Local Services (November); also the development of cancer preventative services (December).

Mr Ben Vinter, Head of Corporate Affairs, NHS Tower Hamlets, welcomed the dialogue with Councillors and indicated that the PCT found the challenge sessions helpful and supported this approach.  They were also investigating how best to be able to spread dialogue to include local communities.

Members referred to possible problems caused by language barriers between GPs and patients and the fundamental changes that were intended for the NHS by the new Government.

It was agreed:

(1)   that options for managing the work programme be approved;

(2)   that the work programme be reviewed every quarter.

Ms Katie McDonald, Scrutiny Policy Officer, indicated that the circulated reports were intended as information and a reference for Members, comprising:

• The response from Health for North East London (Programme Team) to the Inner North East London Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee Report.
• The independent Integrated Impact Assessment undertaken by Mott MacDonald and Public Health Action Support Team.

She added that these would be the subject of more work by the Panel later in the year.

In response to queries Mr Ben Vinter, Head of Corporate Affairs, NHS Tower Hamlets, stated that consultation responses and evidence base contributing towards the programme’s recommendations were to be retested over the summer due to requirements set by the new Government and outcomes were expected in the autumn.

The report was noted.

6.1    Improving Physical Access

Mr Brian Harvey, a Trust Member of the East London NHS Foundation Trust, circulated a document promoting the provision of mixed forms of seating in public buildings to meet the needs of individuals with particular needs and also information produced by RNIB Access Consultancy Services concerning colour schemes designed to assist people with visual problems.

Following discussion of the issues involved, it was agreed that the matter be included on the Panel agenda for 26 October 2010 and that, in the meantime, liaison take place between Ms Hafsha Ali’s service, the Corporate Equality Group and Equalities Officer to explore possible action that might be taken.