Report of East London Foundation Trust for information and discussion.

The Committee received the report of Eugene Jones (Director Service Transformation - East London Foundation Trust) and Dr Waleed Fawzi (Consultant Psychiatrist – East London Foundation Trust, ELFT) on the consolidation of the Thames Ward at the Royal London into the Sally Sherman Ward based in East Ham.

ELFT officers explained that the wards were tertiary units that were designed to accommodate extremely challenging dementia patients who required high intensity care. The aim was for patients to get well enough to be able to be referred back to their original care setting.

Members asked how care differed between the secondary and tertiary wards. ELFT officers said that the ward offered separate suites and staff that were better trained to deal with challenging situations.

Considering dementia is a degenerative disease, Members asked how realistic it was that patients could be moved back to their wards. ELFT officers explained that challenging behaviour was the primary reason why specialist support was required and it usually subsided after one or two years because of the nature of the disease. This meant that the patients were ready to be moved back to their prior care arrangement.

It was noted that a capacity modelling analysis had taken place on future demand, including a profile on the aging population. Presenting officers were confident that future demand could be accommodated. They said there was provision for up to five flex beds and many of the patients at Sally Sherman were due to go back into community care thus increasing the capacity. 

With regard to journey times, officers said they had mapped a journey time of less than 45 minutes between the sites using public transport and were willing to provide a free taxi service to family members. A Member expressed concerns saying that 45 minute journey was unrealistic, especially if the visitor was disabled as this would add to the journey time.

Members asked what would happen to the staff at the Thames Ward. Officers explained that many of the staff would be transferring to the Sally Sherman ward. The transfer of staff and savings made from the closure of the Thames Ward would mean further upskilling opportunities for staff and a multi-disciplinary staff set.

It was noted that engagement had been conducted with the family of the patients affected at the Thames Ward and there had been an offer for family members to tour the facility. The Committee was also offered the opportunity to tour the facility. Members thanked ELFT for the invite and said they were interested in an organised visit.

ELFT officers confirmed that their attendance at the Committee would constitute part of their engagement activity. The formal consultation would be conducted directly with the family members of the affected patients. They sought endorsement from the Committee on the consolidation of the wards.

Members asked if this was the final phase of consolidation because prior to the current proposal, Cedar Lodge was incorporated into the Thames Ward. ELFT confirmed that it was the final consolidation in the three east London CCG area and there was no intention to move patients across borough lines.

Members asked what the future plans for the Thames site were. Officers said they did not know. The site belonged to Barts Health and would be released back into their care.

The Chair thanked ELFT representatives for their presentation and said he would be in touch regarding a visit to Sally Sherman Ward.

ACTIONS:

1. Committee Member site visit to Sally Sherman Ward to be organised
2. A decision on whether to endorse the proposal to be made by the Chair at the end of November.

RESOLVED:

1. To note the ELFT proposal to consolidate dementia and challenging behaviour inpatient wards.