The Sub-Committee received a presentation on the provision of Acute Care a summary of the points raised is set out below:

The Sub-Committee:

v  Noted that Barts Health NHS Trust (i) provides acute medical services for patients who require short-term care for urgent or emergency conditions; (ii) a consultant-led service that provides rapid assessment and treatment for patients with urgent and emergency conditions.

v  Noted that some patients will go home after their visit whilst others will stay in hospital where they will receive the care that they need on a specialist medical ward. An acute medicine consultant quickly assesses each patient – and may also see a specialist doctor, such as a cardiologist, within 24 hours.  Following an assessment, the patient may receive immediate treatment or be admitted for further care on one of our specialist medical wards. Many patients are able to go home with 12 hours and are provided with access to support services if they need them.

v  Noted that Barts Health NHS Trust (a) offer dedicated short stay units, for patients with urgent and emergency conditions, who need to stay in the hospital. If further hospital care is required, then the patient will be admitted to one of the Trusts specialist medical wards; and (b) provide a network acute medical care from the Royal London services that which reach out beyond Tower Hamlets (e.g., Newham and Whipps Cross University Hospitals).

v  Noted that the Trusts objectives mirror those of Tower Hamlets together in that it wants to be an inclusive organization, improve the health and care services of the local population.

v  Noted that the Trusts intends to build effective partnerships and hence engagement with the Sub-Committee and Tower Hamlets together.

v  Noted that it is the Trusts ambition to get benefits in terms of continuity, safety, and quality of care for patients as well as being providing well-being and an improved environment for staff and as referenced previously the Trust has built up some really good partnership working through the pandemic.

v  Noted that the Trust is very keen to build upon this good work with partners to promote careers at the Royal London and Mile End, be that clinical or nonclinical as well.

v  Noted that the Trust is very keen to be part of the future plans in respect of how services will be sustained given the population growth.

v  Noted that at Mile End the Trust plans to create a diagnostic centre of excellence that will provide easier access for residents to attend and have a diagnostic tests that will then hopefully expedite any pathways that they might require.

v  Agreed that to have effective health care patients need to have trust in the health system and health care professionals

v  Indicated that with unemployment remaining a persistent issue in the Borough, apprenticeships within the NHS are becoming an increasingly valuable career path.  The apprentices will gain skills and knowledge to provide support to ensure the delivery of person centred, holistic care, addressing individual needs and requirements to an NHS standard.

v  Noted that the Trust uses contractors to undertake a wide variety of different tasks.  This ranges from support services such as cleaning and catering, security, porterage, and waste disposal through to technical works such as electrical or building repairs and major construction.

v  Commented that it wished to see the Trust encouraging local entrepreneurs and voluntary sector organisations to become contractors and sub-contractors as a solution to unemployment and economic hardship within community.

v  Agreed that a budding local entrepreneurial scene within the Trust can also enhance the sense of community about the Borough.

v  Indicated that another important aspect is for already existing contractors and sub-contractors to open their doors to young, interested minds through intern programmes or traineeships.

v  Agreed that the Council has a key role in encouraging the Trust to  shop locally for goods and services as this not only boosts the economy and supports local entrepreneurs, but also nourishes the community and lowers the carbon footprint of businesses and voluntary sector organizations. The Trust should celebrate neighbourhood businesses and important decisions such as investment and other key development issues should be left in the hands of those who know the area and who will also feel the repercussions of such decisions.