To receive apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence had been received from Councillor Chris Schofield (substituted by Councillor Roy Aldcroft).

Members are reminded that they must declare their disclosable pecuniary interests and other registrable or non-registrable interests in any matter being considered at the meeting as set out in Appendix B of the Members’ Code of Conduct and consider if they should leave the room prior to the item being considered. Further advice can be sought from the Monitoring Officer in advance of the meeting

None were declared.

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 28^th March 2022.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 28th March 2022 be confirmed as a correct record.

To receive any questions, statements or petitions from the public, notice of which has been given in accordance with Procedure Rule 14. Deadline for notification is not later than 5PM on Tuesday 10^th May 2022.

No public questions had been received.

To receive any questions from members of the council.  Deadline for notification is no later than 5PM on Tuesday 10^th May 2022.

A Members’ Questions was received from Councillor Kate Halliday in relation to the Health and Wellbeing Hub.

The full questions and responses provided to them are available on the web page for the meeting: Agenda for Health & Adult Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Monday, 16th May, 2022, 10.00 am — Shropshire Council

As a supplementary question, Councillor Halliday asked why Councillors had not been invited to be a part of the meetings which had taken place to discuss the Health and Wellbeing Hubs, and expressed frustration that there had clearly been some debate taking place for a while to get to this stage in the proposals. The Executive Director of Health, Wellbeing and Prevention stated that this should be explored within the next agenda item to understand the process taken to this point in the proposals.

To scrutinise the case for change for the proposed development of the new Shrewsbury Health and Wellbeing Hub for the south of the town  

Members received a presentation from Edna Boampong, Director of Communications and Engagement at Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin ICS and Claire Parker, Director of Partnerships at Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin CCG on the proposals for a Health and Wellbeing Hub in Shrewsbury.

Members were reassured that the ICS were not closing GP surgeries; but relocating six practices into one Hub. A site had yet to be confirmed but that the preferred location would be near to the practices that were involved in the project; those being Beeches Medical Practice, Belvidere Medical Practice, Claremont Bank Surgery, Marden Medical Practice, Marysville Medical Practice and South Hermitage Surgery.

Practices are in varying states of condition - most are either no longer fit to deliver modern healthcare services and/or do not have enough space to meet future demand. The Hub would offer opportunities to expand the services they can offer in a fit for purpose building, which would offer attractive conditions to retain and recruit, as well as a viable option that works best for the current workforce.

Members raised concern regarding the lack of engagement with both the Council and the public on the proposals. An acknowledgement was given and apologies made that engagement had not been thorough and that every effort would be made to ensure all parties were consulted throughout the project. Members were assured that an engagement roadmap would be shared after the meeting. Members were also advised that a Stakeholder Reference Group had been created to deliver an engagement exercise to ensure openness and transparency and that Council representatives were being sought to join the group.

Members noted that a consultation would be taking place between October and December and that the outcome would be brought to a future scrutiny meeting.

Members raised further concerns that there may be travel implications for many patients whose surgery would be relocating and associated costs and carbon emissions. This may deter patients from visiting their GP which is against the emphasis on preventative care.

Members sought reassurance of how the proposals would work in practice. Members were advised that the six practices would operate independently within the hub, however they all work together in the primary care network so are already working alongside one another. It would be down to each individual practice to decide what services they offer and whether they wish to expand.

The results of the Equality Impact Study were requested by Members, together with the Integrated Impact Assessment and carbon study. Members were encouraged to share any issues that have been raised with the existing practices, such as the phone system and prescription ordering as this would be taken into account within the proposals.

Further scrutiny of the decision to reduce services Bishops Castle Community Hospital.

Patricia Davies, Chief Executive of Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust introduced the item which sought to provide members with an update on Bishop Castle Community Hospital following concerns being raised at a previous meeting regarding its closure.

Members were reminded that three main areas had come out of the previous discussions; recruitment, outpatients and services that had been relocated and to where.

Members were advised that a successful recruitment day had taken place on 7^th April and local Councillors were thanked for their efforts in promoting the event. There would be a further recruitment day in the north of the county. It was questioned as to whether registered nurses could be contacted before their registration lapses. Letters would also be sent to bank staff and advertisements for posts would be more entertaining.

It was noted that all services available at the hospital prior to the closure have been retained. It was felt that the public should be made aware of what services have returned and the success of the recruitment campaign.

Members noted that the CCG were working with Shropshire Council regarding integrated services meeting health needs and that they were looking to put a vision together to prevent and deliver care when needed. This would be realistic and sustainable and would focus on patient outcomes.

Members were advised that there was more interest in working at Ludlow hospital as they offer more acute services. It was stated that this was why rotational posts were so important as it was an opportunity to build skills.

Report of the Scrutiny Officer – TO FOLLOW

Contact:  Danial Webb (Tel: 01743 258509)

Danial Webb, Overview and Scrutiny Officer, advised Members that a meeting would be arranged to finalise the work programme for the forthcoming year.

Two suggested topics were an update on the Health and Wellbeing Hub and the Ockenden Report.

To note that the next meeting of the Health and Adult Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee will be held at 10am on Monday 11^th July 2022.

Members noted that the next meeting of the Health and Adult Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee will be held at 10am on Monday 11^th July 2022