(a)        Chair’s Introduction

Prior to the consideration of the matters set out in the agenda, the Chair outlined their expectations of the standard of conduct and behaviour to be shown at the meeting.

(b)        Apologies for Absence

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor C Campbell (Substitute: Councillor A Dear), Councillor M Faulkner-Hatt, Councillor K Murphy, Councillor D Poulton and Councillor D Richardson.

(c)        Vice-Chair

In the absence of the Vice-Chair, Councillor D Poulton, it was agreed that Councillor S Nadeem would undertake the role of Vice-Chair for the duration of the meeting.

The following interests were declared at the meeting:

(a)       Councillor J Harland, Minute No. 17 (Outcome of public consultation regarding Community Hospital Services in Mid and South Essex) – son employed at Southend Hospital.

(b)       Councillor S Habermel, Minute No. 17 (Outcome of public consultation regarding Community Hospital Services in Mid and South Essex) – family members employed at Southend Hospital and NHS.

(c)       Councillor L Salter, Minute No. 17 (Outcome of public consultation regarding Community Hospital Services in Mid and South Essex) – family members employed at Southend and Basildon Hospitals and at a GP practice in the City.

(d)       Councillor C Nevin, Minute No. 17 (Outcome of public consultation regarding Community Hospital Services in Mid and South Essex) – employed at a different NHS Trust to that which was being discussed, has family members employed by NHS Mid and South Essex and an ex-employee of the same trust.

As this is a special meeting of the Committee, questions must relate to business included in the agenda for the meeting, in accordance with procedure rule 8(a), as set out in Part 4(a)(iii) of the Council’s Constitution.

There were no questions from members of the public relating to business included in the agenda for the meeting.

The Chair noted that minor typographical errors had been corrected.

Resolved:

That the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on Wednesday 28^th August 2024 be confirmed as a correct record and signed.

A presentation from NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board regarding the public consultation about proposed changes to services at local community hospitals in the area it serves.

The Committee received a report from NHS Mid and South Essex ICS regarding the outcomes of the public consultation on proposals for future arrangements for inpatient services at community hospitals, freestanding midwife-led birthing and other patient services.

It was reported that the NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board (MSEICB) had announced a six-month delay in the final decision-making regarding the reconfiguration of community hospital beds, a midwife-led birthing unit and ambulatory care services. The delay aimed to allow further engagement to ensure the final decision was fully informed and aligned with the needs of the local population.

C Hankey (Director of Communications and Partnerships) and Dr M Sweeting (Medical Director) presented the outcomes of the public consultation and highlighted:

·       The reasons behind the public consultation; an opportunity to strengthen stroke rehabilitation services to better support recovery and independence, to ensure that the NHS could meet local demand and to address challenges with estates.

·       The normal operating position of each of the sites, compared to the temporary operational position of Winter 2023/24.

·       The two consultation options:

                         i.         Option A: 50-bed stroke rehabilitation unit at Brentwood Community Hospital, 22 intermediate care beds at Cumberlege Intermediate Care Centre, Rochford and permanently closing the stroke rehabilitation ward at St Peter’s Hospital, Maldon.

                       ii.         Option B: 25-bed stroke rehabilitation unit at Brentwood Community Hospital, 25 intermediate care beds at Brentwood Community Hospital and a 22-bed stroke rehabilitation unit at Cumberlege Intermediate Care Centre, Rochford; permanently closing the stroke rehabilitation ward at St Peter’s Hospital, Maldon.

• The consultation methodology, reach and response rates, 5,544 total survey responses. The ICB acknowledged that initial publicity had not highlighted the implications for the Cumberlege Intermediate Care Centre and the residents of South East Essex; this had been addressed subsequently in social media etc.
• The categorisation of feedback from the consultation into seven overarching themes which between them covered 47 sub-themes.
• The next steps in the decision-making process, which included the proposal to form a working group to inform the next stage of work, to allow for more public and stakeholder involvement and co-development.
• It was expected Terms of Reference and full membership details would follow shortly, but the group was anticipated to include representatives from the NHS, local authorities, community organisation and key stakeholders, which included Healthwatch Southend.
• There was to be no immediate changes to any provision and assurances made that services would continue as they were during the extended engagement period.

The Co-Opted Member (Healthwatch Southend) reported that Healthwatch Southend had written formally to the ICB, stating that it could not support either of the presented consultation options as both would have an adverse impact on Southend residents.  Healthwatch Southend felt that a more holistic approach was required, so that patients could receive care, rehabilitation and support in their own home or local community rather than just a focus on beds. It was recognised by the Medical Director that the direction of travel nationally was to support an early supported discharge pathway.

The Committee asked  ...  view the full minutes text for item 17.