(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 M Berry (no substitute) and T Watts (Southend Carers (Co-opted Member)).

The following interests were declared at the meeting:

(a)        Councillor L Salter (Chair) - Minute 766 (Single Operating Model for Pathology Services in Mid & South Essex) and Minute 767 (Mid & South Essex Integrated Care System - Service Harmonisation) - Husband is a consultant surgeon at Southend Hospital; Daughter is a consultant pathologist at Basildon Hospital; Son-in-law is a general practitioner in Southend-on-Sea.

(b)        Councillor N Folkard (Vice-Chair) - Minute 766 (Single Operating Model for Pathology Services in Mid & South Essex) and Minute 767 (Mid & South Essex Integrated Care System - Service Harmonisation) - Relative employed at Broomfield Hospital.

(c)        Councillor B Hooper - Minute 766 (Single Operating Model for Pathology Services in Mid & South Essex) and Minute 767 (Mid & South Essex Integrated Care System - Service Harmonisation) - Director of Blade Education, a not-for-profit company that works with local communities.

(d)        Councillor D Jones - Minute 766 (Single Operating Model for Pathology Services in Mid & South Essex) and Minute 767 (Mid & South Essex Integrated Care System - Service Harmonisation) -  Family member employed as a nurse.

The Committee noted the responses of the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health Integration and the Cabinet Member for Children, Learning and Inclusion, to questions presented by Mr David Webb.

The Committee noted the responses of the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health Integration to questions submitted by Mr James Miller, which were to be sent to Mr Miller as he was not able to be present at the meeting.

Resolved:

That the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 31 January 2023 be confirmed as a correct record and signed.

To receive a presentation from the Chief Commercial Officer of Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust.

The Committee received a presentation from Jonathan Dunk (Chief Commercial Officer) and Andrew Pike (Chief Operating Officer) of the Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, with regard to the proposed establishment of a single integrated pathology service model across the Trust’s hospitals, and the increase in diagnostic capacity in Mid and South Essex through the establishment of new Community Diagnostic Centres.

Members were advised that the Trust currently had differing models of pathology service provision across its hospitals and that the introduction of a single service would offer better value for money and a more joined-up service to benefit patient experience. The Committee was assured that the establishment of a single integrated pathology service would not change facilities where patients were currently already able to access tests and that there would continue to be a variety of pathology services available in community and acute hospitals. The Committee was informed that the Trust was preparing a full business case for the establishment of a single integrated pathology service for consideration by the Trust Board during Spring 2023 which, if approved, would enable a competitive market engagement process to be commenced in June 2023 with the aim of moving to a new integrated service by the end of 2024.

The Chief Commercial Officer and Chief Operating Officer of  the Trust reported that work had also been undertaken to increase diagnostic capacity in Mid and South Essex, through the establishment of new Community Diagnostic Centres (CDCs) to provide diagnosis and treatment services that were more accessible and convenient for patients.

The Committee was informed that  business cases were being developed for three CDCs in Mid and South Essex and that a funding decision was currently awaited from NHS England in respect of the largest planned CDC at Pitsea, which would have the capacity to support residents across South Essex. The Chief Commercial Officer and Chief Operating Officer indicated that the Trust recognised the concerns of the Committee that the proposed CDC at Pitsea would not necessarily mean that additional diagnostic services were more accessible and convenient for all residents of Southend-on-Sea and that, subject to the proposed CDC receiving approval from NHS England, consideration would also be given by the Trust to the supplement of CDC diagnostic capacity at existing health care facilities in areas such as Shoeburyness.

At the request of the Committee, Mr Dunk undertook to provide further detail around the likely future provision of bone density scan (DEXA scan) services and whether such services would be likely to be only available to residents of Southend from the proposed CDC at Pitsea. Mr Dunk also offered to provide the Committee with the results of the analysis undertaken by the Trust around issues such as accessibility, travel times, deprivation and areas of need, that had been considered as part of the planning for the proposed establishment of a CDC at Pitsea.

On behalf of the Committee, the Chair thanked Mr Dunk and Mr Pike for their informative and comprehensive presentation.

Resolved:  ...  view the full minutes text for item 766.

Report and presentation of the Director of Communications and Engagement of the Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board attached.

The Committee received an update from Claire Hankey (Director of Communications and Engagement) of the Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board (ICB), on the findings arising from the consultation exercise held with regard to the proposals of the ICB to harmonise the provision of six service areas (bariatric surgery, breast asymmetry, breast reduction, female sterilisation and tertiary fertility services). Members were reminded that the Committee had received a full presentation from representatives of the ICB on this matter at its meeting on 29 November 2022.

On behalf of the Committee, the Chair thanked Ms Hankey for her update on the service harmonisation proposals of the ICB.

Resolved:

That the analysis of the results of the public consultation undertaken by the Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board with regard to the service harmonisation proposals, be noted.

Note: This is a Scrutiny function

To receive an update on the progress of the in-depth scrutiny project for 2022/23.

The Committee received an update on progress with regard to the in-depth scrutiny project for 2022/23.  

Resolved:

That the report be noted.

Note: This is a Scrutiny function