Issue - meetings

The Chief Executive and Director of Community Services to give a verbal report on the implementation of the decisions of the Board on the service review reports presented to it on 18 January, and on the arrangements for service transition. The decisions of the Board and the background reports are available on the Board's website - http://tinyurl.com/b5jvmkv

(a)       That the verbal update be noted; and

(b)       That the Chief Executive and Leader of the Council commence urgent dialogue with the BCUHB to identify land in Flint for the creation of a Primary Health Care Facility.  Two nominated representatives from Flint Town Council should also be invited to participate in those discussions and pressure should be put on the BCUHB to seek capital funding through the Welsh Government (WG) to deliver the facility. 

The Chief Executive provided a verbal update on the implementation of the decisions of the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (Board) on the service review reports presented to it on the 18 January, and on the arrangements for service transition.  The decisions of the Board and the background reports were available on the Board’s website.

            The County Council considered and recommended its formal response to the BCUHB review at its meeting on the 25 October, 2012.  The areas of concern outlined within the formal response were as follows:-

·         Neonatal Intensive Care Services

·         Vascular Services

·         Homes Enhanced Care (HEC)

·         Hospitals in our community

·         Transport

The Chief Executive reported that the Community Health Council (CHC) was now the key statutory consultee on the Board decisions and the Council must await their response to the board and any objections to be made to Ministers.  A response from the CHC was expected around the 1 March, 2013. 

Assuming that the proposals of the Board were approved all North Wales Local Authorities would be working with the Board on a number of risks/assumptions which may have financial implications for the Council.  It was not clear at this stage what the full costs of introducing HEC would be.  On the proposals for Community Hospitals, consideration would also need to be given to ensuring that no changes would be put in place until suitable services were available.

The Chief Executive confirmed that Members could submit their own comments/concern on the proposals directly to the CHC.

Councillor L.A. Aldridge thanked the Chief Executive for the detailed update.  He proposed that the Chief Executive and Leader of the Council commence urgent dialogue with the BCUHB to identify land in Flint for the creation of a Primary Health Care Facility.  Two nominated representatives from Flint Town Council should also be invited to participate in those discussions and pressure should be put on the BCUHB to seek capital funding through the Welsh Government (WG) to deliver the facility.  This proposal was seconded by Councillor C.A. Ellis.

The Chief Executive commented on the Board’s previous commitment in delivering a Primary Health Care Facility in Flint and said that the proposal would enable a debate to begin on how this could be achieved, taking into account lessons learnt in delivering the health facilities in Connah’s Quay and Buckley.

Councillor C.A. Ellis confirmed that she was the representative of the Council on the CHC but explained that the decisions on the proposals of the Board would be made by the Executive Committee of the CHC.  She also confirmed that as the Chair of the Social & Health Care Overview & Scrutiny Committee she had asked the Chief Executive to invite representatives of the BCUHB to a special meeting of the Committee to discuss the proposed changes. 

Councillor P. Shotton outlined his disappointment on the decision to reverse the original proposal to open the un-commissioned minor injuries unit at Deeside Community Hospital.  His comments were echoed by Councillor Dunbar who was  ...  view the full minutes text for item 111