Agenda item

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 also disappointed with this decision.

Councillor M.J. Peers outlined his concerns around referrals being made to transfer patients across the border to England uncertainty remained on whether payments for treatment provided would be received.  He felt that clarification on this matter had not been forthcoming from the BCUHB.

Councillor H.G. Roberts outlined his concerns around the proposals for Neonatal Intensive Care Services and was disappointed that this service, under the current proposals, would be lost from both the Wrexham Maelor and Glan Clwyd Hospitals.

Councillor A.P. Shotton, Leader of the Council congratulated residents of Mold and Flint for the campaigns they had fought on the proposals for their community hospitals and recognised that Flintshire County Council had put forward the views of all residents across Flintshire as part of the consultation process.  He also commended all Members for the way in which they had worked together in formulating the Councils response to the proposals.  He said that many of the Councils questions around HEC and Neonatal Intensive Care Services remained unanswered.  On the proposals for Deeside Community Hospital he was also disappointed that the original proposals had been removed but said that the Council had previously made clear that the service to be provided at Deeside should not be at the expense of the current Minor Injuries Services provided at Mold Community Hospital. 

In response to Councillor M.G. Wright’s previous question, Councillor Shotton explained that given that CHC was now the key statutory consultee on the proposals it was not appropriate at this time for his to meet with the Minister for Health and Social Services to outline the concerns of Flintshire County Council. 

            The Chief Executive confirmed that responses would be provided on all questions and issues previously raised where a response had not already been provided. 

RESOLVED:

(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.