Agenda item

To receive an overview from Foundation Group Hospitals new Directors; Adam Carson (SWFT) and Catherine Free (GEH).

Russell Hardy introduced Adam Carson, Managing Director of South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust and Catherine Free, Managing Director of George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust, who were in attendance to deliver presentations on their trusts and outline future plans.

Russell provided some background as to how the foundation group had started when he and a colleague had been asked to help at Wye Valley.  It had been recognised that there was no facility in place for providers to share best practice and the work had resulted in setting up joint teams to learn from one another.  This work had continued with George Eliot Hospital and latterly Worcester Acute.  Whilst all of the organisations were still legally autonomous, they had a committee in common as well as joint teams covering a wide range of issues.

Catherine Free addressed the meeting and delivered a presentation on Warwickshire North Place Clinical Strategy.  She advised that the ambition was to become a diagnostic centre of excellence, ensure patients received same day emergency care, deliver integrated care without barriers and improve clinical outcomes by tackling health inequalities.

She went on to outline the Improvement Journey so far, the different phases of development, addressing waiting list backlogs and the work undertaken to reduce vacancy rates amongst staff.

Catherine explained that the trust had identified five ‘big moves’ to underpin the work including creating resilience in the domiciliary care marketplace and embedding prevention in every service.  In summary, she advised that there was a genuine commitment to excel at patient care and whilst finance may be challenging, the trust had a track record for delivering.  In conclusion, they were a sustainable organisation with much to offer the local population.

Adam Carson delivered his presentation, which covered:

The range of acute services provided across Warwickshire;

The trusts ranking from the CQC and NHS Oversight Framework;

Becoming a University Trust in 2022;

Awarded Top 5 best acute Trusts as part f NHS Staff Survey 2022.

The Trusts objectives for 2023/24 were outlined along with how these would be delivered.  Recruitment and retention remained a large challenge and the trust was focusing on growing and developing its workforce. 

Adam explained the current priorities and referred to the level of development work taking place at the Warwick Site.  This was multi-phased with phase 1 due for completion in January 2025.  He recognised the disruption this was causing, especially in relation to car parking and noted the new Lillington Health Hub and redevelopment of the Ellen Badger site.

Work with Place Partners continued, particularly in relation to prevention and how the trust could collaborate on priorities such as mental health, wellbeing, climate change and the cost of living.  In summary, Adam felt the Trust had a strong track record for innovation and improvement and hoped to continue integrating services and partnerships in a challenging financial landscape.

Councillor Bell thanked both Managing Directors for their presentation and was encouraged to hear their future plans and ideas for working with communities.

Chris Bain of Healthwatch agreed but requested that where there were delays in communication, it became all the more important to use clear and simple language.  He was also keen that the interface between mental and physical health be strengthened, with multiple diagnoses.

Councillor Humphreys referred to dementia policies and how not all NHS staff seemed to be aware of the diagnosis or rights of families and carers.  Adam Carson agreed that this was an important area to monitor, with SWFT investing in dementia services and the employment of a new lead nurse.

Councillor Jim Sinnott, Warwick District Council welcomed the ambition to embed prevention in every service and asked that some good news stories be reported back, evidencing where this had been successful.

The Chair also hoped to hear how the work for both Trusts was progressing at future meetings and outlined the recommendations in the reports.

Resolved that

1)    the strategic direction for George Eliot Hospital, is noted;

2)    the Improvement Journey of George Eliot Hospital, is noted;

3)    the role George Eliot Hospital is taking within Warwickshire North Place, is noted;

4)    the strategic direction for South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust, is noted; and

the role South Warwickshire Foundation Trust is playing in wider work across Warwickshire, and within South Warwickshire Place, is noted.