Minutes:
Councillor Bell invited provider representatives to deliver updates where necessary.
Justine Richards, Chief Strategy Officer University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire confirmed that the service is very pressurised in terms of emergency flow across the hospital. The service is ready for the electronic patient records (EPR) launch on 15th June 2024 which is a significant moved for the organisation.
Diane Whitfield, Vice Chair, Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust (CWPT) confirmed that there is a huge challenge for the service and demand is increasing across the board. In particular, the demand for children’s mental health services is extremely high with a focus on emergency and urgent pathways.
Ryan Coffey, Programme Manager Gorge Eliot Hospital NHS Trust confirmed that a new ward was recently opened at Gorge Eliot. It was further confirmed that there is an extremely high level of demand, higher than winter across the Trust which has caused a significant challenge with flow and ongoing management of patients. It was noted that there have been high levels of out of area patients, primarily from Worcestershire and Birmingham. Work is underway to look at why this support for other trusts is needed. It was noted that the hospital is currently undergoing an unplanned CQC inspection of general medicine.
Pete Sidgwick, Director of Social Care and Support confirmed that the team is in preparation for CQC assurance. Work is also underway in developing a social care strategy as well as supporting acute trusts to manage flow. Work continues to support people within the community.
Dr Shade Agboola, Director of Public Health confirmed that the service is busy. It was noted that the team is working with the UK Health Security Agency in relation to the increase in cases of whopping cough and to support the communities impacted.
Following a question in relation to the impact of the support from the council in manging that flow, it was confirmed that the help is a co-ordinated effort from many places, and it is helping across the area.
Emma Daniells, Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner confirmed that the increase in crime has been slight, but that burglary of dwelling is one area of concern. It was noted that the calls to 101 have increased over the last couple of months especially last week when the weather improved. There are new processes in place with new high-tech investments that support the triage service. This has meant that the performance level has remained static despite the increase in calls. It was confirmed that the HRMC inspection is expected later in the year. It was further confirmed that morale of the force is good, and that recruitment is good; with many positions now filled and training underway.
Right call right person – ICB – four sections. Primarily to support people suffering with a mental health crisis reach the right person and the right time. Police lady to provide a briefing note to members of the board with all the information.
Chris Elliot, Chief Executive, Warwick district council confirmed to the Board that his teams are working on supporting preventative work and keeping people well. In addition, work with the country parks, and making sure that the infrastructures are in place is also underway. One key area of concern is the rise in homelessness across the county which is currently an area of focus for the council.