Agenda item

Purpose of the report:

This briefing note is to update Board members with recent information as to South East Coast Ambulance Service’s (SECAmb’s) performance, outline the findings of the recent CQC inspection and the Trust’s plan to address the issues raised. Alongside this a further update is provided as to the risks associated with patient handover delays at acute hospitals.

Declarations of interest:

None.

Witnesses:

Jon Amos, Acting Director of Commissioning, South East Coast Ambulance Trust

Key points raised during the discussion:

1.    The Acting Director of Commissioning began the item by giving the Board a brief introduction. It was noted that Geraint Davieshad given his apologies for the meeting. The Board was informed that a further response would be published following the Care Quality Commission (CQC) report and that improvement actions in response to the report recommendations were ongoing.

2.    The Acting Director of Commissioning spoke of challenges around commissioning and the strains of finances and resources. The Board was then informed of challenges that the South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb) faced. It was highlighted that activity had risen by 6-7% while funding had only been increased by 2%.

3.    The Acting Director of Commissioning reassured the Board that SECAmb were very aware and honest with the challenges they faced. It was highlighted that there had been significant changes in leadership, and that the Trust were working more closely with commissioners and NHS England through a Strategic Partnership Board in order to combat previous challenges. It was confirmed that the actions plans would be in the public domain.

4.    The Acting Director of Commissioning stated that the Trust’s improvement plan addressed many problems that would improve the service, it was highlighted that these were not quick fixes. It was confirmed that SECAmb would work closely with the Strategic Partnership Group and would share reports with the Wellbeing and Health Scrutiny Board.

5.    The Board asked if SECAmb intended to improve how complaints were dealt with, and if they are aware of what the public were saying. It was explained that SECAmb was redeveloping the complaints process.

6.    The Board discussed staff bullying as highlighted in the CQC inspection, and the increased expectation of staff in the service to report same. The Acting Director of Commissioning informed the Board that new training was being undertaken to encourage greater challenge of behaviours amongst staff. It was also highlighted that a HR advisor had been appointed to the Trust’s board, in order to ensure that there was collective learning from bullying and harassment issues.

7.    The Board discussed how data could be presented by the Trust to improve understanding and relay specific and relevant information.

The Board asked why quarterly Quality Review meetings had been stopped as it allowed the Board to feedback on issues and concerns. It was explained that the Acting Director of Commissioning was not aware of this and would look into getting it reinstated.

8.    The Board raised a question on the number of new ambulances and trained paramedics and other ground staff. The Board was informed that paramedics were challenging to recruit. It was outlined that SECAmb was planning on recruiting 200 extra paramedics over 2016. The Board was also informed that a lease had been granted to recruit from abroad.

9.    The Board queried what was being done to identify good practice in hospital handovers, and what role it could play in helping increase the profile of best practice. The Acting Director of Commissioning outlined that there was a range of different handover practices in place, and that a balance needed to be struck between rapid assessments and ensuring that patients were being supported. It was noted that the Key Performance Indicators were being reviewed and likely to change in the near future.

Recommendations:  

·         That progress updates from the Strategic Partnership Group are shared with the Board as appropriate

·         That SECAmb and representatives with the Board recommence quarterly quality review meetings

·         That the Chairman meets with SECAmb in three months for an update on progress.

·         That SECAmb provides a report in six months outlining the following:

-       Progress against action plan

-       Key priorities for the next six months

-       Evidence of improvements brought about as result of changes in the complaint procedure