Agenda item

This is the public consultation document describing the proposals being put forward to improve stroke care across West Surrey.

Declarations of interest:

None

Witnesses:

Dominic Wright, Chief Executive, Guildford and Waverley CCG

Giselle Rothwell, Head of Communications and Engagement, NW Surrey CCG

Vanessa Harding, Stroke Services Programme Manager

Matthew Parris, Evidence and Insight Manager, Healthwatch Surrey

Nick Markwick, Co-chair, Surrey Coalition of Disabled People.

Key points raised during the discussion:

1.    The Head of Communications and Engagement began by informing Members that the public consultation had opened on 6 February 2017 and would be running for 12 weeks, with a closing date of 30 April 2017.  She stated that local stroke groups, voluntary groups, patients and their carers were all being consulted, and that road-shows at hospitals and shopping centres had also been arranged as a way of engaging the wider public.

2.    A witness raised concern regarding the response times for ambulances, particularly in the Waverley area.  Members noted that whilst SECAmb were meeting the national target, response times in Waverley were below target.  The Chief Executive for Guildford and Waverley CCG agreed that response times were of concern, and confirmed that the CCG was taking action within the contract.  He also explained that given its rural location, the CCG was looking to help itself by utilising first responders from within the local community in recognition of the below-average response times.

3.    Members expressed concern that the infrastructure in some areas meant that ambulances could get caught up at certain times of day.  Witnesses were unable to comment on the satellite navigation system, although it was explained that SECAmb had a system in place to plan routes to avoid traffic calming measures.

4.    Members noted that under current plans, Waverley stroke/cardiac patients were directly transferred to Frimley Park’s hyper-acute stroke unit (HASU).  The Chief Executive explained that he was aware that it was not a perfect solution, however it was within the key two-hour treatment time as recommended by the South East Coast Senate of Clinicians.   

5.    Members noted that service users and members of the public had stated that home visits for more than two months following a stroke were less important.  It was suggested that more emphasis on aftercare and additional support within the community was important so that patients did not feel abandoned by the health system.

6.    The Stroke Service Programme Manager explained that the premise of the new model was to reduce the length of stay in hospital.  It had been recognised that community-based rehabilitation had led to faster recovery times.  Early Supported Discharge (ESD) was currently available to 25% of patients, and the ambition was to increase this to 50%.  There were plans in place to grow the team to enable the increased availability of ESD to be achieved. 

7.    Members questioned whether the 350 people that had been consulted in 2014-15 was a statistical representation.  The Head of Communications and Engagement explained that getting responses to consultation had sometimes proved difficult.  She explained that the sample would be expanding to 1500 in order to test initial proposals, with all groups of characteristics across the population being consulted. 

8.    A witness from the Surrey Coalition of Disabled People explained that some people found it difficult to cross the county to access services.  The Patient Transport Service had been problematic and therefore provision of multiple therapies in one location would be preferable.  The Chief Executive assured the Board that the CCG intended to deal with the transport issues and identify accessible locations as part of this process. 

9.    Members questioned whether 12 engagement events was considered to be enough.  The Head of Communications and Engagement explained that there was room in the diary for more events to be scheduled if required, although this would incur additional resourcing costs.  She explained that the CCG intended to attend Patient Participation Groups as they generally enabled more discussion, thus allowing the CCG to be more responsive. 

10.  A Member suggested that the Board should take a pro-active approach, attending community centres and helping residents complete their consultation forms, enabling a better response rate and getting their voices heard.  The Head of Communications and Engagement encouraged Members to signpost residents to the consultation by promoting it on social media or during conversations with their constituents.

Recommendations:

The Board recommends:

• That the Chairman follow up with the CCG and SECAmb on progress to address the response time issues faced in Waverley;

• That the Board receive a briefing on the consultation feedback received regarding support required following discharge, and the subsequent changes proposed in response to this.

The meeting was adjourned at 11:00am and resumed at 11:10am