Issue - meetings

The Panel considered the report of the Chief Executive and Chief Nurse of Solent NHS Trust informing the Panel of the findings from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection report published in February 2019.

Sue Harriman- Chief Executive Officer, Jackie Ardley, Chief Nurse and David Noyes, Chief Operating officer (Solent NHS Trust) were in attendance and, with the consent of the Chair, addressed the meeting.

The Panel discussed a number of points including:

·  The Trust’s achievement of a rating of good by the CQC.  The Trust outlined areas where the performance rating had improved or reduced.  The Panel were reminded that the previous CQC inspection had judged the Trust as “requiring improvement” and the Panel noted the positive trend;

·  The complexity of service provision for looked after children in the City. Panel Members indicated that provider responsibilities could be unclear;

·  The Panel noted the work that the Trust undertook with those with learning disabilities but were concerned about the levels of support for residents with autism; 

·  The Trust detailed its community engagement programme noting how it’s actions and methods were being developed to ensure a wider range of engagement takes place;

·  How the trust was increasingly working across the health and care system to integrate services. The Trust detailed examples of closer integration with its health partners;

·  A concern whether postal code affected the services received by patients.  It was explained that this was not the case but that within the geographical area covered by the Trust different services were provided in accordance with the contract specifications from the CCGs and local authorities. There was no discrepancy between postcodes within the City; and

·  Workforce challenges were acknowledged as a concern by the Trust.  Plans to address workforce issues were detailed.  The challenges were noted and identified as a real concern.  However, the Trust explained that one of the challenges was the retention of staff and that the Trust had received positive responses from recent workforce surveys that had given the Trust increased confidence in their ability to retain staff.. 

RESOLVED that:

(i)  the Panel noted the report and congratulated the Trust on the Solent NHS Trust Care Quality Commission Inspection report, and the improvements in the period 2016-2018: and

(ii)  the Solent NHS Trust provide the Panel with a briefing note on the services that Solent provides for Looked After Children in Southampton, including some of the challenges and forthcoming developments within this service area.