The PDF file may not be suitable to view for people with disabilities, users of assistive technology or mobile phone devices. Please contact catherine.cumberlidge@nhs.net if you would like this document in an accessible format.

The Executive Medical Director, Wirral University Teaching Hospital presented the report of the Medical Director and Chief Nurse which provided the Quality Account (2023-24) of Wirral University Teaching Hospitals (WUTH) NHS Foundation Trust for approval.  The Quality Account highlighted the progress of the quality priorities agreed for 2023-24, the details of the agreed quality priorities for 2024-25 and provided an update on work that had been undertaken, the progress made in improving the quality of WUTH’s services and identified areas for improvement. It was highlighted that two of the 2023-2024 quality priorities had been fully achieved and particular thanks was given to partners in the Local Authority for the success of the transfer of care hub.

There were three quality priorities for 2024-2025: management of deteriorating patients and WUTH was a pilot sight for Martha’s rule which encouraged parents or carers to escalate concerns; further work around communication and discharge and the patient portal would help greatly as patients could now view their discharge letters; incidence of C-Difficile which was high on Wirral and it was reported that WUTH were working with the Integrated Care Board and the Community Trust on how to reduce the impact on patients.

Members asked about the routes out of hospital and whether the provision was of the right sort. It was explained to Members that the Local Authority had worked with WUTH to develop a strong partnership and they were focussing on admission avoidance. There was sufficient capacity in the domiciliary care market to facilitate the discharge from hospital.

Members asked about the timing of framework applications, and market sustainability was discussed.

Winter preparedness as a system was discussed and the plans within the hospital to create capacity with appropriate staff and virtual wards with a multidisciplinary team. The Associate Director of Quality and Safety Improvement discussed winter preparedness and highlighted that it was about communicating with people about keeping well which included keeping warm, vaccinations and protection from flu, COVID and respiratory infections.

Members discussed the pressure to recruit staff and the low uptake of flu vaccinations by staff.

Members also asked about the release of paramedics on arrival at hospital.

Resolved - That the contents of this report for information be noted and approved.