Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Paul Hayes and Samantha Frost.

The Adult Care and Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee’s views are requested.

The Chair introduced this item, explaining that there had been an extensive consultation which had resulted in a strong response from the public and professionals. The revised plans were approved by the NHS Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) on 9 July.

Dr Paula Cowan, Chair of Wirral Health and Care Commissioning, and Nesta Hawker, Director of Commissioning and Transformation, presented the background on the consultation and the proposals using a presentation (attached to these minutes for information). Survey results and petitions demonstrated the depth of interest in the delivery of health care, and an independent review was undertaken to ensure transparency and avoid bias in the recommendations. Plans were revised as a result and were agreed on 9 July 2018.

At Arrowe Park, feedback from the consultation had been focussed on retention of walk in access, approval of the 24-hour treatment centre, with valuing of all age access, local service, flexibility of appointments and public transport access. There was awareness of the potential issue of public transport access and the need to ensure that it did not affect the aim of providing the best service to patients.

Dr Cowan explained how the usage of Gladstone and Moreton had been examined to determine reasons and patterns for usage and the recommendations met the identified needs. It was acknowledged that educating patients to alternative provision and changes was important and this was planned.

Councillors questioned Dr Cowan on the details and were provided with answers:

·  Extended hours GP appointments would be bookable through existing contact numbers and through the NHS 111 service and access to GPs was an issue being worked on

·  At Gladstone the appointments would be at the Parkfield site within walking distance of Gladstone

·  The new contract for primary care was transforming delivery by broadening the range of alternate provision including physician associates, self-care and social providers as well as GPs which was lessening the pressure on the NHS

·  Peaks and troughs including flu outbreak and Winter increases would be managed better by continual monitoring of demand and by forward planning for anticipated pressures such as vaccinations and managing chronic diseases

·  The date for implementation of the proposals was anticipated as April 2020 and there would be a period afterward for monitoring performance and review

·  Communication was a key aspect to educating the general population to newer roles such as physician associates, and triage would take place in doctor’s surgeries to identify the ideal role to deal with their issue

·  Access by public transport was identified as an issue and a discussion with the council would be welcomed. Pressure may need to be put on operators to provide a service despite them withdrawing several services on the A41

Other witnesses were introduced:

Dr Mark Fraser from the Primary Care Wirral GP Federation then spoke to pay tribute to the CCG on the process and consultation and had concurred that quality access in the local area was a most important aspect and he was happy to support the proposed changes. He  ...  view the full minutes text for item 17.