Lorna Quigley, Chief Officer, for Wirral Clinical Commissioning Group, commented that the NHS has not been part of Area Forums for a while.  She appreciated the opportunity to speak at this meeting and would be happy to continue the involvement at future meetings, if that would be useful.

Lorna explained that currently health services are delivered to the public by a Primary Care Trust [PCT].  Under an Act of Parliament, from April 2013, the PCT will cease to exist and Commissioning Groups, formed by local GPs, will be responsible for purchasing health care on behalf of the public.

All the GP practices in Wirral have signed up to be part of the Wirral GP Commissioning Consortium.  GPs will also work in smaller groups because the health care needs in one area will be slightly different to those in another area. 

The consortium will be responsible for commissioning [planning, buying and managing contracts for] the services that people need and ensuring that they are absolutely safe, of good quality, and delivered to the highest standards.  To quality assure services, it is necessary to work with patient groups and have feedback from patients.

GP practices are setting up patient groups to give patients the chance to learn more about healthcare locally and suggest ways in which services can be improved for the patient.  Members of the public are encouraged to contact their practice to find out more.

Lorna continued that the Neighbourhood Plan includes a suggestion that the opening hours at the walk in centre in Eastham could be extended.  Although she was unable to say that it would happen, it will be reported back as a concern for the people of Bromborough and Eastham.  She gave an undertaking to come back to the Area Forum with a response. 

The NHS is going through some fundamental changes, and although it might not be possible to give people everything they ask for, it does want to have people’s views.  Everything is new, and many things need to be sorted out, but if invited back, Lorna would be pleased to give further updates as the changes progress.

Councillor Mitchell stated that people in the local area and beyond fought long and hard for an outreach clinic in this area.  He sought reassurance that services would continue to be delivered locally.

Lorna replied that one of the key objectives of the commissioning group is to make services more accessible and closer to patients’ homes and there are no plans in the immediate future to de-commission or reduce any services that people already have. 

Councillor Gilchrist stated that people have reported experiencing delays in getting through to local practices by telephone, underlining the need for something that is accessible and easily reached in Eastham.

Lorna replied that the NHS monitors GPs’ appointments and waiting times every six months to ensure that patients get appointments with the GP or practice nurse when they require them.

Councillor Gilchrist replied that appointments can only be monitored for those who manage to get through to the practice; but the concern is about those people who cannot get through. 

Lorna agreed that it would be really difficult to audit that, given the lack of data.  If anyone could suggest a solution to the problem, it would be really useful.

A member of the public stated that she was unable to get an appointment with the GP over a bank holiday weekend.  She was directed by the receptionist to the walk-in centre where she received a diagnosis and prescription within 25 minutes.

Lorna stated that she was pleased to hear a report about a positive experience, and in response to a question, she stated that there are no plans to change the out of hours service.  The NHS has a responsibility to ensure that the 24-hour cover is provided across the whole economy.

A member of the public stated that a promise was given for a minor injuries unit and accommodation was found at Clatterbridge.  The accommodation was used for other purposes and people were told, ‘you have a walk-in centre, be grateful’.  People are grateful, but they still don’t have a minor injuries unit and they have to travel, at considerable cost, to A&E at Arrowe Park, and then wait for about four hours before they are seen.

Another member of the public commented that it is unreasonable for parents with young children to wait two weeks for an appointment.  There is a very real need for something in South Wirral.

Lorna replied that people should be able to get an appointment with their GP when they need it.

The Chair thanked Lorna for the presentation.