The Committee considered the report of the Members of the Francis Report Scrutiny Panel providing background information regarding the Final Report.

Members of the Panel had met a range of witnesses throughout the course of the Review and thanked all those who had assisted in the review by giving their time, experience and suggestions.

The Final Report, ‘The Implications of the Francis Report for Wirral’ was attached as an appendix to the report.

Members indicated that the Panel had been satisfied that Wirral University Teaching Hospital and other health services in Wirral provided a safe environment and high standard of care with excellent systems in place. The Panel had been impressed by the eagerness of the Hospital to improve care. 

A Member commented that one of the recommendations within the report highlighted the need for elected members’ role to reflect the views of their communities; this had not been done by Mid Staffs.

Dr Phil Jennings, Wirral CCG, commented that he was pleased that the Group had come to the same conclusion as the CCG, and urged the Committee to look at the wider remit of patient contact aside from the hospital. 

In response to a Member in relation to the outcome of the Friends and Family Test, Mr David Allison, Chief Executive, Wirral University Teaching Hospital indicated that the hospital had been chosen to undertake this pilot and he was pleased that the test had been improved. Mr Allison indicated that the A&E target over the winter period was of concern but that the targets set in relation to admissions and alternative services had been met. Those wards that had scored high were to be used to share best practice throughout other wards within the hospital.

In relation to the Francis Report, Mr Allison indicated that he was pleased to note that the CQC had rated local hospitals Arrowe Park and Countess of Chester highly (Band 6) which was great news for the Wirral. He suggested that the Committee may wish to look at other health services where less regulation took place.

Ms Val McGee, Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Trust, indicated that her organisation had not been scrutinised at the same level, however, they did apply the recommendations from the Francis Report to their services, in particular mental health. The CWP also had its own inspection regime and Friends and Family Test.

Mr Hodkinson, Director of Adult Social Services indicated that throughout this review a broad range of organisations and service providers were interviewed by Members and the final report made some good recommendations incorporating the comments made within the Francis report.

Further to the comments made by members and Health partners, it was suggested and agreed that a Panel to look at the performance of health services be established.

RESOLVED: That

(1)  the contents and recommendations of the implications of the Francis Report for Wirral Review be noted;

(2)  the implications of the Francis Report for Wirral Report be referred to the next appropriate Cabinet meeting;

(3)  an update report regarding the progress being made towards the implementation of the recommendations be presented to this Committee in approximately one year; and

(4)  Alan Veitch, Scrutiny Support Officer be thanked for his support and guidance in completing the review;

(5)  a Panel be established to look at the performance of health services for Wirral, Members of which be requested to report back to the Committee with their Terms of Reference in April 2014.