Issue - decisions

Jane Shayler (Programme Director, Commissioning) introduced the report.  She referred to the overview on p73 and drew some key points to the Board's attention.  There had been improvements in the Stroke Sentinel Audit at the RUH and also in the number of households in temporary accommodation.  There had been a small increase in delayed transfers to care, but action had been taken to address this in advance of the onset of winter.  There was concern about the number of patients offered a new theatre date following cancellation, which was below target although an action plan was in place to redress this.

Malcolm Hanney observed that on p74 there was a reference to "holding vacancies" and he advised that care be taken to avoid the under-resourcing of admin staff.

John Everitt was concerned about waiting times, which were still too long and asked for an explanation.  Dr Brian Conway added that there were historical capacity problems in some areas, notably orthopaedics.

Jane Shayler explained that some patients had been referred to RUH to alleviate situations where there had been long waiting times; but that this had been costly and had been discontinued.

Cllr Vic Pritchard referred to the continuing unacceptably long delays in provision of wheelchairs which was running at an average of 18 weeks.  Jane Shayler said that the Strategic Health Authority expected an average of 13 weeks.

Board members felt that even 13 weeks was a long time to be without a wheelchair.

The Board agreed to NOTE the performance as described in the report.