Agenda item

The following information outlines the approach to be taken in engaging and consulting with the public and key stakeholders about the proposal for change.

Sarah Merritt, Head of Nursing & Midwifery, RUH and Tamsin May, Head of Communications, B&NES CCG introduced this report to the Select Committee.

Sarah Merritt said that the Maternity Services reconfiguration programme is committed to continuing to engage with all relevant stakeholders. She added that early engagement and involvement has aimed to create an understanding of the challenges faced and the need for change, and contributed to the co-creation of the proposal for change.

She explained that Stage 1 Approval was gained in May 2018, an initial Stage 2 meeting took place in July 2018 and that a further meeting would take place in October to gain approval for consultation.

Tamsin May highlighted some of the guiding principles to the Select Committee.

• We will clearly set out what we are proposing, why these changes are needed, and why we are consulting with patients and the public. People must be very clear how their views and feedback will be used/have influence, and what the full consultation process involves.

·  We will consult with different groups in ways that are meaningful and appropriate for them including face to face meetings and surveys.

·  We will use communications and engagement channels which will provide patients, public and other stakeholders out of area information and opportunity to feedback on the proposal.

·  We will make sure that information and events are fully accessible, and are shared widely over a sufficient time period, so that all groups can fully engage in the consultation process.

·  We will share stakeholder feedback publicly and explain our final decision(s) with honesty and transparency.

She informed the Select Committee that the consultation and communications for the programme is being led by Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Group on behalf of the Bath & North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Local Maternity System. She added that the Wiltshire CCG’s communications team, with the support of the Local Health Economy Communications Working Group (LHECWG), is responsible for the planning and implementation of the consultation plan and approach and will:

• Meet regularly as a local health economy communications and engagement group, and provide briefings and updates to communication colleagues from neighbouring CCG and provider organisations

• Work with Healthwatch and CCG PPE leads to ensure service user voice in discussions and decisions.

• Ensure consultation responses are thoroughly considered and are included as part of the decision making process.

She stated that materials are to be developed to support the consultation will and will include, but not be limited to:

• Core consultation document
• Easy read summary of the consultation document
• Frequently asked questions (FAQs) and answers
• Posters and leaflets summarising key information and signposting to feedback channels
• Dedicated website
• Survey for use online and hard copy.

She said that copies of the consultation document will be distributed to health and community settings and stakeholder groups across the local maternity system area as appropriate. She added that the consultation document will be made available in alternative versions e.g. large print, audio, on request.

She stated that a range of communications channels and methods will be used to target key stakeholders and will include:

·  Website: A dedicated website will be created to act as a central hub for information and associated materials will be published on the site along with dates of engagement events.

·  News Media: Media will be kept informed via briefings and media releases. Media enquiries will be handled in a timely way. Local newspaper adverts may be considered as a way of providing information about consultation events should local coverage (and poster information) need to be bolstered.

·  Social Media: Facebook and Twitter will be used to reinforce and signpost to other channels/information as appropriate and will be monitored for relevant feedback.

·  Engagement events: Specific events will be provided during the consultation.

·  Newsletters: Briefings will be provided for publication in partner and other key stakeholder newsletters.

She explained that responses will be analysed by an independent organisation – The Bath Centre for Healthcare Innovation and Improvement at the University of Bath, to thoroughly and comprehensively analyse all responses to the consultation and provide a consultation report which will be published on the consultation website. She added that we will make clear how consultation feedback has been used to inform decision making.

She said that an Integrated Impact Assessment has been developed with the objective of ensuring the potential impact of any plans on protected groups has been assessed, and identifies those impacted by the proposed changes and ensure they are supported to have their voice heard.

She added that the initial Integrated Impact Assessment has informed the development and refinement of the consultation strategy and plan to ensure a targeted approach to communications and engagement activities.

She explained that clinical teams have been involved in shaping the proposal for change throughout the programme and we will continue to build on this and undertake further engagement with staff, particularly those working in our maternity services. She added that staff engagement will be led by the provider organisations and will be overseen by the LHECWG to ensure aligned messaging and awareness amongst staff on how they can provide their feedback.

Councillor Lin Patterson commented that the input from staff during this process is crucial.

Tamsin May agreed and said that staff had been involved in informal engagement for the past two years.

Councillor Robin Moss commented that the proof will be seen when the proposals are launched on November 12^th as to whether they are a cost saving exercise or seeking to provide a better clinical experience.

Sarah Merritt informed the Select Committee that the Joint Rapid Scrutiny Event was due to take place on 12^th November.

The Select Committee RESOLVED to approve the Communications Strategy and Consultation Plan.