Agenda item

Specialised Commissioning have committed to updating the Select Committee regarding progress with the new Bath Renal Unit.

Fiona Hughes, Specialised Commissioning – South West Hub introduced this item to the Select Committee. She said that she was pleased to be able to report that the new dialysis unit is intended to be at 36 Box Rd, Bathford, Bath, BA1 7QH.

She stated that planning permission has been submitted for the site (Reference: 19/00759/FUL) and that full plans and artists view of the outside of the unit are now on the noticeboard at the RUH site and a copy of the drawings of the outside of the unit were attached with the report. She added that a decision was expected towards the end of April.

She explained that updates to both staff and patients were ongoing and that an open day was planned to take place.

Councillor Lin Patterson commented that she was worried that the site to the North East of Bath would be an issue for patients without cars to access.

Fiona Hughes replied that for most patients there will be a reduction in travel time and that public transport links are in place and that she could provide more information regarding this.

Councillor Geoff Ward said that he was supportive of the move and that Box Road is accessible to patients from Bath and Wiltshire via public transport. He added that he initially had concerns as there is limited off street car parking in the area, but that sufficient on site provision for patients and staff to park has been made in the application. He said that the local Parish Council were in support for such an important facility.

Fiona Hughes confirmed that the planning application includes provision for 20 on-site parking spaces.

Selena Riggs, Head of Supplier Management, Specialised Commissioning said that the majority of patient transport will remain in place, but that the on-site provision may see more patients choose to drive. She added that it was acknowledged that staff find it difficult to park at the RUH.

Councillor Robin Moss said that in his opinion it was good to see a facility situated outside of central Bath. He agreed that access to the RUH is a real issue, but stated that public transport will not work for a number of patients.

Dr Ian Orpen said that if granted this will be a good outcome for the service as it is not possible for it to remain within the RUH. He added that it is hoped that the new facility will go some way to normalising the condition.

Selena Riggs said that the proposed model will be replicating others across the country.

Councillor Bryan Organ commented that recent discussions had taken place regarding patient transport. He asked when the site would be operational.

Fiona Hughes replied that the intention is to be operational from September 2019.

Councillor Organ invited her to attend the next Community Transport meeting which recalled would take place on April 5^th.

Fiona Hughes replied that if she could be given further details of this meeting she would check whether she would be able to attend.

The Select Committee thanked her for attending and for her report.