Agenda item

The Panel will receive an update from the Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) on current issues.

Dr Ian Orpen, addressed the Panel. He apologised for not being able to attend their July meeting and said that he had met with the majority of members since to brief them regarding the Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire (BSW) CCGs Merger Consultation.

A copy of the update can be found on their Minute Book and as an online appendix to these minutes, a summary of the update is set out below.

Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire (BSW) CCGs Merger Consultation

During June and July 2019, the Governing Bodies of the three CCGs each met in public and approved plans to apply to NHS England and NHS Improvement to establish one single commissioning organisation for BSW.

GPs across BSW were consulted with to seek their feedback and to consider and respond to points raised. The LMC ran a formal vote on our behalf, which closed on 17 September 2019, to ensure that member practice support is demonstrated in line with each CCG’s Constitution.

Following the GP vote, on 25 September 2019, the Governing Bodies of the three CCGs met in common to sign off our application submission. We will now submit a formal application to merge our CCGs to NHS England and NHS Improvement and we anticipate confirmation of their decision in October.

Winter Planning Update

BaNES CCG is part of the BSW Seasonal Influenza Task and Finish Group, who are coordinating the flu campaign across BSW. The BSW flu vaccination campaign 2019/20 aims to promote flu vaccination uptake amongst the following three groups:

1. Under 65s at risk (those with long term health conditions, those who are pregnant etc.)
2. Carers
3. Social care providers.

CCG and B&NES council staff based at St Martin’s hospital have again been offered their free flu jab, in line with our objective to ensure as many staff as possible are vaccinated. 

He urged those who are eligible and in need to receive the vaccination and stated that it was not possible to catch the flu from the vaccination.

EU Exit Update

The effect of a no-deal EU exit has been spelt out in an open letter to MPs by The King's Fund, The Health Foundation and Nuffield Trust. The letter summarises the four major areas where the impact of a no deal EU exit could be felt most sharply in health and care: a risk of intensifying the staffing crisis, shortages and price rises for vital supplies, the need to care for returning emigrants, and funding shortfalls at a time when health and care need it most.

Councillor Liz Richardson asked how confident he was with regard to Brexit and the impact that will have on staff and supplies.

Dr Orpen replied that a great deal of time and effort has been put in place on this matter to minimise the impact. He added that of course he was not in a position to give a direct guarantee, but urged people not to stockpile the medicines they receive.

Councillor Paul May asked if under the proposed new model of CCGs B&NES residents could retain the same standards.

Dr Orpen replied that patients should not see a difference in the standards and services they receive. He said that it was more about an ethos of learning from each other and working collaboratively.

Councillor Jess David asked if it was known who had voted against the merger.

Dr Orpen replied that the vote was taken in private. He added that the figure of 89% was a clear majority to proceed.

Kevin Burnett asked if there were good reasons for the merge to take place.

Dr Orpen replied that there was, in particular the collaboration of knowledge and expertise across the three areas.

Councillor Paul May commented that he was pleased to see the recent appointments to the BSW executive team.

The Chairman thanked Dr Orpen for the update on behalf of the Panel.