Agenda item

Key Issues

The Chief Officer for Aneurin Bevan University Health Board (ABUHB) Community Health Council (CHC) was invited to the meeting to provide an update on the work of Community Health Council.

Member Scrutiny

After receiving a presentation, Members commented and asked questions as follows:

A Member referred to the role of the CHC representing the interests of the public to the ABUHB and questioned what its stance was on the removal of minor injuries units in Monmouthshire to Nevill Hall Hospital.  It was responded that the CHC is heavily involved, working with the ABUHB, in the implementation of any service changes to ensure that patients’ views are taken into account. 

It was additionally queried how members of the public obtain and input information as the CHC meetings are not open to the public.  In response, it was explained that awareness of the CHC is a challenge and high on its agenda but added that when people need its services, they tend to find it (evidenced by the fact that over 500 complaints about ABUHB services are dealt with per year).  Additionally, it was explained that CHC has 42 members (10 living in Monmouthshire) and they are expected to engage with the public as part of their role.  There is an engagement schedule for the year to encourage interaction at e.g. local forums, luncheon clubs etc. 

It was confirmed that quarterly CHC meetings are open to the public and are advertised to encourage attendance.  It was added that there are vacancies currently and new members are sought.

A Member asked how effective the CHC is when dealing with patients’ concerns (e.g. GP surgery hours, vacant practices and out of hours cover) and what realistically can be done.  In response, it was explained that when CHC is aware of issues, it can make recommendations to ABUHB which will provide an action plan to rectify the problems raised.  It was confirmed that GP sustainability is a key issue and that CHC is heavily involved in panel meetings with Primary Care and sits independently on the local medical committee to ensure that there are fair processes concerning these matters.  It was added there is also a GP access survey available online and some responses may lead to further investigation and engagement with patients.

A Member suggested provision of a monthly health clinic at the Raglan livestock market for basic health assessment.  It was agreed that the CHC would pass this suggestion on to ABUHB.

It was observed that the CHC holds the role of supporting people with complaints about ANUHB services.  It was reported that some patients had reported that it can be difficult to make complaints, and had added that the CHC is too close to ABUHB so there was no point in complaining.  The Member further referred to some research previously undertaken by the CHC on waiting times in hospital clinics questioning the standard of the work.  

In response, it was confirmed that the CHC is an independent statutory organisation. It was recognised that there is an ongoing need to demonstrate the CHC’s independence providing the example that the name itself causes confusion.  This fact is acknowledged across Wales and is under current consideration.  It was explained that the CHC has a critical friend role and ABUHB takes note of the issues raised and addresses concerns accordingly.  It was explained how complaints are made and the support provided by four advocates who will guide the patient through the process.  It was emphasised that the advocates will not, however, offer an opinion on the complaint.  If the individual is unhappy with the outcome from the ABUHB, the patient will be supported to elevate the matter to the Ombudsman.                                                                                                                                                                                             

It was agreed that the query regarding research will be considered outside of the meeting and assurance was provided that research and projects are undertaken thoroughly.

A Member observed that the CHC needs more publicity.  It was agreed that more publicity would be beneficial, in particular for the advocacy role.  It was confirmed that three elected members are members of the CHC. They undertake visits on its behalf and can also convey comments to the CHC.  The Member reported on the success of patient participation groups in the south of the county and encouraged this approach. 

It was queried why some CHC meetings are not open to public.  In response, it was confirmed that the CHC is constituted according to regulations which denote which meetings are open and those that are not.  It was suggested that a higher level of scrutiny (similar to Select Committees) in CHC meetings to better hold the ABUHB to account. 

In response to a question, it was confirmed that CHC continues to have involvement with the media and also has members from town and county councils.  The CHC also participates in national projects that have included ophthalmology, children and adolescents, dementia and care of the elderly.

The Chair responded to a Member’s question that the ABUHB minutes of June 2011   referred to the closure of the Minor Injuries Unit in Chepstow and it was clear that the      CHC advised that there was no need for public consultation.  It was added that if the CHC is serious about maintaining an overview of services in the area, it should be less biased on patients and should concentrate on the needs of populations.  It was suggested that the CHC should ask ABUHB, why nothing has happened since the withdrawal of services and why there has been no communication to residents regarding what to do in the event of minor injuries.