Issue - items at meetings - Update on PLACE assessments of BSUH

20.1      Ms Fagge introduced the PLACE report to members; there were mixed results across the Trust. The assessment was based on what is actually seen on the assessment day – some of the results were unexpected for example the lower cleanliness records at RACH.

The Trust was very grateful to all of the assessors who took part. Revisits will take place in March 2015, all HWOSC members were welcome to take part in the training.

20.2    Members commented and asked questions

• Councillor Marsh has taken part in the assessments on a number of occasions; she was always amazed at what could be achieved within old substandard buildings. Staff do their best to make the environment as positive as possible.

• Members queried the drop in results for the Sussex Eye Hospital. Steve Gallagher, Operational Director Facilities and Estates, said that there had been a period of minor improvements to the Eye Hospital but it needed a major facelift- there was a £3 million programme planned for February- September 2015. This would include reconfiguring outpatients and orthoptics and replacing the roof and windows.

·         Some members said that they found the Eye Hospital chaotic with long delays to be seen. Mr Kershaw said that the appointment booking system had been recognised as an area that needed to be improved urgently – this was being prioritised.

Toys in the Eye Hospital had been replaced with washable ones  - a cleaning rota had been implemented too.

• Members asked about the lower results for the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital particularly in light of it being a new building. Mr Gallagher said that there had been a recurring problem with the glass atrium which leaked. On the day of the PLACE inspection there had been heavy rainfall leading to rain coming through the atrium. It has since been repaired, under the PFI contract – and the Trust felt more confident that it would withstand the winter weather.

There is also a long term solution involving replacing the roof with a higher pitched one – this would be replaced next summer by the PFI contractors as part of the contract arrangements. The contract has penalty mechanisms which have already been applied; the contract is closely monitored every month.

• Members asked about the Sussex Orthopaedic Treatment Centre results. Karon Goodman, Compliance Manager, BSUH said that there will be clearer rotas for changing cubicle curtains.

• Mr Kershaw commented that cleaning is managed for the Trust by Sodexho – they work together to maintain standards. They will continue to monitor the results closely until the Trust is happy with the standards throughout. The Trust can make changes to the contract requirements as necessary and is looking at all options going forward.

Mr Kershaw also added that the visual appearance of a building would not affect its infection control system – the Trust was working very hard at its infection control standards.

20.3    The Chair thanked everyone for their input. It was an interesting topic, though it was always important to be mindful of the subjectivity of assessors.  HWOSC would continue to monitor this going forward.