Agenda item - Development of an Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) at the Royal Sussex County Hospital

Report of the Executive Lead, Strategy, Governance & Law (attached)

7.1       This item was introduced by Ashley Scarff, Director of Partnerships and Commissioning Integration at Brighton & Hove CCG.

7.2       In response to a question from Cllr O’Quinn on waiting times, Mr Scarff told members that waiting times remain a problem for the local health and care system, but that the Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) should help ‘stream’ patients to the most appropriate treatment settings, relieving some of the pressure on A&E.

7.3       In answer to a question from Fran McCabe on staffing for the UTC, Mr Scarff told the committee that this would be closely watched. The UTC has the same staffing model as the current Urgent Care Centre (UCC) which offers very similar services. The current prediction is that there will be the same volume of activity as experienced by the UCC, but a potentially different patient case-mix. Co-location with A&E helps with staffing as additional capacity is generally available close to hand.

7.4       In response to a query from Ms McCabe as to how booked and un-booked patients would be managed, Mr Scarff responded that this will be refined during the planning for implementation between now and when the UTC opens, once the UTC is in operation patient feedback can be collated. Walk-in patients will be able to in effect book an appointment on arrival at the UTC so neither booked nor walk-in patients are advantaged or disadvantaged over one another, they will be streamed on clinical need.

7.5       In answer to a question from Ms McCabe about the possible relaxation of national NHS A&E targets, Mr Scarff confirmed that the targets are being reviewed, but there is as yet no information on what changes may or may not be made.

7.6       In response to a question on media from Cllr McNair, Mr Scarff affirmed that there would be local and regional press campaigns to explain how UTCs function.

7.7       In answer to a question from Cllr McNair about the Brighton Station Walk-In Centre (WIC), Mr Scarff told members that the WIC is a valuable asset, but one that could probably be better used. The WIC is being reviewed and any change plans will be presented to the HOSC in due course.

7.8       In response to a query from Cllr Powell on the accessibility of the UTC, Mr Scarff confirmed that it will be fully accessible, offering the same access and interpretation services as the UCC currently does.

7.9       In answer to a question from Cllr Powell on how well staff have been prepared for the UTC, Mr Scarff responded that the existing pool of UCC staff should have ample time to prepare before the 01 December UTC launch.

7.10    In response to a query from Cllr Grimshaw about people with urgent mental health issues, Mr Scarff told the committee that people calling 111 may be advised to go directly to dedicated mental health services. Alternatively they might be directed to A&E or the UTC; either would suitable as the on-site mental health liaison team will cover both services.

7.11    In response to a question from Colin Vincent on whether more diagnostics capacity would be required at the UTC, Mr Scarff responded that it was anticipated that demand would be similar to that currently managed at the UCC.

7.12    In answer to a question from Cllr Druitt on readiness, Mr Scarff told members that 21 of the 27 UTC requirements have been met to date. The remaining requirements relate to the booking system and are on schedule to be met prior to opening.

7.13    In response to a query from Cllr Powell on scheme costs, Mr Scarff responded that these would not be significant as the current UCC provides almost all UTC services. There may be some minor capital spend required.

7.14    In answer to a question from Cllr Powell on staff involvement, Mr Scarff responded that there would be no change to staff rotas in moving from the UCC to the UTC. There has consequently been no formal consultation with staff, but there has been engagement.

7.15    RESOLVED – that the report be noted and that the committee agrees that the plans to develop a UTC do not constitute a substantial variation in services.