Agenda item

Update by Director, North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board

The Director, North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board provided an update on Urgent and Emergency Care Access. A presentation and stakeholder briefing (previously circulated) accompanied the update.

It was reported that a review of demand in urgent and emergency care by the Integrated Care Board had been undertaken over the past 18 month period; during this period services had seen an increase in demand across the region; this increase was thought to be due to confusion regarding access to urgent care services; and it was noted that services in Stockton, Hartlepool and Darlington differed to those in Middlesbrough and Redcar and Cleveland.

Scrutiny were informed of the proposed new model of integrated urgent care service which had been developed by groups of local Doctors and Nurses who deliver urgent care services; the key changes included a new Integrated Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) at The James Cook University Hospital and increased opening hours at Redcar Primary Care Hospital, providing 24/7 access to urgent care for all residents of South Tees and the wider Tees Valley; and the benefits of the proposed new model were outlined.

Reference was made to the engagement activity being undertakenwhich would help to inform the development of proposals; and that feedback would be collated, key themes identified and shared.

Discussion ensued regarding lack of services for the residents of Guisborough and availability of public transport to access services; the Director assured Members that the proposed new model would provide a standardised offer, ensuring all residents across the Tees Valley would have the same access to the same high standard of urgent careand that a transport study had been commissioned to identify gaps. A Member from Middlesbrough Council informed the Committee that residents of Middlesbrough were in support of the proposals.

Following concerns raised regarding long wait times for NHS111 services Members were informed that work was underway to increase the capacity of NHS111. Further discussion ensued regarding the NHS111 service including the need to improve comms/messaging in relation to accessing urgent care services via NHS111. It was suggested a workshop be arranged for Members respect of 111 and urgent care services.

RESOLVED – (a) That the Director, North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board be thanked for his informative update.

(b) That a workshop be arranged for this Scrutiny Committee on the 111 and Urgent Care Services.