Agenda item

The Panel considered the report of Chair of NHS Southampton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) seeking the Panel’s consideration and comment on the draft Primary Medical Care Strategy for Southampton

Dr Mark Kelsey - Deputy Chair of the Southampton CCG, John Richards – Chief Executive of the Southampton CCG, Stephanie Ramsey - Director of Quality and Integration, Ali Howett – Primary Care Lead for the Southampton CCG, Dr Chris Budge – GP Bath Lodge Practice, Harry Dymond – Southampton Healthwatch and Claudia Murg – “we make Southampton” were present and, with the consent of the Chair addressed the meeting. 

The Deputy Chair of the Southampton CCG outlined aspects of local and national context that set the basis for the strategy.  It was explained that the national shortages of GPs was reflected locally.  The CCG were trying to make it as attractive as it could to take up practice locally and it was explained that the cluster form of working provided a supportive environment that enabled GPs to specialise. 

The Panel noted that whilst the majority of public interaction with the health system was through their GPs, Primary Care only consumed a relatively small percentage of the national NHS budget.  In addition it was stated that GP practices were in fact separate businesses that had their own constraints and demands such as staffing costs, IT and the management and ownership of premises. 

The Deputy Chair of the CCG set out how the Strategy sought to increase collaboration with pharmacists, social care agencies and within the local health networks in order to improve the quality and quantity of care provided.  It was noted that this collaboration would have to include matters like information technology and the sharing of information.  Panel Members were concerned that the use of IT should not make it more difficult for the public to access health care or for professionals to provide care.  It should be used to enhance the ability of GPs and pharmacists to provide care and advice without undue burden on their time or their budgets. 

The Panel discussed the rules regarding merging and closing GP practices and noted the level of control that the local CCG would have, should the practice decide to close or merge. 

Panel Members drew attention to the fact that the Draft Strategy did not reference collaboration between GPs and dentists within the City and suggested that future drafts of the strategy explore the potential scope for this collaboration. In addition it was noted that the final version of the strategy could be supported with a number of frequently asked questions and a glossary of terms.

It was explained that Healthwatch Southampton were generally in favour of the Draft Strategy but, sought a greater clarity on the role of the public within the next steps sections of the strategy.

RESOLVED

(i)  that the Panel considered the report on the draft Primary Care Strategy and requested that NHS Southampton CCG give consideration to including the following within the Transforming Primary Care in Southampton Strategy:

a.  context to the issue of ownership and payments for GP premises;

b.  detail on the increased demand on GPs over the past 5 years;

c.  reference the potential scope for collaborative working with dentists in Southampton;

e.  include a frequently asked questions section (FAQ) or a Glossary of terms that helps to answer some of the fundamental questions relating to roles, responsibilities and finances within the NHS relevant to primary care.

(ii)  That the Panel would consider matters relating to telecare and information technology at a future meeting.

NOTE: Councillor Baillie declared an interest as a local pharmacist but did not withdraw from the meeting.