Issue - meetings

With the assistance of a report by the Head of Environmental & Community Health Services to consider a response to the Cambridgeshire Primary Care Trust’s consultation: ‘Seeking Sustainable Health Services for the People of Huntingdonshire’.

Authorised the Director of Operational Services, after consultation with the Leader, to make representation to the Cambridgeshire Primary Care Trust based on the representations suggested in the report.

With the aid of a report by the Head of Environmental and Community Health Services (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) the Cabinet considered a suggested response on behalf of the Council to a consultation paper issued by the Cambridgeshire Primary Care Trust entitled “Seeking Sustainable Health Services for the People of Huntingdonshire”.

Having considered the proposals outlined in the paper Executive Councillors agreed that any service changes for Hinchingbrooke Healthcare NHS Trust should not reduce the quality and accessibility of services for residents in Huntingdonshire. 

With regard to the comprehensive strategic review planned by the Strategic Health Authority, the Cabinet felt that it would be inappropriate for this to proceed given the recent review and the negative impact which another exercise could have on local hospital services.

On the issue of the future of the Hinchingbrooke Healthcare NHS Trust, Executive Councillors commented that the dissolution of the Trust would result in a loss of accountability and would be detrimental to the local management and coordination of healthcare in the District.  At the same time, Members recorded their concern that the paper did not address future population growth given the proposed increase in new housing for Huntingdonshire and the impact this would have on service requirements.

Finally, having expressed their support for the efforts of personnel at Hinchingbrooke hospital in performing their duties, the Cabinet

RESOLVED

that the Director of Operational Services, after consultation with the Leader, be authorised to respond to the consultation as outlined the report now submitted and in the light of the deliberations by Executive Councillors.