Agenda item

To receive a presentation by Dr S Dunn, Hinchingbrooke Next Steps Project Co-ordinator, East of England Strategic Health Authority and Ms J Bawden, NHS Cambridgeshire on the future governance arrangements for Hinchingbrooke Hospital. A report outlining the proposals is enclosed within the papers.

30 Minutes.

The Panel received a presentation by Dr S Dunn, Director of Strategy and Hinchingbrooke Next Steps Project Co-ordinator for the East of England Strategic Health Authority, on forthcoming proposals for the future governance and operation of Hinchingbrooke Hospital. Ms J Bawden, Director of Communications, NHS Cambridgeshire was in attendance for this item. The Panel also received and noted a report by the Head of Administration (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) which contained details of the background to and issues associated with the governance of the Hospital and the associated consultation.

Dr Dunn reported upon the outcome of the formal public consultation led by Cambridgeshire PCT on the future of clinical services provided at the Hinchingbrooke site. The second of the options identified for the purpose of the consultation, which sought to provide broadly the same range of services at lower volumes through redesign of services across the hospital and the community setting, had emerged as the preferred option. In order to take this proposal forward, the Panel were advised that, following the formation of a Project Board and Project Team established under the East of England Strategic Health Authority, a number of governance models for the Trust had been explored and a franchised agreement for a defined period had been selected as the preferred model. Dr Dunn outlined the main features of an operating franchise, its potential strengths and the competitive process through which a franchisee would be identified.

Subject to the Government accepting the new governance arrangements, extensive consultation was planned prior to their introduction. Having been apprised of details of the proposed approach to public engagement that it was intended to adopt, Members noted a proposal for a Stakeholder Panel to be established, which would aim to brief, involve and consult with interested groups and parties. Dr Dunn reported that the Stakeholder Panel would be chaired by the District Council’s Chief Executive.

A number of questions were raised by the Panel, particularly with regard to the potential of the competition exercise to facilitate the repayment of the Hospital’s existing debt and enable future subsidy of services should market testing establish that it was required. Members also discussed the role of the Government and the course of action should the Government not approve the franchise proposal. In response to expressions of concern, it was reported that the range and quality of services would be ensured by the contract specification, which would be part of the Stakeholder Panel’s deliberations. It was expected that patient choice would make it possible to attract greater numbers of patients. Following a further question, Members were reassured that there was no intention to sell any land or buildings currently in the Hospital’s ownership. Having also been assured that a franchise was a robust model employed by other Strategic Health Authorities, the Panel was advised of the cost of the process to date and the likely timescale for its completion.

The Chairman thanked Dr Dunn and Ms Bawden for their attendance at the meeting.