To receive an update from the Trust.

The Committee considered an update on the operational and financial performance of the Trust to the end of June 2009 together with a summary briefing on key developmental issues.

Mr Woodford, Chief Executive, presented the update, commenting briefly on the report.  He highlighted a significant overall increase in patients requiring admission, above planned levels, and the financial implications this would have.  He expressed disappointment with some of the findings of the in-patient survey, part of the national survey programme, which were at variance with the hospital’s own view, but emphasised that an action plan had been agreed to address those areas where patients clearly felt performance was below average.  He also drew attention to the challenging financial situation.  He informed the Committee of the Trust’s response to the Healthcare Commission’s report on mid-Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust reporting that an action plan was in place to look systematically at mortality rates to ensure that the Trust had taken the correct steps in each case.

In addition he updated the Committee on progress in the development of the new Cancer Unit reporting that work was due to commence on site in the New Year and also the planned provision of radiotherapy services now scheduled for 2012.

He reported that the Trust was prepared to respond to the Swine Flu pandemic and had contingency plans in place.

In the course of discussion the following principal points were made:

·                In response to a question about the increase in patient numbers it was stated that this experience was shared across the West Midlands and there did not appear to be any single condition responsible for the increase. 

·                Asked about the risk adjusted mortality rate Mr Woodford noted that there were various ways of calculating this figure.  The Trust’s performance compared well with peer groups.  However, the key was to look at performance of individual specialisms, which the Trust was doing.

·                In reply to questions about delayed patient discharges from the hospital Mr Woodford said that there was good co-operation with the Primary Care Trust.  However, the assessment was that 20-25 beds at any one time were occupied by patients who need not be there.  He commented on improved arrangements to ensure discharges were not delayed by the need for patients to wait for medication before they left hospital, adding that a complete redesign of the discharge process was underway on which he would report back.  The Director of Integrated Commissioning added that there were pressures on the community hospitals in addition to the acute hospital that needed to be borne in mind.

·                In relation to finances Mr Woodford replied that £4.5 million of savings needed to be found before the year end against a budget of £107 million.  The Trust was behind target in delivering its savings plan.  One of the reasons was pressure on medical staffing budgets caused by sickness and recruitment problems, a national issue, which had necessitated the appointment of more expensive locum staff.  The focus in seeking to deliver the savings plan was on achieving savings without reducing the quality of service.

The Committee noted the position and the issues upon which further information would be provided in the next update.