Issue - meetings

The Board received a presentation from Mr D Tanner, Head of Commissioning, NHS Halton and St Helens and Mr David Lyon, GP, Castlefields, Runcorn on the changes to community nursing services provided by Bridgewater Community NHS Trust which had resulted from the redesign and re-specification of those services.

 

The presentation:-

 

·        Explained the background to the redesign and re-specification of the services;

 

·        Highlighted the reasons why change was required i.e.

 

o       There were multiple specifications;

 

o       Perceived disconnection between General Practice and community nursing teams;

 

o       Increasing potential for duplication and overlap;

 

o       Artificial boundaries leading to multiple visits; and

 

o       A recognition that there were opportunities to develop a more holistic approach;

 

·        Gave details of the Integrated Nursing Team i.e it would comprise of district nurses, community matrons, treatment rooms, phlebotomy and practice nurses and would focus on practice population and be based in GP practices wherever possible;

 

·        Explained that there would be four teams in Runcorn, and four teams in Widnes;

 

·        outlined the changes for patients i.e.

 

o       A more holistic approach – potentially fewer visits / appointments;

 

o       24/7 service;

 

o       A single point of contact; and

 

o       Greater consistency; and

 

·        Highlighted how the redesign of the service fitted into future developments i.e.

 

o       The foundation for integrated Community Multidisciplinary Teams – including social care;

 

o       with current integration plans and developments in Halton; and

 

o       with Pro-Active Care |model (Mersey Cluster PCT), home based holistic are, managing long term conditions, reducing unplanned admissions and reducing re-admissions.

 

The Board welcomed the report and noted the numerous benefits for patients having an individual identified as their single point of contact to meet their care requirements.  The Board also noted that a wider team was available should there be any difficulties such as a breakdown in the relationship between the patient and nurse or covering sickness absence.

 

RESOLVED: That

 

(1)                     the presentation and comments raised be noted: and

 

(2)          Mr D Tanner and Mr D Lyon be thanked for their informative presentation.