Issue - meetings

The Board welcomed Lucy Gardner, of Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (WHH), who provided the Board with an overview and presentation of the planned changes in respect to the Reconfiguration of Breast Screening, the Assessment and Symptomatic Services, outcomes from the pre-consultation engagement exercise undertaken and details of the next steps in the reconfiguration process.

It was reported that WHH, in partnership with St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (STHK), currently provided Breast Screening Services (mammography) and Breast Assessment and Symptomatic Breast Services across Warrington, Halton, St Helens and Knowsley.   

Members were advised that WHH had recently completed a period of pre-consultation engagement with the general public, specifically focussing on users of the 3 elements of the current service across the catchment area, as outlined in the presentation (also appended to the report).  This was due to part of the engagement being undertaken during the pre-election period.  They sought the public's view on some service changes that were proposed and which they believed would help improve the quality of the service offered and future proof the service for future years.  

In response to Members questions, the following was noted:

·         The reconfiguration of breast screening, assessment and symptomatic services was a national strategy aimed at consolidating the services to create a centre of excellence;

·         there was a national shortage of mammographers;

·         As well as assessments, treatment would also be carried out in the same building;

·         Access to clinical trials was not available for this at the moment but could be looked at in the future; and

·         No issues had been raised during the consultation from employees with regards to relocation of their place of work.

Overall Members welcomed the reconfiguration of these services and supported them going forward.

RESOLVED:  That the Board notes the report and presentation.