Agenda item

The Board considered a report of the Strategic Director, Communities which gave Members a summary of the Quality Accounts 2010/11 for Warrington and Halton NHS Foundation Trust.

The Board was advised the Quality Accounts summary detailed a comparison between 2009/10 figures and 2010/11 figures for various subject areas, for example, infection control, pressure ulcers, Thromboprophylaxis, falls, Hospital Standardised Mortality Review (HSMR), along with a narrative for each area.

Mr David Melia, Director of Nursing, Warrington and St Helens NHS Foundation Trust attended the meeting to present the report,  Mr Melia outlined the issues and priorities that had been identified last year for improvement and provided assurance on performance in respect of:-

• Infection Control;
• Hospital acquired pressure ulcers;
• Falls;
• The Hospital Standardised Mortality Review;
• The significant improvement in reducing the number of cardiac arrests in hospital;
• Complaints;
• The PALS Service; and
• The National In Patient Survey 2010.

The following comments arose from the discussion:-

·        Clarity was sought on the procedures that were in place for when a patient used their call bell, In response, it was reported that one of the priorities for the organisation was to look at ways of freeing up nurse time to enable them to have more control of their wards, spend more time with patients and relatives and undertake regular ward rounds.  This would result in nurses being more aware of any issues/concerns that a patient may have and reduce the need for that patient to use a call bell.  It was noted that this would present a challenge.  However, it was also noted that work was being undertaken with staff to identify areas of duplication, work processes and what activities take nurses away from providing clinical care;

·        It was noted that a recent unannounced inspection had shown that staff were very responsive to the needs of the patient and the dignity in care for older people had received an endorsement;

·        It was noted that there had been some improvement in electronic systems such as the transfer of images between the sites, but as yet electronic records had not been developed;

·        Clarity was sought on whether there were any action plans for the eight target areas.  In response, it was reported that each area was project led, with clear aims and objectives and a monitoring process in place.  It was suggested that this information could be presented to a future meeting of the Board;

·        Clarity was sought on the information relating to falls – out of the 55 patients, how did they fall, where they alone when they fell and the age range.  In response, it was reported that the detailed information was available on the website.  Members requested the link to the website and it was agreed that this would be circulated to all Members of the Board;

·        Clarity was sought on MRSA procedures in relation to informing family members or carers when the patient was discharged from hospital, In response, it was reported that this raised issues of confidentiality and the patient would indicate who they wished to be informed of their condition.  However, universal precautions were undertaken to minimise the risk to patients and their families / carers etc;

·        It was noted that a question had been submitted prior to the meeting and a response provided which had been circulated at the meeting and attached as Appendix 1 to the minutes.

RESOLVED: That

(1)                     the report and comments raised be noted; and

(2)          Mr Melia be thanked for his informative verbal presentation.