Agenda item

The Select Committee undertook an inquiry into the development of primary care networks in Buckinghamshire last year and this item is an opportunity to review the progress being made in implementing the recommendations which were made in the report.

Contributors

Ms Philippa Baker, Place Director

Mr Simon Kearey, Head of Primary Care Development and Delivery

Cllr Angela Macpherson, Cabinet Member for Health & Wellbeing

Mr Craig Mcardle, Corporate Director, Adults & Health

Ms Sara Turnbull, Service Director, Adult Social Care (Operations)

Papers

6 month recommendation monitoring response table

The Chairman welcomed Philippa Baker, Place Director and Simon Kearey, Head of Primary Care Development and Delivery, to the meeting.

During their presentation, the following key points were made:

·       The inquiry provided important recommendations and progress had been made in various areas, albeit at different rates.

·       The past year had seen 39% increase in the additional roles for PCNs, and approximately 75% of the allocated funds had been utilised. Recruitment challenges in primary care were acknowledged, but progress was still being made.

·       It was crucial to have a diverse range of skills and practitioners to meet the increasing demand and reduce reliance on GPs. This diversity would contribute to the transformation of services and reduce dependence on GPs.

·       The Integrated Care Board (ICB) worked closely with the GP Leadership Group in Buckinghamshire, enabling productive collaboration with GP colleagues. Primary care representatives were included in the recently initiated Buckinghamshire Executive Partnership and the Health and Care Integration Board.

·       In response to several recommendations focusing on engagement with Patient Participation Groups (PPGs), the ICB was developing an engagement strategy which would be presented to the Board in May. Collaboration with the new head of communications would ensure effective engagement with patients through platforms like patient forums.

The following points were noted during the Committee’s discussion:

·       A Member mentioned the need to expand and engage with community boards and neighbourhood groups, as some community boards had not yet reached out to their PCNs. Mr Kearey acknowledged the importance of engaging with community boards and the need for better coordination. He highlighted the challenge that some community boards have sub-boards focused on health and well-being. Members emphasised the importance of facilitating a two-way dialogue between community board members, health partners and PPGs.

·       A Member highlighted the importance of population health management and obtaining up-to-date data on the various needs in different areas. They noted that some of the data published by the Council was outdated, and that data should be provided to PCNs and community teams to identify gaps and improve patient outcomes, particularly in rural areas.

·       The importance of engaging with PPG chairs was highlighted. It was suggested that meetings between PCNs and PPG chairs be held to allow patients to have a voice at both the practice and network levels.

·       A Member highlighted the importance of the clarity of information shared to patients, noting the high amount of acronyms and technical terms used in healthcare which needed to be conveyed clearly to the public.

·       The Chairman commented on recommendation three in the report, which asked for a annual report outlining PCN performance (including staffing, PPG development) to be developed for the Select Committee meeting, when it considers the 12 month update on the recommendations.

·       A Member raised concerns about the funding to Healthwatch Bucks in supporting the PCNs and PPGs in Buckinghamshire compared to the other authorities within Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care System (BOB ICS).   It was noted that funding for Healthwatch had been regularised for the ensuing year, with investments in all three areas of the BOB.  Ms Baker acknowledged the need for the ICB to ensure the patient voice was considered in all areas of governance.

·       The Chairman asked about the current situation with dedicated network managers across all PCNs.  Mr Kearey agreed that the network managers were crucial and advised that three PCNs currently did not have network managers in place, with the role being carried out by practice managers. Although there were no specific timeframes for hiring the remaining network managers, an update on the progress on filling these positions would be provided. Ms Baker added that the original contract did not provide ringfenced funding for the network manager roles.

Addendum  –  two out of the three PCNs, now have a Network Manager.

The Chairman thanked the presenters for their attendance and participation.