Agenda and minutes

To note the names of apologies given and deputy members who are attending the meeting in place of appointed members.

Apologies for the meeting were noted as above.

RESOLVED:

That Councillor Morris be appointed Vice-Chairperson for this meeting of the committee.

To receive any disclosure of interests from Members and Officers in matters to be discussed.

Note:  Councillors are reminded of their obligations to declare disclosable pecuniary interests, personal and/or prejudicial interests in accordance with legislation and the Council’s Code of Conduct.      

If you require advice, please contact the appropriate Democratic Services Officer, prior to the meeting.

There were no declarations made at the meeting. 

The Chairperson advised that the purpose of the meeting was for councillors to be briefed on the proposals on hospital investment from the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board (ICB) and the Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.  The view and comments of the committee would help inform the consultation response made on behalf of the council by the Cabinet Member for Community and Engagement.

To receive and note questions asked and statements made from members of the public on matters which fall within the remit of the Committee.

NB members of the public are required to register with Democratic Services
three clear working days before the meeting

(contact: democracy@winchester.gov.uk  or 01962 848 264).

Max Priesemann, Philip Glassborow, Danny Chambers, Chons Muller, Councillor Wallace, Councillor Horrill and Councillor Lee spoke raising questions and comments in respect of agenda Item 5 as summarised below.

All consultation documents are available here: https://www.hampshiretogether.nhs.uk/

Integrated Care Board papers are available here:https://www.hantsiowhealthandcare.org.uk/icb/integrated-care-board-meetings/navigate/11396/2883

RECOMMENDATION:

1.    That the views and comments of the committee are sought to inform the response of the Cabinet Member for Community and Engagement to the consultation.

The Chairperson welcomed to the meeting Caroline Morison (Chief Strategy & Transformation Officer, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board (HIOW ICB)), Alex Whitfield (Chief Executive, Hampshire Hospitals Foundation Trust), Dr Lara Alloway (Chief Medical Officer, HIOW ICB), Dr Nick Ward (Interim Chief Medical Officer and Consultant Paediatrician, Hampshire Hospitals Foundation Trust), Dr Charlotte Hutchings (GP and Clinical Director for North & Mid Hampshire, HIOW ICB) and Elizabeth Kerwood (Associate Director of Community Involvement, HIOW ICB). 

A copy of the consultation documents and other information had been circulated with the agenda pack.

Philip Glassborow, Max Priesemann, Danny Chambers, Chons Muller, Councillor Wallace, Councillor Horrill and Councillor Lee addressed the Committee and raised the following points and questions as summarised below:

a)    Philip Glassborow

Thanked the NHS for their service, but there should continue to be an Accident & Emergency department in Winchester for two main reasons - access and resilience.  If all emergencies needed go to a new hospital at Basingstoke, this would place a strain on the ambulance service.  The recent critical incident declared at Basingstoke Accident and Emergency due to high levels of attendance indicated that two facilities were better than one. 

b)    Max Priesemann

Whilst supportive of proposals for a new hospital, questioned whether outcomes for the population would be improved and also the evidence that capacity was not achievable at the existing site.  Increased travel to a new hospital may impact on patient waiting times and on the capacity of the ambulance service. Patients and visitors travelling to a new hospital would require a public transport solution to be in place.  Queried why Micheldever had been rejected as a potential site, despite this being central and with good transport links.  There would be more carbon impact from increased travel and building a new hospital.  There should be options to modernise and develop existing sites to match current demand.

c)    Danny Chambers

Thanked NHS staff for their work and referred to the capacity of community health care that meant patients attended Winchester hospital more frequently. The proposals had created anxiety for these residents who may need to travel to Basingstoke for health services. Raised concerns at guarantees of Treasury funding for the project and expectations that a new hospital would be completed by 2032.     

d)    Chons Muller

As the current petition holder against removal of the Accident & Emergency department and other acute services from Winchester, queried whether proposed new facilities at Junction 7 of the M3 would have sufficient capacity. The NHS and the council could work together to revisit land options in the district such as at St John Moore Barracks, Barton Farm and land owned by Winchester College in the north of Winchester.

e)    Councillor Wallace    

Thanked the NHS team for their work in helping residents understand the proposals under consideration.  Pointed out that all three options presented the same outcome for Winchester residents.  Asked for examples of other hospitals that only dealt with planned surgeries. Referred to commitments that the proposals would improve waiting times and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.