Agenda item

The Committee received a presentation from Dr M Johnston on the Strategic Plan for the Blackpool Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) between 2014–2019. The Plan was aligned with the Better Care Fund Plan and the Health and Wellbeing Board Plans and would ensure an effective commissioning strategy over the next five years.

Dr Johnston explained that proven analysis showed that 48% of the health spend in Blackpool was taken up by 3% of the population and a new model of care was envisaged for that group of patients. This would involve clinicians being based in neighbourhoods caring for patients, rather than patients going into hospital each time. There would be a need for the GP’s to work differently, making better use of community resources. It was explained that by breaking the cycle of reactive interventions, hospital admissions would be reduced by 25% and outpatient and accident and emergency attendances would decline by 20%.

Responding to questions from the Committee, Dr Johnston explained that GP practice registration procedure would remain the same, but there would be more joined up working around the needs of the patient. A primary carer, known as an Extensivist, would be assigned to follow a patient through their care journey, leading to an improvement in continuity of care. The model would initially be piloted in the Moor Park area.

Mr R Fisher, Chairman of Blackpool CCG, continued with the CCG report by informing the Committee that the Governing Body of the CCG was looking to recruit two new lay members, for a three year term. It was explained that their focus would be strategic and impartial, providing an independent view of the work of the CCG that was external to the day to day running of the organisation.

The Committee went on to receive details of the National Eye Health Week campaign, which was running from 22nd to 28th September 2014. It involved extensive publicity in promoting the importance of eye care, which was often related to other underlying health conditions. Responding to questions from the Committee, Ms Skerritt explained that many people would be eligible for free eye tests and she agreed to provide the Committee with a list of opticians who would provide home visits.

Members were then informed of the ‘How Good is Your Memory’ campaign, which had been launched to explain what dementia is; to highlight the signs and symptoms and explain how everyone can lower their risk of developing dementia. Aimed at the age group 50 – 90, it was explained that free memory screening events were taking place across Blackpool as part of the campaign.

To conclude the report, the Committee was informed of and invited to attend a ‘Listening Event’ with the CCG on 17th October 2014 at The Imperial Hotel, Blackpool. The aim of the event would be to provide the public with an update on commissioning schemes and gain feedback on commissioning plans. Feedback would be provided to the Committee at its next meeting in November.

The Committee agreed to note the presentation and report.

Background papers: None.