Agenda item

The Committee to receive an update on progress made with implementation of the New Models of Care Approach to allow effective scrutiny. 

Mr Roy Fisher, Chairman of the Blackpool Clinical Commissioning Group and Mr David Bonson, Chief Operating Officer introduced the Blackpool Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) report on New Models of Care and highlighted the progress made since the Committee had previously considered the item.

Mr Bonson advised that the New Models of Care approach aimed to improve integration of care and reduce admissions to hospital. He reported that the extensive care service at Moor Park had been operational since July 2015 and that initial outcomes were positive. He further advised that the CCG was awaiting the outcome of the funding bid to NHS England to allow continued implementation of the approach.

The Committee queried whether the different approach to provision of equipment to patients had increased or reduced costs. Mr Bonson advised that he understood that the closure of the equipment store had resulted in an initial reduction in costs. Following further discussion, it was agreed that a comparison of costs between the new approach and the equipment store would be circulated to Members following the meeting.

In response to a question, Mr Bonson advised that the majority of referrals to the extensive care service would be made by GPs, due to the specific criteria a patient must meet to be eligible for the service. He added that a carer could request that a GP consider referring a patient if they felt the service would be appropriate.

Members discussed the Enhanced Primary Care model and noted the importance of integration of health services with social services and third sector organisations. During the discussion, Mr Fisher advised that a key target of the model was to reduce social isolation.

The Committee queried how the practicalities of integrating teams would be overseen, noting the different organisations and management structures in place for different teams. In response, Mr Bonson acknowledged that different management structures were a complicating factor and that there would be no change to the employment of staff. He added that ultimately GPs would be responsible for patients and would have an oversight of all care provided to a patient.

Mr Bonson further advised that the Lancashire Patient Record Exchange Scheme was currently being developed and would enable improved and appropriate access to patient records for a wide range of organisations including nursing homes. In response to questioning, Mr Fisher advised that further upgrades to Information Technology provision would be undertaken during the summer allowing progress on the scheme to be made.

The Committee queried if any evidence could be provided that the new approach was reducing the number of emergency admissions and was advised by Mr Bonson that there was evidence of an early impact on emergency admissions in addition to a reduction in elective admissions. However, he added that increased levels of participation over a longer time period were required for detailed analysis and complete evidence of impact.

Members requested that the CCG attend a further meeting in approximately six months to present additional patient stories including examples from Enhanced Primary Care in addition to Extensive Services. The Committee also requested that case studies be provided of patient stories where the new approach had not worked in addition to the progress made on implementing the approach, the results of the funding bid and any evidence of impact.

The Committee agreed:

1.      To receive a comparison of costs of the new approach to providing equipment versus the equipment store approach following the meeting.

2.      That the CCG provide an update report to a meeting of the Committee in approximately six months.