Issue - meetings

To consider progress with the review and future timetable.

It was noted that City University had been in contact and it was hoped that they would attend to next meeting on 18 December to provide independent expert input. 

Preliminary consideration of evidence by the Panel to date suggested that there was an issue with information gathering and sharing. In addition, interventions were not always proven to be effective and there were a lack of resources for support groups. The complexity of many of the issues being considered by the review was a challenge for the Panel. 

The Panel noted that the Alzheimer’s Association and Age Concern had not been able to attend the meeting and agreed that they would be invited to come along to the next meeting on 18 December instead.

It was agreed that future meetings of the Panel would begin at 18:00 hrs in order to assist in enabling Members to attend all of the meeting.

To consider progress with the review and future timetable.

It was noted that independent expert advice has been sought from the City University, where there was a centre with a specialism in primary care and ling term conditions.  If this option did not prove to be fruitful, other options would be explored. 

On particular area that could be considered by the Panel was the issue of telecare.  This involved the use of IT to monitor remotely vital signs from patients in their home and could be particularly useful in cases of hypertension, diabetes, asthma and heart failure.  There was specific grant funding available from the Department of Health for local authorities to fund such innovations.  In addition, the report by Professor Ara Darzi (Healthcare for London  - A Blueprint for Action) recommended that PCTs and local authorities develop joint action plans to address long term conditions.  It was agreed that this and the issue of telecare would be raised with Adult Services and Haringey TPCT to see if any local action had already been taken on these issues. 

To consider progress with the review and future timetable.

Noted.