Issue - meetings

To receive the briefing from NHS Haringey on the management of high impact users of healthcare.

The Committee received the update report on the management of high intensity users of healthcare introduced by James Slater (Director of Commissioning, NHS Haringey).  The Committee noted that the report was in draft format and the final version would be circulated  

In addition to more effective arrangements for the role of the Community Matrons,  monthly meetings between the Director of Adult Services, Mr Slater and Andrew Williams (Interim Joint Chief Operating Officer NHS Haringey and Islington) had been established to discuss priority areas and a joint action plan would be brought to the Overview & Scrutiny Committee once finalised.

The Committee noted that Clinicenta was an independent sector healthcare provider, commissioned at pan-London and North London level, and funded by “top-sliced” PCT monies.  As such, NHS Haringey was commissioning a range of community-based services from Clinicenta, in addition to the services provided by NHS Haringey itself.

The Committee questioned the authority that would be given to Community Matrons.  Mr Slater explained that the role of the Community Matron would be to support, encourage and assist people to remain in their homes.  Their authority included a duty to act on issues such as neglect or abuse.

In response to the Committee’s concerns Mr Slater recognised that stroke rehabilitation had to be more local. He described the work being done across London regarding stroke e.g. the hyper-acute units into which local rehabilitation services would fit within a clear “pathway”.

The Committee noted that swine-flu vaccinations were currently being distributed to hospitals and GPs.