Issue - meetings

To receive the report from NHS representatives informing of the establishment Joint Provider Board.

The Committee received the report, presented by Andrew Williams (Interim Joint Chief Operating Officer, NHS Haringey and NHS Islington), informing the Committee of the development of the Provider Services Alliance for both Haringey and Islington Primary Care Trusts (PCT).  The Joint Board was responsible for the provision of local community health services and looking at how value can be added to the social care function in terms of integrating services for the benefit of service users and reducing costs by working together.

The Committee questioned how the Joint Provider Board could work when the social needs, budgets and levels of service for Haringey and Islington were different.  Mr Williams acknowledeged that PCTs receive allocations based on the national NHS funding model which affects the funding available to commission community health services. He explained that services were still borough-based with separate budgets and discussions were held with commissioners and partners about local needs as well as regular meetings with Cabinet Members and Directors of Social Services. 

Mr Williams confirmed that both PCT Boards had agreed a memorandum of understanding, which provided a process for resolving any conflicts should these arise between the PCT's and all major service and organisational decisions were made in public by the PCT Boards. 

The Committee expressed concern that conflicts in pay for roles attracting Inner London Allowance could see staff from Haringey move to Islington.  Mr Williams recognised that staff moved for a number of reasons and this was an issue in Haringey, Islington and other PCTs regardless of whether there were joint provider boards. There would be no changes to staff contracts and all staff would be treated equally according to NHS terms and conditions of employment. One of the benefits of the Provider Services Alliance was the ability to offer a wider range of professional development opportunities for staff in both Haringey and Islington which in turn improves access and choice for patients.

RESOLVED

That the report be noted.