To receive a verbal update on the change of control of AT Medics.
Minutes:
Rachel Lissauer, Director of Integration, Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), provided an update on the St Ann’s GP practice in Haringey run by AT Medics, which runs 8 practices across NCL and then 13 across London. In December 2020 there was an agreed change of control across the company, with a transfer to Operose Health Ltd. Rachel Lissauer stated that the change in control did not change the level of patient care or how this was administered, with the same regulatory system being applied. Role of CCG, permit change of control. It was explained that the CCGs run AT medics and had sought legal advice, to ensure that due diligence was carried out. The various checks were met and therefore the CCG had no basis to refuse the change in control. A number of concerns had been raised, including the transparency of the process. Issues had also been raised around continuity and it was explained that there wouldn’t be a change in who patients would deal with on a day to day basis in relation to practice. Regular reports would also be submitted to the Primary Care Commissioning Committee on performance.
Discussion took place on the Staunton Group practice, as previously raised under urgent business. Rachel provided an update on the current position, however it was noted that there was a limited amount in the public domain. It was explained that a procurement process had been undertaken to identify a new provider and contract. There was an ongoing legal challenge from the previous provider, which had delayed the process. Once concluded, patients and stakeholders would be written to in order to confirm the agreed position. In the interim it had been agreed to extend the existing caretaker arrangements to ensure continuity of care.
Sharon Grant stated that Healthwatch Haringey had received a lot of concerns from patients about proposals at St Ann’s GP practice, as well as PPG members stating that they had not been informed about the proposals. It was felt that local concerns had not been taken into account when the decision was made. There was a fear that this decision would result in a significant change to local services and that future implications had not been not considered, as well as the process not being transparent. Sharon Grant believed that the Health and Wellbeing Board did have powers to refer matters when local concerns had not been taken into consideration and confirmed that she would be writing to the Chair about this matter, on behalf of Healthwatch Haringey.
Sharon Grant also referred to the Staunton Group issue, where huge concerns had been raised by the PPG regarding how recommissioning would be carried out. She stated that patients believed that the process had fallen short of the degree of fairness and there was a lack of transparency surrounding the choice of preferred bidder, as well as poor consultation. It was also felt that the patient feedback regarding the performance of the previous operator had not been taken into consideration. Sharon Grant would also be writing to the Chair about the numerous concerns that had been received by Healthwatch Haringey.
Rachel Lissauer responded to the concerns raised and recognised the issues raised by Healthwatch. She added that the issues raised had also been raised separately and a response provided to those.
Beverley Tarka, Director of Adults and Health, stated that Stephen Lawrence-Orumwenser, Assistant Head of Legal Services, was the legal representative for the Health and Wellbeing Board and requested that the powers of the Health and Wellbeing Board be explored and reported back. ACTION: the legal powers and position to be reported back to a future meeting.
Following on from this matter, Cassie Williams –stated that she was keen to understand how, going forward, commissioners could look at the legal issues around procurement, to ensure a smoother process.
Sarah McDonnell-Davies, Executive Director of Borough Partnerships, also responded to the issues raised regarding the change of control at AT Medics and stated that there was a crucial system of procurement which supported the strategic objectives within the NHS. She stressed the importance of stability in local partnerships and understand all of the concerns raised. She added that there would be the ability to monitor and oversee the offer being provided for patients, which was of upmost importance.
The Chair responded to matters discussed, which had been subject to a lot of discussion from all lead members and Health and Wellbeing chairs across NCL, who were al in agreement that they did not agree with the decision made regarding AT Medics. It was felt that the decision was not in best interest of the NHS in London and resident’s healthcare. One of the concerns was that this was not a one off decision and could represent a pattern of the way health care provision was being provided in the future.
RESOLVED
To note the update.