Agenda item

There will be a report on SCCC implementation of the recommendations of the recent scrutiny report and a report on SCCC transition to full delegation.

8.1  The chair reported that he had been contacted and asked to contribute to a 360-degree review of Southwark Clinical Commission Group (SCCG). The chair also reported that he had been asked to endorse the bid for delegated authority, but he thought that this required more deliberation, given the independent role of scrutiny. The vice chair commented that he would like to consider this further once he had had a chance to review the paperwork.

8.2  The chair then invited Malcolm Hines, Chief Finance officer, and Swann Kieran, Head of Planning & QIPP to present the report on SCCG implementation of the recommendations of the recent scrutiny report, and give an update on SCCG’s transition to full delegation.

8.3  The Chief Finance officer commented that the recent scrutiny report had been very helpful in considering the governance process and the report covers the detail of this. He went on to explain that once the authorisation process is complete the SCCG will be a new organisation, and as such they need buy in from all stakeholders. He went on to explain that all GP practices would be member practices.

8.4   He explained that the  authorisation process follows national guidance with local implementation. Southwark is in the second of four waves and intend to complete the next stage into this process by 1^st September, when the SCCG will submit a portfolio of evidence. This will include a constitution. The chair requested that this be sent to the committee.

8.5  The outcome of the authorisation process will be known by November 2012. The Chief Finance officer explained there is a slight lack of clarity on what that will mean about the status of SCCG , and if they will still be in shadow form.

8.6  He explained that there is a process of seeking views from stakeholders,  with questionnaires going to doctors,  dentists and other stakeholders. A member asked if information is publically available and subject to Freedom of Information enquiries. Officers responded that that they could not be entirely sure, but presumed so.

8.7  The Chief Finance officer explained that appointments are being made now and these will include the posts of chief executive and finance officer. He reported that lay members of the board are also being recruited through an appointment process. He went to explain that they are also seeking a secondary care nurse, but this will not be an appointment from any of the local health trusts.

8.8  A member asked if it is mandatory for all GP practices to join and the Chief Finance officer confirmed it was , but the obligation was on the practices to become members rather than individual doctors.

8.9  The officers were asked how the SCCG would be held to account and it was explained that scrutiny would contribute to this process, and there is accountability through the national commissioning national office.

8.10  There was a question about the recruitment process for lay members and officers were asked for more detail. The chief finance officer referred to local advertisements and reported that they are working through the applicants to see who has the most appropriate skills. Member requested more information.

8.11  A member of the public raised concerns about how GPs respond to patients at weekends and evenings who are experiencing mental distress,  and are in need of support.  The chair requested a note from officers covering this question.

RESOLVED

The committee requested that SCCG Business Support Officers (BSU) provide a:

• copy of the draft constitution

• note on the recruitment process for all appointed places on the SCCG

• Information on how GPs respond to patients at weekends and evenings that are experiencing mental distress and are in need of support.

The committee will consider the request from SCCG for the health scrutiny committee to endorse the SCCG authorisation process. The chair will provide additional information to the vice chair to assist this.