To receive an update from officers on the latest position re St. George’s Hospital, Hornchuirch.
Minutes:
The Clinical Commission Group (CCG) chief operating officer confirmed that the CCG was committed to developing St. George’s Hospital as a resource for the local community. The outline business case for the proposals was currently being worked on. The redevelopment process was driven by clinicians but the Council was seen as a key partner.
It was hoped to develop on the site a centre of excellence for older people, a diagnostics unit and an enhanced GP service. The CCG planned to consult on the proposals with stakeholders and local people. This would last for a 12 week period from 18 February. A consultation document would be published and drop in events held. Drafts of the consultation document would be circulated to the Committee and to Havering LINk. A separate consultation would be held at a later stage on the use of rehabilitation events on the St. George’s site.
The position if plans for the site were not agreed by the end of March 2013 was still being worked through. Approval to proceed would transfer at that date from NHS London to the Propco organisation. There was however no cut-off date at present and work was proceeding with the aim of retaining within Havering revenue received from the sale of part of the site. It was emphasised that the CCG was absolutely committed to retaining these monies within Havering. Updates on the approval process that would be required would continue to be given to the Committee. It was not necessary for the strategic outline business case to be approved by NHS London. Should the money not be able to be kept for Havering, the CCG would seek to have discussions with the Council, Healthwatch and other stakeholders.
Members suggested that venues such as libraries and church halls be used for consultation events. The consultation documents would also be available on-line and officers would circulate the relevant links. No final decision had been taken as regards how much of the site would be sold. Medical services on the site would also need to be worked through although any GP surgery would be likely to operate for extended hours.
Members felt however that local people wanted as many services as possible on the St. George’s site and that purely an enhanced GP surgery would not be sufficient. The proposed closure of A&E at King George Hospital together with problems experienced at Queen’s A&E would, Members felt, justify locating a polyclinic-type facility on the St. George’s site. This would reduce pressure on Queen’s and benefit Havering as a whole. Services that Members felt should be located on the site included diagnostics, minor injuries and clinics for conditions such as diabetes or COPD. Officers agreed that a lot of these ideas were in the proposal. A polyclinic was not being proposed but the aim was to take the pressure off Queen’s. Members emphasised that there would not be the opportunity to use this land again and that they wished to see as high a level of facilities as possible on the site.
It was AGREED that the Committee would take further updates on the plans for St. George’s Hospital at each stage of their development.