Issue - meetings

Report attached.

In accordance with the Committee’s terms of reference, a member of the public addressed the Committee and raised issues around whether Clover ward or any in-patient ward for children would be reopened at King George Hospital and when emergency surgery would return to King George.

NHS officers advised that waiting areas had been modernised and other improvements made at the King George Emergency Department. Peadiatric A & E at King George was now back operating on a 24:7 basis.

The rise in waiting lists due to Covid-19 was being dealt with on a sector-wide basis with the most urgent operations such as those for cancer patients being carried out first. It was accepted that health inequalities has risen due to the pandemic. The waiting times for scans and other diagnostics had improved. Planning was also underway for a third wave of Covid-19 and the existing hospital configuration would therefore be retained. Officers emphasised the importance of people having the Covid vaccination.

It was wished to establish further community diagnostic across North East London in addition to the one already established at Mile End Hospital. Whilst some patients preferred digital services, it was accepted that this was not the answer for all health services.

Only a very small number of children had been admitted to local hospitals with Covid-19. Children were however presenting with at A & E. A rise in respiratory virus cases in children was expected.

The rise in numbers of people presenting at A & E with mental health issues had led to an investment in increased mental health capacity locally. An on line mental health assessment tool could now be used to access services and the CAMHS response for children with mental health issues had been extended.

It was agreed that NHS officers should provide a written report on the mental health impact of Covid-19.

It was accepted that the very recently announced move of dermatology services from Barking Community Hospital to Queen’s had been regrettable. This was due to staffing issues and officers would provide a written response. There would also be clear engagement with stakeholders about the move. A member felt that there had also been insufficient engagement around the recent relocation of gastroenterology services. The Committee therefore agreed that the local NHS should be asked to supply it with a list of changes to services that had already been made as well as those currently proposed.

NHS officers agreed that there should be an active process of consultation and dialogue and emphasised the difficulties encountered in recruiting cover for a dermatology specialist.

Members raised concerns at the further development of facilities at Mile End Hospital as this was not an easily accessible location for people in ONEL.  Officers would consider a requested moratorium on these changes and repeated that it was planned to open further community diagnostic hubs. The Committee agreed to write to the relevant officer stating that improved consultation was required on current and future changes to health services.

The Committee noted the update.