Minutes:
Appendix A
Questions from Susan Sulis, Secretary, Community Care Protection Group
1. PROVISION OF ‘SAFE STAFFING LEVELS” FOR THE PRINCESS ROYAL UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL TRUST & OTHER SOUTH LONDON HEALTHCARE TRUST HOSPITALS.
The HOC Health Select Committee and the ‘Safer Staffing Alliance’ have called for daily ward staffing ratios to be published, and, to ensure patient safety by having “adequate levels of both clinically and non-clinically qualified staff in all circumstances”.
(a) What are the ratios of nurses to patients at the PRUH?
Response from Kings/PRUH:
“A review of nursing is currently being undertaken on the PRUH site. The ratios currently are set at a standard level across the Trust site and for SLHT as a whole staffing levels are within the parameters of the NHS National Quality Board. More information should be available when the review is complete. “
2. SHORTAGE OF A&E PERMANENT STAFF, INCLUDING CONSULTANTS AT THE PRUH.
The HOC HSC expressed concerns that A&E’s are struggling to cope with attendances and emergency admissions.
(a) What are the current percentages of permanently employed consultants; junior doctors; and nurses in the PRUH’s A&E Department?
Response from Kings/PRUH:
“Please note these are the percentages of permanently employed staff in the ED department at present. These are increasing on a daily basis as we continue to recruit to these posts.
a. Nurses: 87.5%
b. Consultants 100% (although there are currently vacancies, shifts are being covered by current staff)
c. Junior Doctors – 90% (1 locum) “
(b) What are the plans for dealing with Winter Pressures, and where are they published?
Combined response from Kings & Bromley CCG
“Kings/PRUH have done a winter surge plan which takes into account their capacity and how they will manage if there is increased pressure. They have also bid for extra winter money for projects at the Princess Royal University Hospital which directly relate to reducing pressure on A&E and improving discharges. As well as this, Bexley, Bromley and Greenwich (BBG) have a combined plan to help manage the demand for beds during winter. The cross-borough urgent care network will be holding twice weekly teleconferences to monitor pressures and manage demand during the winter period.
The BBG plan has just been submitted to NHS England for agreement and a King’s approach will be published on the King's Trust website in the next couple of months.”
BROMLEY PATIENTS AT RISK BECAUSE OF THE OVERSTRETCHED LONDON AMBULANCE SERVICE.
At the inquests of 2 Bromley people who died, where an ambulance was summoned, but never attended, The South London Coroner has commented on the risk to patients.
(a) Is it correct that up to 800 posts may be cut, due to under-funding?
Response from LAS:
An additional 120 posts have been funded in 2013/14 in combination with a Modernisation programme which will result in improved performance and resilience across London as a whole. In addition to fast response cars and ambulances for the most critically ill or injured which has ensured an above average response time in London, enhanced telephone triage and signposting is taking place.
b) What action can Bromley take to save lives?
Response from LAS:
This year Bromley has experienced some of the best Category A performance in London (77.9% YTD July) which is above the National target level of 75%.
http://www.londonambulance.nhs.uk/news/news_releases_and_statements/ambulance_staff_numbers.aspx
The website above has a link to the Ambulance service’s overall plans to improve patient care, which include care of Bromley residents. Ensuring that the ambulance services are used wisely, encouraging people to use of alternatives such as urgent care centres, walk in centres, GP clinics and the 111 service, plus supporting a strong team of community first responders and defibs in public locations are all ways that performance can be supported and lives saved.