Agenda item

This report was drafted to provide an update on the five year NHS Commissioning Strategy for South East London that is being developed in partnership with NHS England and also with five adjoining CCGs. It was noted that the Strategy was designed to focus on the most important health issues for people in the region as identified in the south east London Case for Change. The HWB was informed that the Strategy built on local plans, including the Health and Wellbeing Strategy. It also drew upon the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment and on existing best practice. 

There was concern raised by a Member that this Strategy may not provide the best outcomes for Bromley residents, and that this should be the focus of the HWB. Other Members perceived matters differently, stating that the JSNA for each Borough was given priority, and that the Strategy would benefit all in terms of economies of scale and collaboration.

A Member expressed confusion with regard to milestones. It was clarified that the first target date of submitting a draft strategy document had been hit. The next target date for a revised version of the Commissioning Strategy would be in September, and this would be before the Board was due to meet next. It was anticipated that the September draft would not change substantially from the one that had already been submitted. The HWB were promised that they would be kept informed of developments. It was noted that the Strategy was evolving, and that it was a work in progress. A Member expressed the view that it was a good thing for Boroughs to come together, but that the Governance was hard to understand.

The HWB was made aware that the Chief Executive of NHS England had sent out a letter with respect to the possibility commissioning. It was noted that there was no framework attached to the letter. One hundred and eighty (including Bromley) recipients responded to the letter indicating that they would be interested in exploring this strategy further.

It was noted that the new commissioning strategy would be a considerable culture shift for many GP’s, but most had expressed interest, understanding that NHS resources were tight, and that economies of scale were required to facilitate achievable outcomes.

A Member remained sceptical regarding the strategy, and was concerned that another level of bureaucracy was being created, and expressed the viewpoint that the interests of Bromley residents should be decided within Bromley. 

The Chairman asked if it would be possible to “unwrap” the decision. The Board were advised that it would be difficult to unwrap everything, but that a partial withdrawal may be possible. 

In conclusion, attention was drawn to the fact that the Governing Body that made decisions also consisted of HWB Members, and that this would make communication and updates easier.

RESOLVED that:

1.  The update report on the South East London NHS Commissioning Strategy be noted

2.  The CCG will report back to the HWB with respect to the Commissioning Strategy at regular intervals.