Agenda item

The Committee is invited to note the statement issued on 29 November on behalf of Sir Richard Sykes, Chairman, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, regarding interim chief executive arrangements (Appendix 1).

Councillor Vaughan welcomed Prof. Julian Redhead, Interim CEO, who had replaced Ian Dalton, who had left to take a new post within the NHS.  Prof Redhead explained in more detail the interim arrangements currently in place until a new CEO was appointed, and how this would impact on Trust.  The Trust had a strong succession plan that would not change its direction of travel, so it would be ‘business as usual’. Prof. Redhead had previously worked on the board.  He expected to be in post 6 months, and would continue his role as a practicing clinician.

Bryan Naylor had received information suggesting that recruitment of the departing CEO had been costly and sought further clarification as to possibility that this expense was recoverable.  Prof. Redhead responded that he was unaware of this and that they had followed accepted practice in using a recruitment agency.

Jim Grealy expressed surprise at the short tenure of the previous incumbent, who had offered an ambitious progress.  Enquiring about the status of Charing Cross, he asked if it would remain open as an acute hospital.  If the site was under pressure, he asked why not it could not be designated as an invaluable and sustainable resource in this part of London, to be retained.

Prof. Redhead responded that he would like to continue previous engagement, he explained that he had met with staff, and separately with stakeholders.  The STP plan covered five years and that nothing would be done to put patient safety at risk.

Supporting Jim Grealy’s remarks regarding the future of Charing Cross, Councillor Brown indicated that it had been made clear at public meetings that there had to be no change to the emergency provision at the site.  Prof. Redhead reiterated the comments of Dr William Oldfield and Prof. Tim Orchard, with no changes intended until 2021.  Councillor Brown stated there should be no doubt whatsoever over the future of Charing Cross because of the sheer pressure on it, and, the significantly increasing population in the Borough and West London. 

Councillor Brown commented that he saw Charing Cross as a local community facility, anticipating investment; that the Council could support though either fundraising or help with the discharge of patients, from social care perspectives; help with workforce retention and nurture a more constructive relationship in future, moving forward.  Cllr Carlebach commended staff at the Trust for their work throughout both the Westminster and Grenfell events. 

The Borough was progressing, with radical changes, regeneration, investment, and housing development in Old Oak.  Charing Cross was well placed to serve this increase.  Prof. Redhead concurred that the message was to work together to improve care for patients.

Merril Hammer, Save Our Hospitals (SOH), asked what the criteria and evidence was for downgrading Charing Cross, for it to cease being viable; and commented that it would help the community to have a clearer understanding of the opposing arguments.  Prof.  Redhead confirmed that he would be delighted to continue to meet with SOH but responded that the issue of criteria would be difficult to answer. 

Councillor Coleman asked if the increasing number of people and the increasing needs of an ageing population could be accommodated in the next seven years.  Prof Redhead responded that these were questions facing all health economies and that there were new developments in treatments and technologies in treating patients, to assimilate what was happening in the future.  In response to a follow up question regarding the likelihood of any reduction in A & E admissions, Prof.  Redhead felt there was no clear answer but it was unlikely to reduce in the foreseeable future.

Councillor Coleman asked whether the Trust could make a decision about the number of bed reductions after 2021, in the context of the STP and whether this decision could be taken in partnership with the CCG.  Prof. Redhead confirmed that Shaping a Healthier Future remained in partnership with the CCG.

In response to a question from a member of the public regarding oral maxillofacial services and possible backlogs, Councillor Brown requested that the Committee received a report on paediatric dental surgery and adult dental service.

Councillor Vaughan expressed interest in the investment in Charing Cross and enquired about the possibility of examining investment plans.  Prof. Redhead explained that investment in Charing Cross to improve A&E, theatre suites and general infrastructure would continue. 

Referring to the STP and the Ealing, SOC 1 (Strategic Outline Case), and SOC 2, which addressed changes to Charing Cross, Councillor Vaughan asked if the Trust was involved in those discussions, particularly given that SOC 1 now required revision.  Prof. Redhead confirmed that SOC 1 did not affect the Trust.  Imperial will be involved in SOC 2 but the timeframe for this had not been confirmed.  It was also confirmed that the CCG was currently undertaking modelling work to assess the impact of the closure of Ealing and that discussions about this had taken place at the JHOSC meetings.

In response to a query from Councillor Coleman, Prof. Redhead confirmed that work had stopped on the business plan (SOC 2), regarding Charing Cross to allow for a national level assurance process.  He explained that SOC 2 supported the business case, and that the Trust remained committed to supporting services such as out of hospital care. The Trust would focus on the work around the changes that they would like to implement to ensure high quality health care.  Prof. Redhead confirmed that modelling work had previously been undertaken and would be refreshed, taking into consideration the impact of changes around the Borough.

Concurring with Councillor Vaughan’s view, Janet Cree confirmed that SOC 2 would not be available until 2018, and she agreed to inform the Committee of the timeframe as it emerged.

Councillor Vaughan expressed disappointment regarding the short tenure of previous CEO.  The Committee was aware of ongoing issues around Charing Cross and looked forward to further conversations about the future of this hospital.  On behalf of the members of the Committee, Councillor Vaughan thanked Prof. Redhead and his dedicated team for all their support and work in responding to Grenfell. 

RESOLVED

That the report be noted.