Rachel O’Connor (University Hospitals Plymouth) delivered the UHP Partner Update report and discussed:

a)     There had been significant improvements in urgent and emergency access at UHP, with the implementation of new interventions and a new model of care under the ‘One Plan’, to support patients differently;

b)    In the past two months, UHP was the most improved in the country for the 4-hour improvement standard and the 10th most improved for 12-hour patient stays;

c)     There had been a 2/3 reduction in long ambulance handover waits, with a  continued focus to achieve zero, over eight-hour waits;

d)    Virtual Wards had fully opened, delivering increased community support for vulnerable individuals. 57 Community Frailty Virtual Wards were now operational;

e)     There had been a 150% increase in the number of people supported directly home, avoiding the need for intermediate bedded care;

f)      The mobile X-ray car was operational, supporting 90% of patients at home through conservative management;

g)     UHP had been included in the New Hospitals Programme, with new emergency care buildings and additional facilities expected to be completed by Autumn 2028 and Summer 2029;

h)    The Plymouth Community Diagnostic Centre had been fully funded and approved, and was expected to open in September 2026, providing significant offsite diagnostic capacity.

In response to questions, the Board discussed:

i)      The Community Diagnostic Centre and capacity modelling;

j)      Recognition and praise for the rapid improvement of demand and delay figures at the UHP Emergency Department (ED);

k)     Beds dedicated to End of Life Care at Mt. Gould hospital had been increased from 8 to 12;

l)      Demand at UHP had exceeded predictions used for planning by 9%. A review of this need and trend would be analysed;

m)   Continued work and development of the ‘One Plan’ was ongoing, managing demand and ensuring care was delivered in the most appropriate location.

The Board agreed to note the report.