Rachel O’Connor (Director of Integrated Care, Partnerships & Strategy, UHP) provided an update and discussed:

a)     The national oversight framework for NHS trusts had been published, ranking trusts from segment one (highest quality) to segment five (special measures). UHP was rated in segment four, an improvement from previous positioning, reflecting progress made in key areas;

b)    The rating was influenced by ambulance handover delays, staff survey results, and training experience scores. UHP ranked 109 out of 134 trusts nationally. Financial deficit constraints meant trusts could not score above segment three until recovery was achieved;

c)     The framework was publicly accessible, and UHP was committed to transparency and improvement. Quarterly progress reports would be presented to the Trust Board;

d)    UHP had been invited to bid for an extension to the Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) currently under construction in the city centre. The bid, worth £20–25 million, aimed to create a health community hub incorporating diagnostics, cancer pathways, and potential co-location of dental and primary care services. Early co-design discussions were underway with planning teams and partners;

e)     Surgery services had been rated “Good” by the CQC, moving up from “Requires Improvement” and “Inadequate” following significant improvement work. New facilities, including the orthopedic centre and REI contributed to this success;

f)      Stroke performance had achieved national recognition, with UHP ranked second in the country for thrombectomy outcomes in the 2024/25 SNAP report. Further improvements were planned through consultant expansion and pathway development.

In response to questions, the Board discussed:

g)     Concerns about patient drop-off and pick-up points at Derriford Hospital during site development. Members requested consideration of shelter provision for patients waiting outdoors, particularly during winter.

Tanya Payne (Healthwatch Plymouth) presented and update and discussed:

a)     The DASH Review, published in July 2025, included nine recommendations accepted by the Government. Recommendation five proposed merging statutory functions of local Healthwatch: health-related functions into ICBs and social care functions into local councils;

b)    Legislative changes to the Health and Social Care Act were expected following the King’s Speech in spring. The NHS 10-Year Plan proposed closing Healthwatch England or merging it into the Department of Health and Social Care under a new national directorate for patient experience;

c)     Local Healthwatch statutory roles would be integrated with NHS and council functions. Until legislation changed, Healthwatch would continue business as usual, with contracts maintained. Plymouth’s current contract ran until March 2026;

d)    Engagement priorities were under review to ensure patient voice remained central during system changes. Healthwatch continued to support community engagement, including contributions to the NHS 10-Year Plan consultation and securing input from children;

e)     Volunteers remained active in care home engagement and place inspections, despite uncertainty about future arrangements.

In response to questions, the Board discussed:

f)      The need for assurance that Healthwatch functions and volunteer expertise would be preserved during transition. Members emphasised continuity of engagement and safeguarding local knowledge;

g)     Concerns about volunteer morale and the importance of maintaining their involvement in community work during organisational changes.

The Board agreed:

1. To note the updates and monitor legislative developments affecting Healthwatch;

2. To receive further partner updates at future meetings.