The Board to receive an update on Urgent and Necessary Measures (now being referred to as Potential Interim Disinvestments).

Nicola Jones, Commissioning Lead provided the Board with an update on Urgent and Measures now being referred to as Potential Interim Disinvestments.  It was reported that the CCG had responded to the worsening financial circumstances by introducing a list of urgent and necessary measures.  Following feedback and engagement from the public, stakeholders, clinicians and a range of organisations, the CCG’s approach has altered and some of the services under review are believed to be more suitable as referral guidance to clinicians.

In response to questions raised, it was reported that -

a)    with regard to emotional impact on people, have taken that point back to the officers working directly on those measures and was a constant balance in getting the services right across the board;

b)    they were looking to help people with lifestyle changes and were not saying that you can’t have the operation;

c)    communication around urgent and necessary measures was not handled as well as could be and the CCG were asked to make decisions quickly to try and resolve the financial situation;

d)    the CCG undertook some considerable consultation and took on board the emotional content and the CCG now have the opportunity to reflect and the measures would go through a finer sieve to ensure people get the best for their health spend.

The following comments were made –

e)    we do not have limitless resources and at the same time do not want to worsen health inequalities for the local population.  In Plymouth still grappling with the missing millions and dealing with some decisions if they were implemented would be a ‘risk’ to certain populations but difficult choices do have to be made;

f)     this was a very complex set of issues in the short term and strategically and there was a need to be clear on what the drivers are, are they financial or clinical evidence based.  If the clinical evidence base they should be part of an on-going programme.  This was the tip of the ice berg and what were the other things that needed to be addressed and much bigger in terms of costs.  This Board to look at the bigger issues and focus on the Western Locality;

g)    the CCG made some proposals and the combination of the media knocked this proposal off track.   There would be bigger decisions to face down the line and this Board to support the CCG when they make these tough decisions;

h)    this Board signs off the commissioning principles and when we disinvest do not want to destabilise the system when the board makes tough decisions.

The Health and Wellbeing Board agreed New Devon CCG’s current position in relation to disinvestments and further discussion would take place at the Development Day on 23 April 2015.