Agenda item

Chris Pallot gave an overview of his role, which focuses on negotiating contracts, working with clinical and managerial colleagues for the direction of the trust, and building relationships with other hospitals.

CP gave an overview of some other key areas:

1)    Emergency care areas

The Emergency care areas at Northampton General Hospital have seen a growth that exceeds many other hospitals.

2)    Death rates.

If the death rates in a hospital are classed as ‘poor’, a hospital is held up for this. Northampton General Hospital has worked to improve their rate and is no longer an outlier. One element to this has been to prepare patients in a much better way, which in turn enhances recovery.

3)    Hospital targets

All hospitals have targets to meet, and if they are not met the hospital is liable for fines. Northampton General Hospital has now met the majority of key targets. There are a few that haven’t yet been achieved. Firstly, the 62 day target for some cancer treatments has not been met in the cases of advanced and complex treatments such as neurology, due to sheer capacity and human resource. Nationally, it is thought that procedures such as this will be centralised and NGH will be working with Leicester hospital in the future for patients to be transferred to their specialist cancer unit. Another target not yet achieved is the 4 hour A&E target. NGH are putting ongoing investment into services, such as more A&E consultants, ambulatory care, and additional nursing staff, in order to meet as many targets as possible.

4)    Primary Care

An ongoing issue is patients with minor injuries are still going to A&E for care when there are many alternatives that can be used. The hospital can transfer patients with minor injuries back to their GP, but a solution would be to bring all services together in order for all to receive the correct treatment and care. This would also provide a solution for the large population in Northampton that isn’t registered at a GP practise, including BME groups etc. This would not take GPs directly out of their existing surgeries, but would look to expand services that are available. NGH has been expanding primary care streaming – some GPs are now working in A&E. This service is currently open only in the day.

CP acknowledged that NGH does still have ongoing issues to be addressed, such as;

·        Issues with appointment systems

·        Parking issues – would have a second story added if capital was available and permission was granted from the Council

·        Dispersed site and old buildings

Due to the increasing demand on hospital services, and public expectations, there is a challenge for hospitals to work in partnership. This would involve centralising services and expertise where possible. There are possibilities for collaborative working with Kettering General Hospital in the future.

DH asked how much work goes to private hospitals through sub-contracting. CP explained that when patients are referred for new operation, the Doctor has a choice of whether to refer to NGH, KGH or private hospitals Three Shires or Woodlands. NGH do outsource on occasions, however the money they receive from the Clinical Commissioning Group for the operation is given pound for pound to the private hospital that performed the operation.