Agenda item

Report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services.

Members received a report of the Assistant Director Commissioning & Partnerships relative to patient choice for City workers in utilising outpatient services nearer to their workplaces.

It was noted that patients have a choice of any NHS service they wish, and referrals are typically made through the patient’s GP. Out-patient services are offered through an online system, which offers a choice of a number of services based on location and wait times. Patients can, however, make suggestions directly to their GP. Costs of services are dictated by the market, and services in London are more expensive. Services are referred to the Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and payments are made accordingly.

It was further noted that there are limitations to the extent to which services in the City can be promoted to City workers, as the increase in referrals will cause an increase in wait times. Furthermore, doctors in the City do not have access to primary care records for patients referred from outside the City and Hackney CCG.

Members raised the issue of lack of critical care in the City, as St Bart’s does not have A&E service. As members of the public often still go to St. Bart’s for emergencies, perhaps there should be A&E there.

With respect to the table at appendix 1, officers clarified that as there is an 18-week timeframe for treatment to commence, ‘admitted clock stops’ means the patient has begun treatment; ‘non-admitted clock stops’ means the patient has commenced out-patient treatment, and ‘incomplete pathways’ refers to patient not having commenced treatment. It was further noted that in cases of suspected cancer, patients must be seen within 14 days and all test concluded within 28 days.

RESOLVED – that, the report be received and its contents noted.