Agenda item

Presentation by Barts Health.

The Deputy Chairman welcomed Frances O’Callaghan (Director of Strategy), Dr Chris Gallagher (Lead Consultant in Medical Oncology) and Mark Mann (Acting Director of Communications and Engagement) from Barts Health NHS Trust.

Ms O’Callaghan reported that the development of the King George V building to accommodate cancer and cardiovascular services was ongoing. All cardiovascular services from The London Chest Hospital would move to St Bartholomew’s in early 2015 and services from The Heart Hospital, part of UCLH, would join these if proposals were approved. This would create one of the largest cardiovascular centres in Europe, benefitting patients from the increased research and academic work. With regard to cancer services, Barts Health would remain a key provider of a significant amount of cancer care, with less than 1% of all Barts Health’s cancer activity moving to UCLH and the Royal Free.

Ms O’Callaghan advised Members of the proposal for a Maggie’s Centre; Members were reminded that the Corporation was the Planning Authority for this application and therefore all discussion should be on health related issues. Although the proposal for the Maggie’s Centre was still in flux, Ms O’Callaghan reported that this would be a purpose-built space to help provide a holistic approach to cancer care, open to cancer patients who live or work in the City of London, even if they were being treated elsewhere. In response to Members’ questions, Ms O’Callaghan reported that the Maggie’s Centre was fully funded and would take approximately 2 years from start to finish. With regards to working relationship between the Trust and The Friends of the Great Hall and Archive of St. Bartholomew's Hospital, Ms O’Callaghan advised that this needed improvement but that a commitment had been made to work closely to secure the best possible outcome for everyone.

In response to further questions it was established that, in relation to cardiovascular care, new capacity was being built rather than services moving. Ms O’Callaghan confirmed that capacity was mapped annually and subject to discussion with the stakeholder group. In response to a question concerning the provision of sexual health services it was noted that, although the Trust believed this was better provided within the community, provision was being kept on-site at present.

The Deputy Chairman thanked the officers for their presentation.

RESOLVED – that impact assessments of services moved would be reported a future meetings when available, and officers look in to the possibility of a site visit to the King George V building.