[tim gilling]

The original forum post about these proposed changes (April 2010) is here:

http://www.cfps.org.uk/scrutiny-exchange...0&start2=6

We have been working with NSCT to ensure that OSCs can plan ahead, so that any arrangements for scrutiny of the proposals is effective and efficient, especially in the current economic climate. It is also important that OSCs do not take up valuable time during the consultation period deciding on the practical nature of the arrangements for scrutiny.

At one stage it looked like a national joint OSC might be a possibility. However, in light of the arrangements for 'regional' joint scrutiny that exist in many areas it now appears that NSCT could consult with relevant OSCs on that basis rather than nationallly.

OSCs will need to decide whether the proposals from the NSCT are 'substantial'. They will not be able to do this formally until the proposals are published (in October). But, from the information available from NSCT about the 'case for change' OSCs should be able to discuss informally now in preparation.

[Steve Sienkiewicz]

It would appear from the briefing document that we can expect a reduction in the number of current surgical centres. If that is the case, the areas that are particularly affected will no doubt consider the proposals to be a substantial variation.

It would certainly make sense to start thinking about forming joint regional committees in preparation for the release of the formal consultation document. Individual HOSCs will still be able to respond to the proposals on a standalone basis, although it would seem sensible for any formal scrutiny to take place regionally. From a pragmatic perspective, perhaps the HOSC that is located within the area of the current surgical centres could lead on each joint review?

[tim gilling]

The briefing document that Steve refers to is here:

www.cfps.org.uk//userfiles/file/NHS%20briefing%20to%20HOSCs%20-%20Child%20Heart%20Surgery%20Aug%2010.pdf

The briefing asks OSCs to think about how they might approach scrutiny of proposals that will be published in October and to work with NSCT to plan how scrutiny can be effective and efficient.

[Earl Piggott-Smith]

Steve Sienkiewicz Wrote:It would appear from the briefing document that we can expect a reduction in the number of current surgical centres. If that is the case, the areas that are particularly affected will no doubt consider the proposals to be a substantial variation.

It would certainly make sense to start thinking about forming joint regional committees in preparation for the release of the formal consultation document. Individual HOSCs will still be able to respond to the proposals on a standalone basis, although it would seem sensible for any formal scrutiny to take place regionally. From a pragmatic perspective, perhaps the HOSC that is located within the area of the current surgical centres could lead on each joint review?

Thanks for the comments. There is an issue about the fact that changes to such a specialised service, would be considered to be a substantial variation as its impact would be significant for children wanting access to it and the lack of alternative treatment options and that so few sites provide the provide the service. I have been told that detailed proposals about the plans will be published in October, which would suggest HOSC should wait till this is published before discussing how they plan to respond. I have sent an email to lead officer and asked if they have considered the 'four tests' set by the Secretary of State and if the information will be made available to HOSC. I agree with you that ideally the HOSC most likely to be directly affected by the plans should take the lead, but it would be very interesting if they decided not to look at the proposals formally or informally having considered the proposal and whether a neighbouring authority would be willing to take the lead.

[Dave Parkin]

Colleagues

It appears that the review into childrens cardiac surgery services has been postponed until the new year following the receipt of mortality data for a number of hospitals. I set out below a link to the press release on the NHS Specialist Services website with further details
http://www.ncg.nhs.uk/news/view/8

Dave

[Earl Piggott-Smith]

Monkeyhanger Wrote:Colleagues

It appears that the review into childrens cardiac surgery services has been postponed until the new year following the receipt of mortality data for a number of hospitals. I set out below a link to the press release on the NHS Specialist Services website with further details
http://www.ncg.nhs.uk/news/view/8

Dave

Hi Dave, thanks for the update.

[tim gilling]

Thanks for flagging this - I've not had any communication with NSCT about it