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Special Meeting, Adult Social Services, Health and Housing Committee - Tuesday, 28 May 2024 7.00 pm

May 28, 2024 View on council website Watch video of meeting Watch video of meeting
AI Generated

Summary

The meeting focused on the risks and concerns related to the reconfiguration of specialist cancer treatment services for children in South London and much of South East England. The council discussed the potential impacts on staff, transport issues, and the overall best interests of the local health service.

Specialist Cancer Treatment Services Reconfiguration

The primary topic was the reconfiguration of specialist cancer treatment services for children, particularly the move from St. George's Hospital to Evelina London Children's Hospital. Concerns were raised about the risks involved in this transition:

  • Staffing Risks: There was significant concern about the risk to clinicians moving from St. George's to Evelina. It was noted that some staff might not want to move and could leave, leading to recruitment challenges. As one member stated, They just said, well, we'll just recruit some more people. Well, you know, we all know that's not that easy.

  • Transport Issues: The issue of transport for patients was also discussed. It was suggested that solutions like using Ubers, mini cabs, or specialist drivers could mitigate transport difficulties. However, driving to either hospital was acknowledged as stressful. The original business case included having a single center for treatment, but now specialist radiology would take place at University College London (UCL), adding complexity to patient transfers.

  • Risk Assessment: Members felt that the risk assessment for this transition was inadequate. They emphasized the need for a thorough evaluation of the risks, including the impact on staff and the logistics of patient transport.

Consultation Process and Local Health Service Impact

The council discussed the consultation process and whether the decision was in the best interest of the local health service:

  • Consultation Process: It was noted that challenging the consultation process might not be effective, as public sector bodies generally resist such challenges.

  • Best Interest of Local Health Service: The argument that the decision was not in the best interest of the local health service was considered. While current patients might face difficulties, it was argued that future generations would benefit. However, the risks associated with the transition were seen as a significant concern that could potentially make decision-makers reconsider.

Referral to Secretary of State

The council resolved to request the Secretary of State to call in the decision by NHS England regarding the reconfiguration. The recommendation was to delegate authority to the Executive Director of Adult Social Care and Public Health to complete and submit the referral form. The vote was unanimous in favor of this action.

Community Impact

The broader community impact was also discussed:

  • Equity of Care: The impact on patients from areas further away, such as Kent and Sussex, was highlighted. Transporting these patients to Evelina would be more challenging compared to those from Richmond.

  • Centre of Excellence: Concerns were raised about the potential loss of St. George's as a center of excellence for specialist pediatric oncology. This could have a detrimental effect on the hospital's ability to deliver high-quality care.

The meeting concluded with an agreement to proceed with the referral and to keep the Secretary of State informed, especially considering the upcoming pre-election period.