The Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee was scheduled to discuss the proposed reprovision and relocation of the Mount Vernon Cancer Centre (MVCC). The meeting's agenda focused on the consultation plan and the consultation document itself, outlining the rationale for the proposed changes and seeking feedback from the committee.

Mount Vernon Cancer Centre Reprovision Consultation Plan

The committee was scheduled to consider the plan for the public consultation regarding the proposed changes to the Mount Vernon Cancer Centre. This plan details the high-level activities intended to facilitate meaningful engagement with patients, residents, staff, and other stakeholders. The report aimed to ensure that the consultation activities would be fair and proportionate, allowing adequate time for consideration and response, and that the plan would achieve a proportionate level of engagement while providing good value for money.

Mount Vernon Cancer Centre Reprovision Consultation Document

The committee was also scheduled to review the main consultation document for the proposed changes to the Mount Vernon Cancer Centre. This document explains the background to the consultation, the necessity for change, and the proposals that have been developed. It includes a suite of supporting materials, such as a summary document, an easy-read version, and a video, with options for other formats and languages upon request. The document outlines the proposed relocation of the MVCC to a purpose-built facility at Watford General Hospital, with additional services offered closer to home. It details the rationale behind the proposal, including the need for enhanced acute medical support, the aim to improve cancer outcomes, and the expansion of research opportunities. The document also presents three options for the location of a networked radiotherapy facility, either at Watford alone, or with an additional unit at Lister Hospital in Stevenage or Luton and Dunstable Hospital in Luton. The consultation document also seeks views on the proposed changes to haematology services and chemotherapy provision.

The report pack indicates that the committee was to consider the clarity of the case for change, the sufficiency of information provided for intelligent consideration, the appropriateness of the tone and language used, and the effectiveness of the proposed questions in eliciting meaningful feedback.

The meeting was also scheduled to review the work programme for the committee.