Agenda item

The Chief Nurse NHS CCG (Clinical Commissioning Group) provided a presentation to the Panel addressing:

• Systems and processes in place to monitor the quality of care within NHS commissioned services;  and
• Transition from the CCG (Clinical Commissioning Group) to the new ICB (Integrated Care Board) for South Yorkshire with a particular focus upon Quality Surveillance, Quality Assurance and Quality Improvements.

Following the presentation, the Panel noted that CQC inspection outcomes were only part of the CCG’s quality assurance frameworks.  As the regulator the CQC provided clear views on required provision and addressed the following areas:

Quality and Place – a member expressed concern with regard to the locality model particularly ensuring continuation of good partnership relations and working models.  It was therefore questioned how the quality assurance system would transfer across to the ICS. 

Firstly, it was explained that currently 1^st July was the projected date to move to the ICS and the current CCG would go through the “Lift and Shift” process, meaning staff would remain in post in Doncaster but move from the CCG to the ICS with work continuing as normal, ensuring that the system would not lose it’s capability to provide quality and improvements.  It was noted that work was required to address what would be delegated to the Place Model.

Structure of the ICB (proposed in line with guidance) – clarification was provided on who lead on each area within the Quality Stream, in line with Policy, to deliver each of their work plans.  The Panel again noted the complex change from the CCG to the ICS.

Due diligence – it was noted there was a national due diligence checklist that required completion by 1^st July, in readiness for commencement of the Integrated Care System.  For example, outlining what tasks had been completed, what was ongoing and by whom, which required signing off by the Integrated Care Board.  Checks would continually be undertaken to ensure no issues were missed, ensuring everyone’s safety, up to and continuing through the transfer to the ICS.

Quality and Patient Safety Committee – it was explained that this body addressed the detailed quality and safety assurance for provision across all commissioned services, addressing possible risks and subsequent plans required.  This body would still be required under the ICB.  Sitting alongside this Committee was the System Quality Board (replacing the Quality Assurance Group), with the wider partnership and membership including the Local Authority, Public Health, Health Education, Health Watch etc., providing experiences, concerns and good practice of individual providers to gather a much wider experience and information base.

Audit provisions – in relation to auditing the transfer from the CCG to the ICS, it was outlined that there would be an internal Audit Committee.  Independent external auditors would also be appointed by the ICB to undertake the auditing role.

Funding – In response to a query relating to whether additional funding would be provided through the ICB, it was explained that the allocation to the NHS, was as it stands and the system could be viewed as being more efficient.  It was noted that there was no additional funding for the transition from the CCG to the ICS.

Chief Nurse – the responsibilities on 1^st July would transfer to the Chief Nurse for South Yorkshire.  However, a senior nurse to provide quality at place was being sought with details of how this could work, to emerge.

System Quality Board – in response to concern expressed that Doncaster’s quality and needs would be lost when being merged into a South Yorkshire organisation, it was note that specifics this body would address was still being discussed but would include statutory duties, quality systems and strategies relating to how partners and systems drive quality and improvements.

To conclude it was noted that once the ICS was established, as with the CCG it would continue to look for good outcomes for residents with the ethos of levelling up, addressing  equalities and improving outcomes with no changes to services to patients.  It was reiterated by a Member that the Panel’s work emphasised on prevention and was pleased to hear the responses to questions at this meeting.

On behalf of the Panel the Chair thanked the Chief Nurse for his attendance and for explaining the complex position with regard to monitoring the quality of care moving forward as part of the ICS.

RESOLVED that the discussion, be noted.