The meeting of the Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee (JHOSC) was examining decisions made by the PCT as part of the Fit for the Future health proposals. Now the Committee has asked for copies of the external audits of this process.
Representatives of the three hospitals affected, St Richard’s (Chichester), Worthing Hospital and Princess Royal (Haywards Heath) gave their views on the PCT’s decision-making process. In addition, local councils representing residents affected by the PCT’s decisions made their views known.
Other key issues discussed at the meeting included:
- the need to improve ambulance service performance in rural areas before any changes are made
- being able to measure improvements following changes
- clarifying just what A&E and back-up services will be available at each hospital.
The Committee also heard that a child brought to St Richard’s Hospital at night for specialist treatment might have to be taken either to Worthing or Portsmouth instead. It now wants more details on exactly what is being proposed for each hospital, and what impact this will have on patients.
“Although the PCT has given an undertaking that no services would be withdrawn until alternatives are fully agreed, we are still very concerned about how services would transfer from one location to another,” said Committee Chairman Peter Griffiths.
“We still have concerns also about the potential loss of consultant-led maternity services at Princess Royal Hospital, and how hospitals outside West Sussex – particularly in Portsmouth and Brighton – would cope with additional patients.”
Mr Griffiths said the PCT’s decision-making process had been carefully examined, and he expected the Trust Board to take the JHOSC views into account when it meets on 10 July to confirm or amend its decisions. He warned: “If we are not satisfied with the final decisions, the Committee retains the right to make a referral to the Secretary of State for Health.”
MPs and representatives from the three hospital campaign groups will be invited to speak at the Committee’s next meeting, on Wednesday 23 July. This meeting is being held at 11am at County Hall, Chichester and is due to be webcast.
Notes to editors
A Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee (JHOSC) is formed when NHS proposals affect more than one area and in this case comprises those local authorities consulted by the West Sussex and Brighton & Hove PCTs. The JHOSC has the power to scrutinise the proposals, make recommendations to the PCTs and if not satisfied by their response, to refer the disputed issues to the Secretary of State for Health.
The JHOSC is made up of councillor representatives from the following local authorities:
- Brighton & Hove City Council
- East Sussex County Council
- Hampshire County Council
- Portsmouth City Council
- Surrey County Council
- West Sussex County Council.
Further information on JHOSC meetings and agenda is available on West Sussex County Council's website.
This press release has been issued by the Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee.
Reference:
PRA2020
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