Agenda item

To receive a presentation from representatives of the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board outlining:

(i)            progress to date in relation to the re-provision of services at Denbigh Infirmary and the Board’s plans for the future enhancement of services at the facility;

(ii)          the Health Board and partners’ future vision for health and social care services in the Denbigh area

10.10am – 10.45am

The Area Director for Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB), Bethan Jones, introduced the presentation - Denbigh Infirmary. Also in attendance from BCUHB was Alison Kemp, Assistant Area Director, Community services.

The presentation highlighted several areas of Denbigh infirmary, the committee was informed that 17 inpatient beds had been suspended in the Lleweni ward, this reduction meant that 23 beds remained open. The reduction in the beds was alleviated by accommodating other patients in both Ruthin and Holywell. The Lleweni ward would cost approximately £10-£12 million to re-open, the empty ward was temporarily being used to house the Community Resource Team (CRT) in the locality. The next steps for the infirmary were a joint health, social care and third sector project which had been established and funded by Integrated Care Fund capital. The team had drafted specifications for a partner to enable a feasibility study on Health and Social Care facilities in Denbigh, the review would include –

·         Strategic direction confirmed in coproduction with stakeholders

·         Analysis of current models of care, and to forecast future need

·         Development of high level models

·         Engagement on the models with core stakeholders, groups with protected characteristics and hard to reach groups

·         Wider engagement on shortlisted options with the general public

·         Feasibility study and weighted options

During discussion, the following Points were raised:

·         The overall loss of beds was queried, and whether there was additional beds available at other infirmaries. Members were informed that there were 5 additional beds available in Ruthin, members were assured that the beds were monitored daily. It was also stated that the intention and target was to ensure that patients’ health would improve and they could be moved back into nursing care or their homes.

·         The financial special measures that the BCUHB were in were raised, and concerns about cooperation were highlighted due to the financial troubles within BCUHB. Members were informed that the BCUHB were still in special measures. However with the aging population and the continued pressures that cooperation would be beneficial to ensure that patients’ needs were being met.

·         The committee queried the timescales which were shown in the presentation and others which have been shown in regards to the Denbigh Infirmary, the timescales all differed. It was also outlined that the matters noted in the timescales did not seem to be implemented. Officers responded that it would seem that the work was progressing slowly, this was due to the special measures that the BCUHB were currently in, the work could appear to progress slowly however the work would be completed.

·         The committee questioned officers from the BCUHB, whether additional services such as minor injuries could be increased at Denbigh Infirmary which would alleviate pressures on Glan Clwyd. The committee were told that there had already been increases in Denbigh infirmary, x-ray support had been increased, and plans to open on weekends were being discussed.

·         carbon impact of the BCUHB was highlighted and whether there were plans to make their buildings more carbon efficient. The committee were informed that there were plans for the BCUHB to decrease the carbon impact from many services.

RESOLVED that the Partnership Scrutiny Committee note the presentation on Denbigh infirmary.