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Trust Board - November 2024

Updates provided

  • Some of our planning activities are outstanding while we await national guidance following the recent Government budget announcement.
  • A self-assessment of our Community Mental Health Services has been submitted to NHSE and an action plan will be developed with system partners. 
  • The Trust supports the Change NHS campaign and development of the 10 Year Plan. All staff and patients are encouraged to share their feedback through the online platform and engagement events.
  • The Trust’s new strategy will follow the launch of the NHS 10 Year Plan which is expected in Spring 2025. 
  • We are actively reviewing the new sexual misconduct framework and how we apply it across the organisation.
  • A joint Ofsted and CQC inspection of children’s SEND services underway in Herefordshire.
  • Care Opinion, our new patient feedback platform is due to be fully embedded into all patient services by April 2025.
  • The Trust is working with an independent provider to undertake autism assessments for people aged 16+, helping to reduce current waiting times.
  • Podiatry is due to leave Smallwood House by January 2025. Discussions around the future of the building are ongoing.

Matterns of concern

  • Work is underway to repair the ceiling and roof at Evesham Community Hospital damaged by heavy rain. Work identified further issues with the roof in this section of the hospital. Patients have been relocated from area while repair work is carried out. £200k of national funding made available towards ongoing maintenance and repairs at the hospital.
  • The Trust received a Regulation 28 notice from the coroner requesting improvements to communication and processes between providers and voluntary sector partners.
  • Staff raised concerns around new pressure ulcer reporting processes. New working group established to work through concerns.
  • The Trust needs to scale up its attraction and retention activities. There is currently a reset with renewed focus on key objectives and focus to achieve greatest impact. 

Positive news and assurance

  • The new Mortimer ward opened, marking the completion of the Eliminating Dormitories programme.
  • The Trust has achieved Cyber Essentials Plus accreditation.
  • Clinical Strategy rollout is progressing well, with around 30 teams reaching the next phase of implementation.
  • The Trust is working with Worcestershire Acute Hospital NHS Trust to scope out a pilot for winter to transfer frailty patients requiring rehabilitation to a community hospital earlier in their inpatient stay
  • Improvement Plan is embedding and moving to the next phase of delivery and Trust’s culture score is improving.
  • Higher return rates for national NHS Staff Survey compared to last year. Still a week to go before survey closes.
  • The Board is determined to hear and act on the voice of staff and are thankful for staff taking the time to complete the staff survey.  Local action plans will be developed and shared with colleagues working in the organisation.
  • The organisation is investing in its managers through training and development with the managing and leading together programme now offering 2 modules covering topics managers have asked for.
  • We’re in the final stages of procurement for Bromsgrove Minor Injury Unit estate redevelopments. Work expected to be carried out in 2025/26.
  • Planning permission has been granted for Elgar Unit car park.
  • New electronic patient record systems rolled out in dental services and minor injury units.
  • Hill Crest planned to relocate to the vacant Athelon Ward on the Elgar site on December 2nd. 
  • The Trust has met the latest finance and Cost Improvement Plan targets.
  • Continued focus on the reduction in agency staffing to meet the annual expenditure target. 

Decisions agreed

  • The Board agreed to a proposal to rename Workforce Committee to People and Culture Committee.