Agenda item

[To comment on the content of the report and provide feedback to the reporting organisation (RWT).]

Lynne Fieldhouse, Deputy Chief Nurse, introduced the Trust’s report by providing an overview of the recommendations of the Francis Report that the Trust had to implement. She explained that many of the Francis Report recommendations have now become national standards, and are now part of the Trust’s core business. She added that approximately 70% of recommendations have been closed, with work being undertaken currently to conclude the remaining 30%. Councillors questioned the timescales for the implementation of the outstanding recommendations. The Deputy Chief Nurse expressed confidence that the outstanding areas within the Trust’s control will be completed by the Trust Board meeting in March. A detailed overview of how the Trust has responded to these recommendations will be published on the Trust’s website as part of the public agenda for this meeting.

Councillors sought information about recommendations relating to complaints handling and the implementation of subsequent changes. They were assured that this has been addressed by introducing a new NHS complaints framework with support from the CQC. This allows patients to make their complaint through a variety of mediums without being hindered by age, first language or proficiency with technology.

HealthWatch members requested specific information about how patients are being put first by the Trust. The Deputy Chief Nurse gave a number of examples of how this was happening:

• publishing a comprehensive action plan
• including a HealthWatch member on the Trust Board
• providing monthly updates to NHS England
• publishing a safer staffing and nursing report online
• publishing Trust policies on the website.

Councillors also requested information about concerns raised by constituents with regard to nursing numbers and quality. It was explained the Trust has a 70:30 ratio of registered nurses to healthcare assistants in hospitals. Reassurance was also given that the numbers of staff on wards was more than sufficient, with £1.5 million being invested into the Trust to help provide more night working staff. Supervisory status of band seven sisters has also been rolled out across the Trust, meaning that these employees are able to oversee and manage their wards rather than being involved in more menial tasks. This was a key recommendation in the Francis report.

Further reassurance was given to the Panel about nursing standards for nurses who have been recruited form outside the UK. A large range of measures have been installed to ensure the quality of these nurses as has been discussed at a previous Health Scrutiny Panel meeting (20 November 2014).

The Deputy Chief Nurse explained that the Trust is doing its utmost to respond to duty of candour responsibilities (not aiming to win litigation at all costs but serve the court with accurate findings and the correct result). Therefore it must be more transparent with patients about risks and errors.

Councillors scrutinised the evidence for working practice changes, questioning how improvements have been monitored. The Trust has created a framework to escalate patients’ treatment where necessary; to report concerns in a standardised manner; and to monitor data. This framework is widespread across the Trust and its importance is reiterated to staff frequently.

Councillors also enquired as to how the Trust had adapted to an increase in size especially in the light of Cannock Hospital now being part of the Trust. The Trust has amalgamated successful policies from all the hospitals it has involvement with to ensure quality services are delivered. The Deputy Chief Nurse added that whistle blowing policies were in place across all hospitals.