Minutes - SHCN: Scottish Health Campaigns Network

Scottish Health Campaigns Network Meeting 20 March 2010
Attendees:

Robert Cumming
Malcolm Allan
Ken Barr
John Winton
Ruth Winton
Yvonne McRoberts
Isobel Vernolini
Alastair Glen
Margaret Hinds
Patrick Trust
James Sandeman
George Venters
Margaret Watt
Matthew Dunnigan
Lambert Sinclair.

1) Apologies

Eileen Gorie
Geoffrey Mawdsley
Julie McAnulty
David Smith
Jean Turner
Evelyn Hide.

2) Minutes of Meeting 27 February 2010
Acceptance proposed by MW seconded by KB

3) Matters Arising

a) AG had a letter published in the Herald on patient confidentiality.
b) RC reported on chemotherapy. Information received from Robert Milroy of Medical Staff Association, Stobhill that figures provided by Jonathan Best of GG&C NHS Board re patients attending Beatson for out-patient chemotherapy were flawed.
A meeting with JB to be arranged.
PT commented that staff at Beatson wish to take over treatment of out-patients receiving chemo. at Vale of Leven but, in his opinion, Beatson would have difficulty in coping with additional numbers.
GV questioned why principle of treating patients locally where possible was not being fully implemented and influence of Beatson not challenged.
c) RC had article published in Kirkintilloch Herald re haematology /biochemistry testing at Stobhill and future loss of this to GRI with implications for reduced contact with GPs.
d) Transfer of patients from ACH to Victoria: JS reported that there were no recorded transfers of patients between the two facilities.
PT noted that the Minor Injuries Unit at the VoL functions on a 24 hour basis in contrast to that at Stobhill.
KB stated that A&E signs still existed in Cowal despite there being no A&E at Dunoon. This requires transfer to Inverclyde.
Matters arising (contd).
e) St Margaret’s Hospice, Clydebank.
RC referred to the debate which had taken place in the Scottish Parliament.
John Bannon MBE, non executive director, GG&C NHS Board had e mailed RC about above. JB to be invited to attend next meeting of SHCN. Also see Scottish Revieew.
JB to be added to mailing list.
f) E McK to be asked to up date web site.

4) Treasurer’s Report.

LS reported balance of £1077.94 in bank.
To this should be added a donation of £20 from RC, £20 contribution from GV and subscription from LHC Fife of £25.
This now produces a balance of £1142.94
MW suggested a potential source of additional funding but the consensus was that the balance of the organisation’s finances was adequate for the present.

5) Agenda and Topics for meeting with Health Secretary, Nicola Sturgeon, on 14 April 2010.

Chairman requested that all submissions to him should be by use of Word.
RC. Issues re concerns raised by Medical Staff Association, Stobhill, about perceived lack of adequate facilities at Glasgow Royal Infirmary to accommodate patients transferring from Stobhill.
Robert Milroy of MSA invited to attend meeting with NS. Will speak first as he will have to leave before end of meeting.
KB. Ambulance Service. Provision of service on island of Easdale.
JW. Healthcare Environment Teams.
JW. 1) Inspection Teams. 2) Details about role of elected members to health boards.
GV. Extent of use of external consultants and costs of same.
PT. Services at VoL.
Agenda and Topics for meeting with NS (contd)
J McA. 1) Mental Health in North Lanarkshire.
2) Reduction in services at Monklands Hospital.
JS. IT (encryption, opt-in/opt-out by patients).
MD. Nuffield Trust report.
MW. Protection of ‘whistle blowers’.

6) Reports from Groups.

RC Patients’ Rights Bill, stage 1, has been presented in Scottish Parliament.
SHCN had responded to consultation document..
MW of SPA stated that Macmillan Payment Direct can explain patients’ entitlements.
PT reported that Welfare Rights Officers are attached to some GP surgeries in West Dunbartonshire.

7) AOB.

MA enquired if the contribution of £2 per delegate was adequate to cover costs. It was agreed to increase this to £2.50 per head for those making use of the facility provided by Anne and Robert.
JW reported that payments to bus operators to defray cost of providing free travel to those eligible for this was to be reduced. He suggested that some reduction in service might result from this.
A vote of thanks was proposed to the chair for the conduct of the meeting.

8) Provisional date of next meeting: Saturday 22 May 2010 Milngavie Community Centre, 1 pm for 1.30 pm.

Malcolm Allan 23 March 2010

SHCN AGM 27 February 2010

1) Apologies
John Winton
George Venters
Geoff Mawdsley
Jackie Pollock
Evelyn McKechnie
Jean Turner

Attendees.
Robert Cumming (chair)
Malcolm Allan
Louise Laing
Patrick Trust
Ken Barr
Eileen Gorie
Janette Butler
Mary Hamilton
James Sandeman
Margaret Hinds
Alistair Glen
Lambert Sinclair
Tom Herbert
Evelyn Hide
Julie McAnulty
Margaret Watt
Kris Keane
Matthew Dunnigan

The chairman welcomed and introduced, Tom Herbert of the Save Stobhill Campaign Committee, Mary Hamilton and Janette Butler from HSFSE .
He also welcomed back Matthew Dunnigan after a prolonged absence.

2) Geoffrey Mawdsley, Director of Reform Scotland, had been unable to attend due to adverse weather conditions.

3) Minutes of AGM held on 14 Feb.2009 were proposed for acceptance by MW and seconded by KB.

4) Matters arising.
Vale of Leven Hospital.
EG questioned whether money would be available in regard to the Christie ward after 2011. She reported that she had been present at a meeting of the Monitoring group which had been poorly attended by the public
PT spoke of the poor morale among staff at the V.of L.
The minor injuries unit will be staffed 24 hours through co-operation by GPs
who have not opted out of providing ‘out of hours’ service.
A scoring system has been devised to identify patients who could be treated at the Vale rather than being transferred. to Paisley.This may account for around 80-85% of those presenting being suitable for admission to the V. of L.
PT suggested that this scoring system may be included among the topics to be discussed with NS at the next meeting with her.

5) Chairman’s Report.
This had been circulated previously
Comments on Chairman’s report:-
Monitoring groups north and south of Glasgow.
RC stated that the Area Medical Forum was not considered by the Medical Staff Association (MSA) to be an acceptable alternative to the now disbanded monitoring groups. RC will meet with Robert Milroy of the MSA at Stobhill to discuss a possible alternative.
PT commented on the potential feeling of intimidation by those who were perceived as clashing with Health Boards.
RC drew the attention of delegates to the “Scottish Review” which may be viewed on line.

6) Treasurer’s report.
LS circulated details which showed total expenses 2009/2010 as £132.74 against income of £310.63. The balance as cash in RBS detailed as £1077.
Acceptance proposed by MA and seconded by MW.
Treasurer proposed that an honorarium of £100 be paid to the chairman. Seconded by MW. Carried unanimously..
Treasurer proposed that the secretary be added as a signatory for payment of expenses and this was agreed.
Affiliation fees.
PT proposed that this be set at £25 per group. Seconded by MW. Agreed unanimously.
Individuals to contribute as before.
KB indicated that Cowal Against the Cuts (CATCHES) is in effect “moth balled” and is represented by himself and EH.
It was agreed that it should continue to be represented in its present form.
LS was thanked for the efficient way in which he has continued to act in his capacity as treasurer.

7) Auditors’ Report
KB and MA (in the absence of JW) signed off the accounts and endorsed the comments about the way in which the treasurer has dealt with the financial affairs of the organisation and in the presentation of the accounts,

8) Media Report
MA reported that the media had been more focused on the economy of the country as opposed to health related topics during the past year.
The Network had responded in print to the report by the Nuffield Trust on the cost effectiveness of the provision of health care in Scotland compared to England.
In this respect MD stated that death rates in Scotland still compared unfavourably with those in most European countries.
J McA commented that there was no mention of patient outcomes in the report.
It was agreed that the question of drawing comparisons between England and Scotland was a complex one.
MA confirmed that good inter change of information between members of the NHS Consultants Association north and south of the border continued.
A letter from that organisation had been signed by the chairman of SHCN responding to allegations about the treatment available under the NHS in the UK. These criticisms had been made by those opposed to the reforms of health care in the USA as outlined by President Obama.
The issue of privatisation within the NHS had also been responded to by the Network.
MA welcomed the return of the health correspondent of the Herald, Helen Puttick, following maternity leave.

9) Election of Office Bearers.
RC indicated that he was prepared to continue in the chair for a further year if it was the wish of delegates.
RC reported that, due to business commitments, the secretary, E McK, wished to relinquish
the position, but would be willing to maintain the website. This offer was accepted, and she was thanked for her past contributions to the work of the Network.
MW proposed that MA be appointed as secretary and this was seconded by MH
MW proposed that the office bearers be re-appointed en bloc and this was seconded by MH.

10) Minutes of meeting of 3 Oct. 2009
These had been circulated in advance.
Acceptance proposed by MW and seconded by KB.

11) Responses to last meeting with Nicola Sturgeon
These had been circulated by the chair.
J McA spoke about on- going concerns about provision of mental health care in North Lanarkshire.Also mentioned the “mothballing” of 16 surgical beds in Monklands Hospital to save money.
MW will contact Human Rights Commission re mental health when JT returns from holiday.
KB spoke about confidentiality issues in relation to the signing of consent forms by patients.
AG stated that patients should have ownership of health information. Basis should be on an ’opt in principal’. No sharing of information with police etc. without consent of patient.
MW questioned the accuracy of records held by some GPs, particularly in instances where there had been some dispute between patient and GP.
She also questioned whether the Human Rights Commission could determine if patients can opt out.
It was agreed that AG would liaise with MA about contributing a letter on behalf of the SHCN about the issue of patient confidentiality.
(Note: AG subsequently had a leading letter published in the Herald of 2nd March on this
this subject )

Possible topics may include:
PT. Vale of Leven Hospital.
J McA. Mental Health in N. Lanarkshire.
RC Monitoring groups.
In general, it was agreed to hold over discussion on topics until RC had established a date for next meeting with NS. A meeting of delegates would then be held to deal with possible topics prior to any meeting with NS.
*See note at end of report

RC and TH both spoke on chemotherapy at the Beatson.
TH referred to queues at the Beatson.
Chemotherapy is available to out-patients at the Victoria ACH, at the Vale of Leven, and at Inverclyde but not at the Stobhill ACH.
RC, TH and MW will meet with Jonathan Best, Greater Glasgow and Clyde Health Board.
TH had contacted producer at Radio Scotland regarding a programme, Call Kaye Adams which goes out between 8.45 am and 10 am on week days. He will pencil in the topic of out patient chemotherapy for possible use within the next few weeks, but only after the above meeting has taken place.

RC reported that the currently provided laboratory services at Stobhill will cease when in-patients transfer to Glasgow Royal Infirmary leaving only a “hot” lab in the ACH. More concerning is the imminent transfer of GP biochemistry and hematology samples to the Royal Infirmary resulting in a yet another downgrading of Stobhill service provision to the community.

JS referred to transfers by ambulance from the ACAH Victoria to the Victoria Infirmary and to the Western General Hospital and the times involved. A response from Jane Grant of GG and C HB was quoted.

14) Voluntary Car Ambulance Service.
JW had reported no problems in Fife.
LL stated that there was no advertising or publicity for volunteers. Is there a cut-off age for drivers?
Another possible item to be raised with NS?
KB raised the issue of the potential response to emergencies for residents on Easdale Island.

15) St Margaret’s of Scotland Hospice.
NS has stated that she will meet with MW to discuss the loss of 30 beds.

16) Remote and Rural Out of Hours Service
RC and Scotland Patients’ Association have responded to the petition organised by some residents in Rannoch. Noted that GPs in Pitlochry and Aberfeldy will respond to OOH calls.

17) AOCB.
RC stated that a representative from the Freedom of Information Commission has indicated a willingness to speak at a future meeting of the SHCN.

LS, on behalf of the delegates expressed sincere thanks to Anne and Robert Cumming for the excellent catering which they have provided efficiently and unobtrusively at all meetings
meetings in Milngavie.
A bouquet was presented to Anne in respect of this.

18) Date and Venue of next meeting.
This was to be agreed when a date of the meeting with NS had been established.

NB Subsequent to the AGM, RC has agreed that delegates will meet with NS on Wednesday 14 April at Atlantic Quay in Glasgow. The meeting will be from 10 -11 am.

Prior to the above meeting, delegates will meet at the Community Centre, Milngavie on Saturday 20 March at 1 pm for 1.30 pm to agree topics for discussion with NS.

Present:
Robert Cumming (Chair)
Lambert Sinclair
Malcolm Allan
Yvonne McRoberts
John Winton
Isobel Vernolini
Jean Turner
Margaret Watt
Eileen Gorie
Margaret Hinds
James Sandeman
Ken Barr
George Venters
Julie McAnulty
David Smith
Apologies:
Patrick Trust
Matthew Dunnigan
Alastair Glen
RC indicated that although Geoff Mawdsley could not attend he still wished to attend at a future date.

2) Minutes of meeting 4th April 2009
Acceptance proposed by M W and seconded by JW.

4) Treasurer’s report.
Details were provided and it was indicated that the balance stood at £1023.58. A further cheque for £50 was given to the treasurer by KB on behalf of CATCHES.
With this addition, the current funds stand at £1073.58.

5) Chairman’s report
RC indicated that he had been unable to provide the response by Nicola Sturgeon to those delegates using Tiscali and AOL due to the file size of the information.
RC had attended a conference organised by Scotland Patients Association (SPA) and it was reported that the presentation by Sister Rita of St Margaret’s Hospice could be accessed on that website.

The next meeting to be organised by SPA will take place on 4th November at the Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh. Patients will speak at that meeting but will do so anonymously.
RC had spoken at a special policy meeting in York of the NHS Consultants’ Association on the subject of the purchaser/provider within the NHS and pointed out that this does not apply in Scotland.

MA had contributed an article to the NHSCA Newsletter on the provision of primary care in Scotland, and a copy of this had been e- mailed to delegates in advance of the meeting.
Similarly a copy of an open letter to US Senator Kerry about the NHS in the UK had been signed by RC on behalf of SHCN and circulated to delegates.

RC stated that following a meeting in May at Holyrood, he had received a letter from Prof. Beverley Hunt encouraging him to attend a meeting on the proposed SIGN guidelines on venous thromboembolism(VTE) in his capacity as representing the Network and as a former consultant haematologist. This took place at the end of September .He reported that 25,000 patients die annually as a result of either venous or arterial embolism.. He indicated the importance of patients at risk from this complication carrying details of any existing pre-existing conditions and current medication.

At the meeting in May,Professor Hunt urged the Scottish Parliament to draw up a cross party group to tackle the problem.
MW drew attention to the availability of identification by using MediAlert.

6) Review of Meeting with Cabinet Secretary on 25th August 2009.
Details about this and the response by NS had been e mailed to delegates (but see 5 about file size).

RC commented on the decision by NS to discontinue the north and south (of Glasgow) monitoring groups. It was felt that the views of The Medical Staff Association were not always given sufficient emphasis by the Area Medical Committee.
It is intended to raise the issue at the annual review of GG and C Health Board.
J McA will write a letter to NS about provision for treatment of mental health in North Lanarkshire, noting that 130 beds are planned for either Monklands or Wishaw Hospitals but that no decision has yet been taken. This letter will be signed by RC on behalf of the SHCN. A copy also to be sent to local MSP(s).

JW spoke on the effective use of the Freedom of Information Act to access information about the PFI contract for the costs involved in the build for the Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy. This indicated an annual payment of £17.3m for 30 years producing a total of £520m on an original figure of £170m.

MA indicated that the response by NS on the Minor Ailment Service appeared to display a misunderstanding of the points which he had raised. He expressed surprise that the Department was prepared to regard “anecdotal evidence” of the effectiveness of MAS as adequate. Consideration of potential savings which might be made by the use of generic as opposed to proprietary ‘over the counter’ medicines had been undermined by confusing the relative costs of the two categories and this had been exacerbated by the introduction of the issue of generic substitution, a topic which had not been raised.

It was agreed that MA should write to NS via the Chair in an attempt to clarify these points.
MW indicated that she was now able to obtain prescribed homeopathic medicines within the NHS.
She emphasised that there was no dialogue between the GG and C Health Board and St Margaret’s Hospice, Clydebank.

Beatson Oncology Centre
MW and JT confirmed that the problems raised with NS persisted.
DS questioned if all posts were filled. How much use at all is made of locums(continuity of care). How many staff on leave/maternity leave etc.?
JT questioned how much use is being made of independent sector. RC reported £20m in 2006/07 as the approximate costs to Greater Glasgow and Clyde Health Board.

7) Report on meeting on ”Rationing, Charity and Private Support - For how much longer can the UK afford the NHS?” held in the Royal College of Physicians, Edinburgh in June.
This report by GV who had attended the meeting had been circulated in advance.

8) Election of Health Board Members.
This will be piloted in two areas—Dumfries and Galloway and Fife.
JW spoke on details. 12 members will be appointed, 12 elected. One councillor will also be included and this member will be chosen by the local council. The Chair will continue to be appointed by the Scottish Government.
Elections will take place in June 2010.
Canidates expenses will be limited to £250. The election will be by postal ballot and will include 16 year olds.

9) Future of Stracathro ISTC.
JT attended a briefing as an observer.
The ISTC contract with Netcare will not be renewed . Instead a tripartite participation of the Health Boards of Fife, Grampian and Tayside would provide a service which would include 50% of these board’s requirements for plastic surgery and also be a regional centre for vasectomy.
JW reported that Fife and Tayside had struggled to meet the required numbers of contracted patients. Fife and Tayside Boards pay for transport to Stracathro in order to encourage patients to attend the centre.

10) Reports from Groups.
LHC from Fife had submitted a report in advance and this had been circulated.
HSFSE- MH commented that one of the two lifts in the new Victoria ACH was not functioning. Suggestion is to contact the estates manager of GG and C. The Balfour Beatty Consortium was responsible to the Health Board for maintenance of the PFI building.
Also commented on was the inadequate signage within the ACH.
RC also noted the on- going problems with filters for dialysis apparatus at Victoria and Stobhill ACHs.

11) AOCB
JS had submitted a paper to RC with projections on future provision of emergency care beds, care homes, and health and social care for an aging population. These are based on the General Register of Scotland and Joint Improvement Team's for 2031 and cause serious concerns for the future of medical care both in hospital and in the community with the over-65 population set to grove by 40% by that date.

It was a noted that the residents of the Kinloch Rannoch area had submitted a petition to the Scottish Parliament for the provision of 24-hour GP cover in a remote and rural areas.
MW asked that RC write to the secretary of the SHCN to establish if she intends to continue in that role.

MA thanked Anne Cumming and Robert for continuing to provide excellent catering arrangements for delegates and enquired if the contributions covered the costs. It was agreed that the provision of sandwiches and mini sausage rolls together with tea/coffee and bottled water would meet our requirements and that in future cakes etc would not be necessary.

RC will write to NS following the discussions at this meeting and will get back to delegates with any response. Following any such response a date, possibly in early January will be agreed with delegates.

Scottish Health Campaigns Network

Minutes of Meeting Held Saturday 4th April 2009
Held at Milngavie Community Education Centre

Malcolm Allan, Save Stobhill
Evelyn McKechnie, Save Stobhill
Yvonne McRoberts, (Dunfermline) Local Health Concern
Isobel Vernolini, (Dunfermline) Local Health Concern
John Winton, (Dunfermline) Local Health Concern
Jean Turner, Scotland Patients Association
Alistair Glen, Health Service Forum South East (Glasgow)
Eileen Gorie, Hospital Watch (Vale of Leven)
James Sandeman, Health Service Forum South East
Lambert Sinclair, Save Stobhill
Robert Cumming, Save Stobhill
Margaret Watt, Scotland Patients Association
George Venters, Medical Advisor
Julie McAnulty, Lanarkshire Health Concern

3. Minutes of last meeting 14 February 2009

Their acceptance was proposed by Margaret Watt and seconded by John Winton.

Geoff Mawdsley could not attend today but is still keen to attend a future meeting.

St Margaret’s Hospice contract with Greater Glasgow and Clyde Board is not being renewed after 2012.

The IT system proposed for the new ACH’s in Glasgow is incompatible with that of GP’s. G-PASS- further clarification re its status to be sought from Nicola Sturgeon – conflicting reports as to its future.

Margo MacDonald’s end of life bill. Over 400 responses received. Malcolm Allan has written to her. Also Margaret Watt and Julie McAnulty re what health professionals other than doctors are involved re making decisions.

Jean Turner – The ACH opening was imminent at Stobhill and theVictoria. Discussion followed re minor injuries unit and referrals from the ACADS to acute hospitals.

Balance at AGM £900.05
Income – Save Stobhill affiliation fee £50
Total Income - £50.00
Expenses – Hall lets to date - £67.30
Total Expenses - £67.30
Balance at bank £882.75
Affiliation fees received at meeting from SPA and Local Health Concern of £50 each.

6. Topics for meeting with Nicola Sturgeon, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing, on 6th May 2009

The topics to be submitted from the attendees were agreed. Full details of questions and answers given will be minuted at next meeting.

The Group reports received are available under each group’s own webpage on the SHCN website.

8. Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh- symposium on future of NHS 22nd June 2009

George Venters was proposed to attend on behalf of SHCN as Robert Cumming’s proxy.

This week’s Parliamentary information bulletin indicated that a Scrutiny panel had been appointed to examine proposals from the Dumfries and Galloway Health Board for the future of the health service in that area,before these were opened to public consultation. The Network is pleased to note this change of policy.

The dangers of entrepreneurial private screening programmes were drawn to members attention.

John Winton – indicated that the public are being asked to monitor other members of the public re hand hygiene in hospitals

Robert Cumming - going to York to attend meeting of the National Health Service Consultants Association on 25th April .He has been asked to participate in a debate.

The next meeting will be held on Saturday 25th April 2009 at 1pm for 1.30 at Milngavie Community Education Centre.

11. Meeting ended approx 3.20pm Malcolm Allan proposed vote of thanks to the chair.

Addendum: - Subsequent to the writing of this minute the date of the next meeting has had to be altered to Saturday 30th of May at 1 PM from 1:30 PM. Apologies for any inconvenience caused by the change.

    In Attendance:
    Robert Cumming (chair)
    Malcolm Allan
    Lambert Sinclair
    John Winton
    Ruth Winton
    Alastair Glen
    Eileen Gorie
    Ken Barr
    Patrick Trust
    Evelyn Hide
    Bill Lawrie
    James Sandeman
    Julie McAnulty
    Margaret Watt
    Jean Turner
    David Smith

2) Minutes of Meeting of 11 Oct. 2008
These were accepted on a proposal by James Sandeman and seconded by John
Winton.

RC stated that Think Tank Reform Scotland gives a daily political media summary
Can be subscribed to from “reform scotland” in Google and entering e-mail address.

Re Stobhill and overnight beds. Capital will be made available under PFI .
GPass- Nicola Sturgeon stated that this will continue.
Chairman’s honorarium: The chairman indicated that he felt that the figure of £150 as agreed at the previous meeting, was greater than he wished to accept.
An amended figure of £100 was proposed by Lambert Sinclair and seconded by Margaret Watt. This was agreed unanimously and accepted by the chairman.

Expenses = Nil ( but see later)*
Balance at bank = £998.00
A cheque was presented to the chairman for £100 as the honorarium indicated under (3) ‘matters arising’. Two hall lets were outstanding and when this is taken into account leaves a balance of £848.

Minutes of this meeting had been produced by James Sandeman and had been circulated by e mail in advance of the meeting in Milngavie.
RC reported on the continuation of chemotherapy services at the Vale of Leven and that a nurse led out patient service would be provided at the Stobhill ACAD unit.
NS had requested further examples of lack of information being provided to monitoring groups by NHSGGC.
JS stated that two or three services had not been sustained at Victoria Infirmary but this had not been discussed by the chair of the south monitoring group in his discussion with NS.
Rehab: JT/MW intend to pay a further visit to Castle Craig.
Patient Information: PT commented that ACADs will be paperless and that consultants are concerned that they will not have patients’ case notes in front of them.
Vale of Leven: EG has asked Allyson Pollock to look at Dodd’s report.
PT and JT observed that, although there are adequate anaesthetists on stream there are insufficient training places.
PT reported that 95% of patients at the Vale could be supported without a consultant anaesthetist at the hospital. He also pointed out the difficulty in getting places for patients from Dumbarton to the St Margaret’s Hospice in Clydebank. This was noted by MW in particular.
There will be four palliative care beds at the Vale.

Mental Healthcare in Lanarkshire:
Information had been circulated in advance by JMcA. who spoke to the notes.

BECAD. AG quoted NS that it “had not been ruled out as a model” No indication as to why a report on the status of the unit had been delayed.

C.difficile in Fife:
JW had used the Freedom of Information Act to find out number of single bedded accommodation and space between beds had been planned for.
He is also trying to establish more information about the number of patients registered to receive dental treatment in Fife as there is no requirement for dental practitioners to provide details of the number of private patients in their practices.
Stracathro: Future still unknown. NHSFife reported to be struggling to send sufficient numbers of patients to meet contract obligations. Suggestion that it may be only functioning at 80% of capacity, but definite figures unknown.

6) Response to Consultation Documents :

a) Changes to Eligibility Criteria for Providers of Primary Medical Services:
Delegates agreed with the proposals as set out in the consultation document and RC will respond on behalf of SHCN. Applications for a contract should include a medical practitioner.
MA has sent an individual response.

General agreement with the consultation document and RC will respond by 16 January 2009.
KB noted that there was no mention of response to emergences under ‘access’.

c) European Commission’s Proposals re involvement of private sector in provision of health care.

If the information contained within the report by Allyson Pollock is put into effect it could undermine the policies of the provision of healthcare by the Scottish government.
RC will write NS drawing attention to the proposals and to ask if she agrees with the observations of AP. Will also write MEP’s to establish consultation timing.
JMcA stated that there are proposals to set up a European database of patient information.
JT and MW also suggested contacting Baroness Greengross (European Rights Commissioner) re database.

7) Reports from Groups:
JW had circulated Fife’s report in advance. He commented that out of the 14 health boards in Scotland, only NHSFife had supported the proposal to have members elected to health boards.
He questioned why the figure of £150m for the new hospital in Fife quoted three years ago remains unchanged. Are bed numbers to remain as those on which the figure was based?

In a draft statement issued by NS she proposes that the ban on patients receiving treatment within the NHS while paying for part of that treatment e.g. drugs, will be lifted.
Despite the release of this statement, a Consultation Document has been issued with response to be submitted by 12 January 2009.
Delegates discussed the principle outlined without reaching a consensus. Those who wish to respond will do so on an individual basis but no response will be issued on behalf of SHCN.

This had been included in the agenda at the request of MH. As she had been unable to attend and to speak to the proposals it was decided to hold this over until the next meeting.

KB asked if there was an audit of GPs in Scotland.
PT replied that GPs are requested to report significant incidents on a voluntary basis.
DS drew attention to the fact that any death in Scotland in a hospital ward following surgery is subject to audit—a system unique to Scotland.

Access to patients’ existing medication following admission to hospital and continuation of treatment based on this remains a problem yet to be resolved.

During the course of the meeting, Robert was presented with a poinsettia plant and card to convey to Anne on behalf of those present in appreciation of the excellent buffet which she, along with Robert, provide whenever we meet at Milngavie.
This is greatly appreciated. Delegates were sorry that Anne had been unable to attend on this occasion due to an indisposition but were impressed with the way in which the chairman coped with the catering arrangements in addition to his usual duties.

DATE OF NEXT MEETING: Saturday 14 February 2009 at Milngavie C.E. Centre 1 pm for 1.30 pm

Meeting closed at 4.10 pm

Robert Cumming (chair)
Malcolm Allan
Eileen Gorie
Isobel Vernolini
John Winton
George Venters
Jean Turner
Ken Barr
Evelyn Hide
Bill Lawrie
Margaret Hinds
James Sandeman
Patrick Trust
Margaret Watt
Julie McAnulty

2) Minutes of Meeting of 23 August 2008
These were accepted on a proposal by George Venters and seconded by Bill Lawrie

3) Matters arising from above minute:
Re Geoff. Maudsley, director of Think Tank Reform Scotland.
Robert Cumming referred to the web-site of Reform Scotland and proposed that Geoff. Maudsley be invited to the next meeting of the SHCN.
George Venters proposed that Prof. Allyson Pollock also be invited in order to provide a balance of views and this was approved.

R C noted the response provided by the Chairman of NHSGGC about the provision of 12 overnight beds at the ACAD at Stobhill following a question put forward in writing prior to the annual audit of that health board.
This stated that the board “has entered into a dialogue with Glasgow Healthcare Facilities Ltd. the consortia undertaking the Stobhill and Victoria projects, to take this forward. We estimate that the new building will require a capital commitment of between £15 and £17 million”
It will therefore not be in place before the opening of the ACAD in June 2009.
M H reminded delegates that the similar beds at the Victoria ACAD will be taken from the initial allocation of 60 beds which were intended for geriatric care.
The electronic submission by RC on behalf of SHCN to the Health Board Elections Bill had been blocked. With considerable tenacity, RC ensured that this would be recorded.
It is expected that the parliamentary committee will sit to consider submissions in November.
MH and J McA suggested that the fact that electronic submissions were apparently being selectively blocked be brought to the notice of the Health Secretary, NS at the next meeting with her.

GPass: PT reported that no decision has been taken to drop this in favour of an alternative system.

4) Treasurer’s Report:
Lambert had provided a report in advance of the meeting.
The meeting approved the expense of £60 for the printing of 100 A4 posters, plus a further 3 A3 posters which had been supplied on a ‘no charge’ basis.
A cheque for £27.99 had been sent in respect of renewing the hosting of the web-site. To date this had not been presented.
Allowing for anticipated expenses e.g. hall let, this would leave an anticipated balance of £968 approx.

M W proposed that the Chair receive an honorarium to help defray some of the expense incurred in this capacity. At this point RC withdrew from the meeting and GV assumed the Chair. GV then formally proposed that the Chair should receive an annual honorarium of £150 and this was seconded by MH. This was approved unanimously.

Submissions had been received from Ken Barr, John Winton, Malcolm Allan, Alistair Glen, Julie McAnulty, Margaret Watt/Jean Turner.
RC awaits up to date information re postcodes of attendees at Beatson and will continue to press for chemotherapy to be made available at Stobhill ACAD as at the Victoria ACAD. He will raise this with NS. He will also include the issue of continuity of care for patients attending Beatson.

George Venters and Alistair Glen to liase about IT, the former to deal with IT at the meeting while AG will focus on the issue of treatment of stroke victims.

PT, GV and MH raised issues of patient confidentiality in connection with IT. MH will liase with GV with copy to RC.

J McA spoke about provision of facilities for mental health in Lanarkshire. GV suggested that she seek an interview with John Logan of NHSLanarkshire.

Vale of Leven:
PT was invited to speak on this at the meeting with NS but declined to do so indicating that it would be preferable for a lay person to fulfil this role rather than a health professional who is directly involved with the hospital.
Eileen Gorie will act as the delegate for the Vale of Leven/Lomond. She updated the meeting in relation to the mental health provision at the Vale and will be questioning the Cabinet Secretary in relation to this. The justification for centralising acute mental illness in Gartnavel Royal appears to have been significantly overemphasised.
This
RC spoke to papers circulated from Evelyn Mc Kechnie regarding the unsatisfactory state of the uptake of residential rehabilitation facilities for individuals suffering from alcohol and drug-related problems, citing Castle Craig as an example.
It was agreed that he should raise this matter at our meeting with Nicola Sturgeon.

PT gave a full report on the current situation relating to the future of the Vale of Leven Hospital.
GPs are prepared to provide cover at the hospital at night and week-ends, but are not prepared to run it at other times.
It is assumed that there will not be anaesthetic cover.
GPs are willing to treat elderly/geriatric patients with mental illness but not adults with mental illness who do not fit that description. These patients are the subject of an on going discussion. Those requiring Intensive Care will not be admitted. Patients with unstable chest pain will be sent to the Golden Jubilee Hospital. A consultant will be on hand at Paisley Royal to offer a second opinion.
A MIU will operate outwith normal hours with specialist nurses providing treatment.
During the day, a consultant oncologist and consultant haematologist will be in attendance. Labs and X Ray will continue.
Objective is to provide a safe and sustainable service.

Jean Turner and Margaret Watt had invited RC and MA as SHCN representatives to the re-launch of Scotland Patients Association at Holyrood on 10 Sept.2008.
MA and RC produced an A4 poster and 100 copies were printed locally at short notice. These were used at the event and are available to delegates who may be able to make use of them (see Treasurer’s report).

7) Reports from Groups.
These had been made available in advance of the meeting from LHC and HSFE.
The Save Stobhill group plan to present a petition with approx. 7000 signatures to the petitions committee calling for the setting up of an independent scrutiny panel to review the evidence on which the decision was taken to close the Casualty Unit at Stobhill and replace it with a MIU.
A report from the Scotland Patients Association was tabled and is attached as an appendix to this minute.

8) NHS Consultants Association:
RC had attended the AGM in Liverpool.
He reported that Lord Darzi will receive delegates from the Association to discuss points in the recent Darzi Report, but will only afford them a half hour appointment.
Delegates at the AGM stated that GPs in England were protesting that they could no longer refer patients to particular consultants of their, or their patients choosing but had to do so through a central body.
The overall opinion of those at the AGM was that the general approach to the provision of healthcare was better in Scotland than south of the border.

The final date for a response to this consultation document is 16 Jan 2009.
Patients Rights Bill (continued)
Hard copies of the consultation document may be obtained by contacting, by e mail:
sandra.falconer@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
Delegates are invited to respond individually.

MH spoke about discharge letters and continuing care i.e. ensuring that there was the necessary on going care in place before patients were sent home from hospital.

Evelyn is continuing to look after the web-site. It was requested that the report of the last meeting of delegates with NS be included in the web-site to bring it up to date.

The question of copayments had been the subject of the debate in the Scottish parliament on first October and the Cabinet Secretary for health has undertaken to investigate this matter further.

R C drew attention to the publication ‘ The NHS after 60’ by John Lister at £25, or £17.50 via Amazon

10) Date and venue of the next meeting of SHCN
This will take place on Sat 13 December 2008 at Milngavie C E Centre at 1 pm for 1.30 pm.

The meeting closed at 4.15 pm with thanks to the Chair and to Anne Cumming for, once again, providing a first class buffet.

Robert Cumming (chair)
Malcolm Allan
Lambert Sinclair
Bill Lawrie
Ken Barr
James Sandeman
Margaret Watt
Julie McAnulty
Patrick Trust
Isobel Vernolini
Yvonne McRoberts
George Venters

1) Apologies:
Evelyn McKechnie
John Winton
Jean Turner
Margaret Hinds
Alistair Glen
D C Smith
Robbie Robertson

2) Minutes of Meeting of 10/5/08:
Accepted.
Proposed by Margaret Watt
Seconded by James Sandeman.

3) Matters arising from above minute:- RC intimated that he still had to contact Geoff. Maudesley, director of Think Tank Reform Scotland. All other items will be covered later in the agenda.

Lambert reported that the Balance at the last meeting stood at £1128.10.
Bank interest to 27/6/08 = £3.55
Total income = £1131.65

Anticipated expenses:
Hall let                              £26.30
Secretary’s expenses        £20.00
Website costs @ 4/10/08 £27.99
Total                                 £74.29

At this point Patrick Trust indicated that a subscription from the Vale of Leven Group would be forthcoming.

The treasurer thanked Robert Cumming for having donated contributions which he had received from addressing various groups but proposed that, in view of the expenses incurred by the chair in representing the SHCN, the chair should should retain any such donations which might be offered in the future.
This was seconded by Margaret Watt.

5) Progress with matters raised at the last meeting with Nicola Sturgeon:
Jean Turner and Margaret Watt, representing the Scottish Patients’ Association, intend to have a separate meeting with N S.
N S wrote John Winton re NHS Fife.
Fife Health Council has requested a meeting with Local Health Concern (Fife).
Robert Cumming and James Sandeman continue to have concerns about the function of the north and south monitoring groups. A reply to a letter sent to Nicola Sturgeon on fifth of August is awaited.
RC awaits reply from N S about the location and cost of the 12 over- night beds to be located at new Stobhill.
RC continues to pursue the issue of out-patient chemotherapy treatment at the Beatson cf Stobhill/Victoria ACADs. He has arranged to meet with Jonathan Best, Director of Regional Services, Greater Glasgow and Clyde Health Board and Isobel Neil, General Manager, Specialist Oncology Services. He has asked for the postcodes of patients attending the Beatson north of the River Clyde. He will be accompanied by Leigh Smith, Chairperson, Scottish melanoma group. He is also contacting Professor Nora Kearney, Cancer Care Unit, University of Stirling.
P T reported that chemotherapy is to be retained at the Vale of Leven hospital but future of over-night beds remains in doubt. He stated that Catriona Renfrew of NHSGGC opposed over-night beds in ACADs despite those at Stobhill and Victoria having been agreed. She was

reported to have said that any patient at the Vale of Leven who required this should be transferred to Paisley RI.

K B indicated that there had been no progress in making more available cardio vascular monitors in Cowal.

Alistair Glen had raised the issue of the stability and condition of the ground at the site of the new south hospital and had received a reply from Shona Robison that this had been taken into account and that the cost had been incorporated into the overall cost of the build.

6) Health Board Elections Bill:
A further consultation is to be submitted by 1st September. It was agreed that the points already submitted by the SHCN be re submitted.
Individual members are free to make their own submissions.
The Health Committee at Holyrood will receive a summary of submissions. It was agreed that the SHCN would resubmit the previous comments which it made in relation to be Local Healthcare Bill, with some minor modifications.

7) Annual Reviews:
NHSFife,
LHC (Fife) reported that N S had emphasised the importance of the board in engaging with the community. However it was felt that written questions had not been well answered by civil servants.

NHSGGC
R C and M A had attended and R C reported that the Ranald McDonald House which offers accommodation to relatives of children undergoing treatment at the Sick Children’s Hospital, Yorkhill will be incorporated into the new build at the new Southern Hospital.
N S stated that after prolonged consultation about the future of services at the Vale of Leven hospital, it was now time for action.

At this point Patrick Trust spoke about Integrated Care at the V o L where GPs support the principle of continuation of consultant led care i.e. primary and secondary practitioners working in tandem.
GPs do not wish to be responsible for providing care at the hospital without the support of consultants.
Medical beds should be available seven days a week. Does not support the principle of ACADs closing in the evening.
Minor Injury Units should be complimented by a consultant.

9) Reports from groups:
Reports had been received, and circulated in advance of the meeting, by LHC (Fife) and HSFSE (Glasgow).

KB (Catches) reported that G-Pass system is free but NHS Highland appears to be dropping this in favour of an alternative system which will incur a charge. PT offered to look into this.

Julie McAnulty reported that a GP practice in Lanarkshire is to be dissolved and that the vacancy was advertised. At present no private operator has expressed an interest or has tendered for it. Three bids have been received and it appears that a nearby practice may succeed in taking over the vacant practice.
While N S has clearly stated that she does not wish to see the private sector extending into GP practices, it will take some time to close the relevant ‘loophole’

As a date has to be agreed for the next meeting with Nicola Sturgeon, it was decided to postpone a decision on the date of the next SHCN meeting until this had been settled.

The meeting closed at 3.45 pm with thanks being extended to Anne Cumming for once again providing first class, unobtrusive catering and to Robert for conducting the meeting so efficiently.

Bill Lawrie – Cowal Against the Cuts
Ken Barr – Cowal Against the Cuts
Julie McAnulty – Lanarkshire Health United
Robert Cumming –Chairman- Save Stobhill Campaign
Jean Turner – Scottish Patients Association
Isobel Vernolini – Local Health Concern (Fife)
John Winton – Local Health Concern (Fife)
Evelyn McKechnie – Save Stobhill Campaign
Malcolm Allan – Save Stobhill Campaign
James Sandeman – Health Service Forum South East (Glasgow)
D C Smith – Health Service Forum South East (Glasgow)
Alistair Glen - Health Service Forum South East (Glasgow)
Margaret Hinds – Health Service Forum South East (Glasgow)
George Venters – Health Planning Advisor
Margaret Watt – Scottish Patients Association

2) Apologies
Patrick Trust - Vale of Leven Hospital Forum
Robbie Robertson – Save Stobhill
Lambert Sinclair – Save Stobhill

3) Matters Arising
(a) Robert Cumming is preparing a response on the Consultation Document proposing the establishment of Independent Scrutiny Panels to review Health Board decisions.
(b) Independent Scrutiny Panels report on Unscheduled Clyde Medical Admissions - Nicola Sturgeon has asked GG & Clyde to review their decision that there was no need to go to consultation since they saw only one option – namely the transfer of Unscheduled Medical Admissions to Paisley.
(www.independentscrutinypanels.org.uk).
Mental Health and Obstetric services at the Vale are currently out to consultation.
(c) There has been a Ministerial statement that A & E services will be retained.
Julie McAnulty reports that Monklands has obtained additional funding from Lanarkshire Health Board, and seems safe although some laboratory services and coronary artery angiography may transfer to Wishaw

(d) Outpatient Chemotherapy Services – Robert Cumming wrote to Nicola Sturgeon, the Health Minister regarding the imbalance of services north and south of the river.
North Glasgow – Closure of sevices at both Stobhill and GRI – all to go Beatson
South Glasgow – New service at Victoria ACAD.

Since the AGM meeting the network has received one affiliation fee of £50 from Save Stobhill Campaign; three donations with sum total of £50 and bank interest of £4.34. Total income £104.34

Expense of secretary of £30 and hall hire charge of £26.30, total expenses of £56.30

Estimated expenses to come are secretary £20 and hall hire of £26.30 thus leaving a bank balance of £948 but two further affiliation fees of £50 have been received from Scottish Patients Association and Local Health Concern on the day of the meeting.

MeetingMeeting with Nicola Sturgeon is scheduled for 16th April 2008 at 11 am.
Agenda and list of attendees to be submitted by 16th March

Robert Cumming will follow up on the provision of Outpatient Chemotherapy services and also raise the topic Glasgow Monitoring Groups.
Julie McAnulty will raise the subject of privatisation of General Practice services.
Jean Turner wishes to raise the topic of patients complaints procedures and bed numbers.
Malcolm Allan wishes to discuss the provision of Pharmacy services
Alistair Glen will discuss BECADS/and wishes to raise the topic of the Geology of new South Glasgow site.

a) Consultation on Local Healthcare Bill
The SHCN had submitted a response on a previous bill proposing democratisation of Health Boards. The Chairman will prepare a response from the SHCN incorporating arguments made previously
There was a debate in the Scottish Parliament on 21st February 2008 on Democracy in Local Health Care. (see link below)
http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/officialReports/meetingsParliament/or-08/sor0221-02.htm#Col6256

George Venters isis going to prepareprepare report on this consultative document and . Deadline 1st April 2008.

Robert Cumming – NHSGG&C has unveiled plans for new South SideSide Hospital –completion date ?2014.

Alistair Glen – Spoke of experience of contractors losing piles in deep silt in building Clyde tunnel approach roads. .Concern over geology of site of new hospital

Robert Cumming – This has been produced by HighlandHighland Health Board for the SGHD. It contains a recommendation that doctorsdoctors should be trained as generalists for rural hospitals.

The Chairman mentioned a report from Allyson Pollock’s Department regarding the furtherfurther Involvement of private companies in General Practice in England.

JulieJulie McAnulty – All majormajor NHS Health Board contracts must be advertised in

Robert Cumming
Lambert Sinclair
Malcolm Allan
Alastair Glen
Ken Barr
Bill Lawrie
John Winton
Ruth Winton
Yvonne McRoberts
Margaret Watt
Jean Turner
Margaret Hinds
Eileen Gorie
Julie McAnulty

Evelyn McKechnie
George Venters
Robbie Robertson
James Sandeman
Patrick Trust
Isobel Vernolini

It was proposed that Jim Proctor, or an alternative representative, be invited to attend in the event of Patrick Trust being unable to attend. This was agreed.

3) Minutes from meeting of 1 March 2008:
Amendment to report by Julie McAnulty (p2) Should read“------coronary artery angiography may transfer to Hairmyres”.
Acceptance of minutes proposed by Margaret Watt and seconded by Julie McAnulty.

3a) Matters arising from above minutes.
None that would not be dealt with in later reports.

3b) Treasurer, Lambert Sinclair:

Balance at last meeting--             £994.26
Income:
Affiliation fees =                         £150
Bank interest to 16/3/2008 =      £3.84

* A cheque for £20, issued to the Secretary on 1/3/08 has not been presented.
** A further bill for £52 for hire of hall for the previous meeting has been received.
This will leave a balance of £1076.10.

MW asked if Awards for All had been contacted.
Discussion followed as to whether additional funds were required in the foreseeable future. It was agreed that the Network should, if possible, remain independent of external funding and that there was unlikely to be a need for additional funds at this stage.
KB asked that any revenue accruing from Paypal should go to individual groups unless otherwise specified. This was agreed.
LS to set up account.

Replies had been received from NS on the topics raised by individual delegates. These had been scanned by RC and forwarded to delegates.

JT and MW will meet with NS re SPA.
EG, JT and MW indicated that patients and relatives were still generally reluctant to raise complaints with hospital staff in case this prejudiced care. Still room for improvement in communication between patients, hospital staff, GPs, social services.
JW wondered if CABs were proving effective in dealing with complaints.
JT and MW to take this up with NS.

JW: LHC intend to tackle NHS Fife at annual review in June about lack of engagement with public. He hopes that Press will give coverage.

RC and MH noted that monitoring groups were responsible to NS rather than to NHSGG&C.
RC and JS to produce a document to show deficiencies in monitoring groups for submission to NS.
RC : Response re Beatson indicated that it was dealing with 100 patients daily. RC concerned about this high level. Will seek to establish post codes of patients attending.

KB: Still wishes to take up the issue of who is responsible for categorising calls for ambulances.

JW: Questioned whether rapid response vehicles were replacing some two person ambulances as a cost saving measure.

AG: Suggested that IT and confidentiality of patients’ data be included on the agenda for the next meeting with NS.

Individual delegates who attended the meeting with NS should feel free to acknowledge the replies out of courtesy.

MA reported on the content of a conference which he had attended in Dunblane on 29 April on Better Cancer Care.

RC had responded on behalf of the Network on Independent Scrutiny Panels and the proposed Local Healthcare Bill.
MA had responded to the discussion document on Better Cancer Care. A copy of the response has been circulated to members.
The final action plan will be published “in summer 2008”.

Reports had been received from:
Stobhill, Local Health Concern, Catches (some delegates had been unable to open the attachment) Health Service Forum South East (Glasgow).

KB commented that 10 members of the public had attended the last AGM. CATCHES will remain in existence. Limited funds and difficult to sustain public interest. Reported on satisfactory outcome of resident in Care Home being supported by lawyer using Human Rights argument to remain in local setting.

EG referred to “preferred option” at Vale of Leven and AG asked what weighting had been apportioned to cost as opposed to service provision in terms of care of mentally ill.

RC had been invited by Prof. Allyson Pollock of The Centre for International Public Health Policy, to meet and speak with a health delegation from Chile.
RC indicated that he may receive some financial recognition from his contribution, in which event this will be donated to the SHCN.

Bill Stewart may come from Perth to the next meeting of the Network in Milngavie.

8) A.O.C.B.

KB suggested that Geoff Mawdsley, director of the Think Tank Reform Scotland be invited. See www.reformscotland.com

JW reported on the numbers of patients from Fife treated under a three year contract at Strathcathro.

RC reported on the proposed changes for treating coronary care patients at the Golden Jubilee Hospital, Clydebank and at Hairmyres Hospital, Lanarkshire.

Saturday 23 August 2008, 1 pm for 1.30 pm at Milngavie Community Education Centre.

The meeting closed at 4.35pm with a Vote of Thanks to the Chair and grateful thanks to Anne Cumming for providing tea, coffee and sandwiches.

Robert Cumming: Email has been returned from Mr Rebecchi. It would seem that the council email is no longer live as Mr Rebecchi is not Lord Provost anymore and is in retirement. Agreed that his name be removed from the SHCN mailing list

      Evelyn McKechnie Save Stobhill
      Lambert Sinclair     Save Stobhill
      Malcolm Allan         Save Stobhill
      Robert Cumming    Save Stobhill
      Eileen Gorie           Vale of Leven Hospital
      George Venters      SHCN
      Alistair Glen           Glasgow Health Forum South East
      John Winton            LHC Fife
     Ruth Winton             LHC Fife
     David Smith            Glasgow Health Forum South East
     James Sandeman    Glasgow Health Forum South
     Jean Turner            Scottish Patients Association
     Julie McAnulty         Monklands
     Evelyn Hide             CATCHES
     Ken Barr                 CATCHES
     Margaret Watt          Scottish Patients Association

Minutes is accepted as a proper account. Proposed by Malcolm Allan, seconded by John Winton

Previously circulated. One matter to be highlighted is the website. £105 to be paid to Redcats Scotland. The previous website will still be retained by SHCN for one other year. Ken Barr will enquire as to providing a link from the old one to the new site ‘schnlive’.

Auditors signed off accounts. In the past year 6 groups have affiliated. The previous year we had 9 so there has been a drop in income. Hall lets have gone up from £10 to £25. Secretary’s expenses have been lower. £946 in bank to end of December. Plus donation from a group in Bishopbriggs that Chairman Robert Cumming attended.

Ken Barr brought to the group’s attention that money was available from the Scottish Health Council to organisations of up to £1000. Discussion followed that SHCN wanted to retain its complete independence.

Malcolm Allan gave report indicating that good coverage has been gained throughout the past year from Sunday Times, Times, Evening Times, The Herald, Sunday Herald.

Subject covered were: HAI, Elections to Health Boards, PFI, Prescription Charges, Outpatients. The media are coming to us now for comment. We are also keeping in contact with the NHSCA south of the border. Robert Cumming attending the NHSCA AGM and gave a report.

The situation in England and Wales in appalling. They regard situation in Scotland as a success story, north of the border.

James Sandeman stated that the NHS media page on the GGHB website was pretty informative – Media Scot Health Pages.

Robert Cumming gave thanks to Malcolm for his great efforts this year with regard to the media.

Robert Cumming indicated he was willing to do one more year. The post is very time consuming and he has done it for the past three and half years.
Evelyn Hide proposed and George Venters seconded. Robert Cumming was elected as Chairman.

Minutes approved as proper record. Proposed by John Winton, seconded by James Sandeman.

Alyson Pollok correspondence – QC been appointed to question validity. Opinion being sought. Current Scottish Government hopefully against privatisation of GP services.
Virgin has muted interest in providing GP services south of border.
English system getting out of control with growth of private firms engaging in providing GP services.

Julie McAnulty – Airdrie trying to merge GPs into 1 practice, next step privatisation. Would like to know if SNP government are going to revise GP contracts.

Hospital car parking charges
18/01/2008
New guidance on hospital car parking was issued to the NHS today.
A review group set up to look at parking charges recommended a maximum charge, but said that further analysis was needed to determine what the maximum charge should be.
As an interim measures, boards were advised at the end of last year that they will not be able to charge more than £3 a day for hospital car parking.
The revised guidance, drawn up by the review group and issued to health boards today, states that boards must operate a presumption against charging and where charging is used, all reasonable steps must be taken to ensure that these charges are not excessive for people working at or visiting a hospital.
The key principles of the guidance are:
• NHS Boards have a responsibility to work with local and regional partners to help to ensure good access for patients, carers, visitors and staff to NHS sites
• Car parking should be provided free of charge at most NHS sites
• Boards may make reasonable charges for car parking as part of a planned approach to facilitating access to sites, and to cover the costs of car park provision
• Boards must ensure that there is a reasonable allocation of car parking spaces available to allow patients and carers to attend clinics and appointments, including access for emergencies, and there should be clear information available to patients on how to get to the site including parking arrangements and any concessions
• Boards must ensure that a reasonable allocation of spaces is also made available for staff, reflecting the overall availability of car parking on the site
• Arrangements for allocating staff parking, which must reflect the needs of good employment practice and essential car use required for the delivery of services, must be agreed through local staff partnership arrangements
It also states that boards should not look at parking management in isolation, but should consider wider travel and access issues.
Schemes which impose uniform charges and conditions across a number of sites are not acceptable under the new guidance.
Boards are also instructed to publicise more widely concessionary parking and operate them more flexibly.
Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing Nicola Sturgeon said:

"The review group has endorsed the view that in general, car parking at hospitals should be provided free of charge.
"It also came to the conclusion that a maximum charge should be set, and in order to protect against unnecessary or excessive charges in the meantime, I decided in December to introduce a cap of £3 a day, which boards should implement without delay.
"Evidence from a number of health boards shows that charging high daily rates are not the only way to discourage or control unauthorised parking and I agree with the group's recommendation that all other avenues should be explored before charges are introduced.
"I hope that this guidance reassures those staff, patients and visitors who have had concerns about parking charges, and that we see fairer, more affordable schemes in place across Scotland."
The remit of the review group was: "To review existing guidance on car parking and arrangements for car parking charging, with an emphasis on the impact of staff, particularly lower paid staff, and offer views on how guidance or schemes might be amended to safeguard access for patients, and ensure equitable treatment for staff who have specific transport needs."
The Review Group comprised representatives from the Scottish Partnership Forum to ensure that the group was fully aware of the views of staff about hospital car parking arrangements and charges, patient, carer and disabled representatives nominated by the Scottish Health Council, a voluntary organisation (Macmillan Cancer Support in view of their knowledge and experience through the Better Deal campaign on the cost of travel and car parking), a NHS Board Chair, an HR Director and a Director of Planning.
As well as considering the level a maximum charge should be set at, a further review will also consider the position of car parks covered by existing PFI contracts. The guidance issued today applies whether a car parking facility is provided by the NHS board or a commercial concern.
Link to full document : http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Health/NHS-Scotland/Boards/HospitalCarParking/RevisedGuidance

3) ANY OTHER MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES
Julie McAnulty raised the possibility of a member’s only section on the www.schnlive.co.uk website where minutes could be posted etc.
Discussion followed and consensus was the group wished to remain open and transparent.

4) FEEDBACK FROM RESPONSES ARISING FROM MEETING WITH NICOLA STURGEON
4 areas – Modernising Medical Careers, Brent BECAD, Maternity Services and Chemotherapy services.

MATERNITY SERVICES - John Winton gave report on Maternity Services in Fife. He serves on the reconfiguration group. Currently it will cost £1 million a year averaging out at £4000 per birth instead of present £480 midwifery led births. Told by 2 members that the unit would be closed within 2 years. Transfer rate of 17.5%.

BECAD - Alistair Glen said that he only received a reply thanking him for enquiring about BECAD. Discussion followed on how best to get answers. If you write directly to them as an MSP you should get a reply from the MSP. (or email)
Alistair stated that he is still on the ‘waiting list’ to receive the Brent BECAD report.

CHEMOTHERAPY – South to go to Victoria ACAD, North to go to GRI, Beatson. North enough parity with East of Scotland. Eileen Gorie – At the Vale the Beatson do outreach clinics. Chairman to write to Nicola Sturgeon on behalf of group with concerns over chemotherapy services.

5) ‘BETTER HEALTH, BETTER CARE’ – ACTION PLAN’

Link to document:
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2007/12/11103453/0
Robert Cumming felt the document produced by the Scottish Government was a much better one that the Kerr one, it has a much more reasoned approach.
John Winton stated concerns that various groups were supposed to have their submission online but to date that has not been the case.

6) INDEPENDENT SCRUTINY PANEL MEETINGS AND REPORTS
Independent Scrutiny: The Independent Examination of Proposals for Major Change in NHS Services: A Public Consultation
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2007/10/26111633/0
Agreed that Chairman Robert Cumming would make a submission on behalf of SHCN. Deadline is 25th January 2008 for submissions.
George Venters suggested that SHCN should prepare a press release calling for the boards of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and NHS Lanarkshire to resign. Boards have no credibility. The Independent Scrutineer panels have confirmed what we have all been saying for years.
James Sandeman – The reports are a stinging indictment of NHSGG & C and NHS Lanarkshire.
Discussion followed and a press release will be issued short of calling for the Boards resignation at this time but to ask what they will be doing in the light of the reports. 2 stage release – what are they going to do (1) then if no result (2) calling for their resignation.
ROYAL PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY OF GLASGOW – Prof Neil McKeganey.
Alistair Glen highlighted the lecture being give on 20th Feb 2008 by Prof McKeganey on the subject : ‘”Welcome to Scotland : Drug Capital of Europe”.
Info available on: http://www.royalphil.arts.gla.ac.uk/

7) CONSULTATION DOCUMENTS FROM SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT
a) Independent examination of proposals for major changes in the NHS services. http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2007/10/26111633/0
b) Local Health Care Bill. http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/01/04140108/0 Re-emergence of democracy within health boards. Robert Cumming gave evidence in the Scottish Parliament at Stage 1 of the Bill.
Health Committee Minutes of Proceedings, 23rd Meeting, 2006 (Session 2), Tuesday 31 October 2006 -
http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/committees/health/mop-06/hemop06-1031.htm
BMA and RCN plus local councillors said there was adequate representation. Robert Cumming worked it out that for some councillors it worked out at £800 per word.
Discussion followed on Board Papers which are very difficult to make sense of. Papers written by experts or health professionals.
c) Professor Sir John Tooke published his report on Modernising Medical Careers "Aspiring to Excellence" on 8 January 2008.
d) http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/01/07144119/0

Deadline for responses 1st April 2008.

8) TOPICS FOR NEXT MEETING WITH NICOLA STURGEON
Robert Cumming, Chairman will write for a date of a meeting with Nicola Sturgeon in April. An agenda will have to be submitted to her at least 6 weeks prior to the date of meeting. Possibly will have time to go over agenda at next SHCN meeting.
Any topics to be submitted please send to Robert Cumming, Chairman or to the Secretary, Evelyn McKechnie.
Topics raised so far are:-
MMC, BRENT ACAD, AMBULANCES IN RURAL AREAS, MATERNITY SERVICES, CHEMOTHERAPY.

9) DATE, TIME AND VENUE OF NEXT MEETING
Date of next meeting is Saturday, 1st March 2008 at 1.30 pm at the Milngavie Community Education Centre. Tea, coffee, sandwiches available form 1 pm.

Lambert Sinclair presented Anne Cumming with a bouquet of flowers in grateful thanks from the group for all her wonderful work in providing tea, coffee, sandwiches which are always gratefully received by members of the group attending the meetings.

Patrick Trust, David Smith, Evelyn McKechnie, Robbie Robertson, Margaret Hinds, Yvonne McRoberts.

Malcolm Allan, Lambert Sinclair, James Sandeman, Isobel Vernolini, John Winton, Ruth Winton, Ken Barr, Evelyn Hide, Julie McAnulty, George Venters, Margaret Watt, Jean Turner, Alastair Glen, Robert Cumming, Anne Cumming.

Robert Cumming welcomed Mr Graham Kirkland, Head of A& E services West Central Division Greater Glasgow and Lanarkshire of the Scottish Ambulance Service. Mr Kirkland was accompanied by Mr Gary Fraser.
Mr Kirkland outlined the services provided by the Ambulance Service giving details of the personnel and vehicles employed. He also provided information on the extent of the training of those who staff ambulances, and of the aims and objectives of the Service. He responded to several questions including those relating to the air ambulance service, with particular reference to the transfer of patients from landing sites to hospitals which did not have helipads.

It was noted that at that meeting, Carolyn Leckie had spoken about the privatisation of General practice.
The present SNP administration has stated that it is not in favour of this.
It was requested that the Secretary send copies of the minutes to delegates by e mail rather than having them accessed via the web site.
Acceptance of the minutes was proposed by Margaret Watt and seconded by George Venters

Car parking has been raised at the monitoring group and is being reviewed by the SNP.
Ken Barr and Grant Gillon were thanked for providing the new web site. Ken proposed that when the present domain expires a new one should replace it. This was approved without dissent.

Scottish Patients’ Association. Margaret Watt noted that the organisation had been formed 25 years ago. It is planned to relaunch it from the site of the Scottish Parliament in April 2008. The new Chief Executive is Jean Turner. The organisation is working towards being a listed charity. Thanks to contributors and sponsors it has a new web site: www.scottishpatients.com
The postal address of the organisation is: SPA, PO 2817, Glasgow G61 9AY.
E mail address is: contact@scottishpatients.com

Lambert Sinclair stated that since the last meeting the SHCN had received two affiliation fees, namely from the Scottish Patients’Association and Catches. These totalled £100 Bank interest added a further £3.82.
Outgoings were: Secretary’s expenses, £20, Hall Hire charge, £25, Grant Gillon, Web Master, £150.
The balance at the bank amounted to £ 945.15

The Treasurer estimated further expenses of £20 to the Secretary and £25 for Hall Hire, leaving a balance of around £900.
Subsequent to this the Treasurer received £50 in respect of affiliation fee from HSFSE (Glasgow) giving a final estimated balance of £950.

At this point Margaret Watt suggested that the Network apply for a grant from ‘Awards for All’ and offered to send an information pack.
Margaret further suggested that the Network might consider applying for listed charity status in order to reclaim tax under the Gift Aid scheme. Discussion took place on both suggestions and it was decided to consider the ‘Awards for All’ but the consensus was that the returns which might be recovered compared to the work involved in applying for charity status and administering it, if approved, were not justified.
Ken Barr suggested that the web site of the SHCN should have a section provided for anyone wishing to donate to it.

6) Discussion following the meeting on 24 Sept. 2007 with the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing, Nicola Sturgeon.

Jean Turner emphasised the importance of delegates adhering to the agenda and to their time allocation.
Julie McAnulty apologised for introducing an item not on the agenda.
The chairman was requested to ask for a longer interview at future meetings with N S.
It was agreed that delegates should try to meet in advance of any future meetings with NS to run through their topics.
Amendments to the report were requested by Isobel Vernolini and Ken Barr.
Malcolm Allan agreed to deal with this.

Robert Cumming will respond on behalf of the SHCN to the several issues which were raised.
Individuals and groups are also encouraged to respond with copy to the Chairman of the Network.

John Winton reported that he had attended the annual review of NHS Fife and had expressed the view that Minor Injury Units be “beefed up”.
He and Isobel Vernolini also spoke of the midwife led unit planned for Dunfermline Hospital and questioned how much use would be made of it.
Robert Cumming quoted evidence from a report that “ provided patients had been adequately screened beforehand, midwife led units were as safe as consultant led units.”

James Sandeman had provided a report from the Health Service Forum SE (Glasgow) in advance of the meeting.

Patrick Trust had sent an e mail indicating that the group from the Vale of Leven would rejoin.

Date of next meeting.
Saturday 19 Jan. 2008 at Milngavie Community and Education Centre at 1 pm for 1.30 pm.
Note that this will also be the Annual General Meeting of the SHCN.