Agenda item - Patient Transport Services (PTS): Update

17.1    This item was introduced by Lola Banjoko, CCG Deputy Managing Director South. Ms Banjoko told members that South Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SCAS) had continued to improve its performance, particularly in terms of services for renal patients. However, SCAS is not hitting all of its KPIs, and has consequently developed a Service Development Improvement Plan. Feedback from users and from hospital staff on SCAS is generally good. SCAS is due to launch a patient forum in the near future.

17.2    Members were also informed that it was still not possible to discuss financial details of the previous Patient Transport contract as legal proceedings in relation to this contract are ongoing.

17.3    In response to a question from Cllr Theobald expressing disappointment at performance against some indicators, members were told that SCAS does need to address areas of underperformance. The trust has been running this PTS contract for long enough to understand the demand levels.

17.4    In answer to a query from Cllr Hill as to why renal performance is separate from other performance indicators, Ms Banjoko explained that dialysis is a critical service (i.e. patients must be able to access it at the right time or risk their health deteriorating), whereas most PTS services are non-critical.

17.5    In response to a question from Cllr Hill on different types of PTS pick-up at discharge, members were told that it was relatively easy to prepare for discharge from electives; more complex for the discharge of in-patients; and harder still for discharge from A&E.

17.6    In answer to a question from Fran McCabe as to whether significant performance improvement was possible within the current financial envelope, members were told that improved performance is achievable: there is a good deal that can be done to get SCAS and hospitals working more smoothly together.

17.7    In response to a query from Colin Vincent on engagement, members were told that this work is progressing with the assistance of CCG and acute trust engagement staff. Healthwatch will be included in this.

17.8    In answer to a question from Cllr Hill on KPI underperformance relating to data recording, members were informed that SCAS records all calls, but sometimes does not correctly code the nature of the call. This issue will be addressed via the Improvement Plan.

17.9    RESOLVED – that the report be noted.