Agenda item - Clinically Effective Commissioning (CEC): Update

18.1    This item was introduced by Lola Banjoko, CCG Deputy Managing Director South. Members were told that the Clinically Effective Commissioning (CEC) initiative aims to standardise clinical practice and thresholds across Sussex, ensuring that NHS services follow best practice and that providers are not required to work to multiple commissioner policies.

18.2    Cllr Greenbaum argued that HOSC members had not been given sufficient information on CEC to date, and in particular had not been consulted on whether any of the changes in CEC tranches 0, 1 and 2 should be deemed to be Substantial Variations in Service (SViS).

18.3    Cllr Allen echoed Cllr Greenbaum’s concerns, noting that this was effectively rationing of NHS services.

18.4    Cllr Marsh and Cllr Deane concurred. Cllr Deane noted that she was also interested in finding out what the local NHS exposure to PFI (Private Finance Inititaive) costs is, but has not received an answer to this question from the CCG.

18.5    Cllr Theobald agreed, noting that she was concerned about the availability on the NHS of routine procedures such as varicose vein surgery and joint replacements. Ms Banjoko noted that varicose vein surgery and other procedures would continue to be available on the NHS, but that there may be changes to the threshold at which NHS patients could access them.

18.6    Cllr Greenbaum proposed the following amendment (to be added as point 2 to the resolution): “That members request that the CCG provides the HOSC with detailed evidence for each treatment area in all tranches of the CEC initiative as soon as it becomes available.”

18.7    The amendment was seconded by Cllr Allen and unanimously agreed.

18.8    RESOLVED – that:

(1) the report be noted; and

(2) members request that the CCG provides the HOSC with detailed evidence of each treatment area in all tranches of the CEC initiative as soon as it becomes available.