2023

Noted (AI summary) The Trust will display laminated posters of joint guidance in acute surgical areas, publish and disseminate a new trust policy, update the online requesting system, engage with the West Midlands Postgraduate School of Surgery to inform trainees, and report the incident to CORESS, with completion expected by 31st October 2023. The Department of Health and Social Care acknowledges the concerns about capacity at Birmingham Heartlands Hospital and outlines national plans to improve A&E waiting times, increase hospital capacity, and support timely discharge from hospital, but doesn't detail specific actions beyond those already in place.

Noted (AI summary) EMIS reviewed its EMIS Web system and believes no software developments are required beyond existing functionality. They offer further training to the Practice on optimal use of the system.

Noted (AI summary) South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust acknowledges concerns about operating at Stage 4 of its Surge Management Plan and outlines factors contributing to increased demand and changes in patient profiles. It states they will continue to work with partners on local and national programmes and a full system-wide review is required. The Department of Health and Social Care highlights its 'Delivery plan for recovering urgent and emergency care services', investments in ambulance workforce, and funding to improve patient flow. They report improvements in ambulance response times nationally and in the SECAmb region, and improvements in patient handover times.

Noted (AI summary) The Department of Health and Social Care acknowledges concerns about ambulance response times. The response references the 'Delivery plan for recovering urgent and emergency care services' and notes improvements in ambulance response times and handover delays but acknowledges more work is needed.

Noted (AI summary) NHS England acknowledges the concerns, states that it is not the appropriate organisation to respond to many of them, but will consider the Trust's response and has been sighted on the Trust’s Patient Safety Serious Incident Review Report. It also draws attention to NHS England’s national Mental Health, Learning Disability and Autism Inpatient Quality Transformation Programme. The MPS has the Affinity Protocol in place since 2021 and will undertake work as part of the implementation of the Right Care, Right Person to ensure policies of all parties align and there is a clear understanding of definitions and terminology used. The Home Office describes the Right Care Right Person (RCRP) approach to assist police decision making. It states that the investigation of a missing person report is an operational decision for individual police forces and refers to the MPS Affinity Protocol. The Trust has updated its Missing and AWOL policy, reviewed procedures for patients leaving acute wards, and changed observation guidance. They will review their Risk Assessment policy and the Grab Pack's alignment with local policies, including seeking external expert opinion, with a 3-6 month timescale.