A&E winter pressures on agenda for committee but no South Downs MSK discussion

However, there will be no discussion at the meeting about new NHS musculoskeletal services (MSK).

The meeting will be told that negotiations are continuing between Coastal West Sussex Clinical Commissioning Group, Western Sussex Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Bupa CSH Ltd following the results of an independent impact assessment into proposed changes at St Richard’s Hospital in Chichester.

The committee has been scrutinising the plans which have been causing concern within the community because of the threat it could pose to accident and emergency services at St Richard’s and Worthing Hospital.

Chairman of the committee Margaret Evans said: “We are keen to see a conclusion to these negotiations as soon as possible. However, we fully understand that it is important to get it right. We all want a positive outcome and to make sure residents get the best service so we need to allow time for these negotiations to be concluded.”

The committee will look at the impact of winter pressures on local A&Es and other health services. It will ask for an update on how the NHS and social care services have been working together to address recent pressures and what the causes have been. They will also ask about how they are planning for future similar situations.

The meeting will also hear about how the county council is preparing for the Care Act, the most significant social care reform in 60 years.

The changes are designed to help people plan for the future and put people more in control of the help they receive, have more control over their care and support and remain independent for as long as possible. The county council is consulting on some aspects of the changes which can be decided locally.

The meeting on Wednesday January 21 will start at 10.30am, at County Hall in Chichester.