Devon ICB meeting Jan 2025 (short summary)

Overview – NHS Devon ICB – Jan 2025 meeting

– NHS Devon is currently the most financially challenged Integrated Care System (ICS) in England.
– Sarah Wollaston, the chair of the Integrated Care Board (ICB), resigned in June 2024, citing concerns over “unachievable” plans that may lead to unacceptable patient consequences.

Public Meetings and Transparency

– The ICB holds public meetings bi-monthly, aimed at fostering transparency regarding healthcare planning in Devon.
– Public attendance is allowed, but questions must be submitted in advance and are at the discretion of the ICB for response.
– There is significant public concern about the lack of transparency in the ICB’s financial management and planned cost-saving measures.

Political Concerns

– In December 2024, Richard Foord, MP for Honiton and Sidmouth, expressed frustration over vague terms used in the ICB’s reports, specifically “reducing workforce” and “reducing continuing healthcare costs”.
– He requested a detailed breakdown of proposed service cuts and an explanation of NHS Devon’s financial situation.
– The ICB directed him to available public documents for information.

NHS Oversight Framework: Segment 4

– NHS Devon is under Segment 4 of the National Oversight Framework (NOF4) due to poor financial performance, receiving the highest level of support from NHS England.
– Originally expected to exit NOF4 in Q1 2024/2025, the new forecast for exit is Q1 2025/26.
– The ICB assesses several areas: local strategic priorities, leadership, quality of care, access and outcomes, and financial management.

Current Performance Assessment

– As of November 2024, NHS Devon is rated as ‘Off track’ for meeting the exit criteria in all assessment areas, with urgent and emergency care (UEC) and finance showing particularly high risk.
– The expectation is that by Q1 2025/26, finance will still face an ‘Emerging risk of inability’, while UEC remains ‘Off track’ and is forecasted to worsen.

Urgent and Emergency Care (UEC) Concerns

– UEC performance has deteriorated, with no improvements noted against key performance indicators, which includes the 4-hour performance standard and ambulance handover delays.
– In November, the UEC performance across three providers (UHP, RDUH, T&SD) hit its lowest point this financial year, achieving only 68.43% compliance with the 4-hour wait standard.

Conclusion

The ICB is facing significant challenges in financial management and patient care delivery, with pressing demands for transparency and accountability from both the public and political representatives. The outlook for NHS Devon remains concerning as it navigates its exit from NOF4 amidst persistent performance issues, particularly within urgent and emergency services.