Any other item or items which by reason of special circumstances (to be specified) the Chairman of the meeting is of the opinion should be considered at this meeting as a matter of urgency.

(a) Transfer of services from Stretford Memorial Hospital

[The Chairman agreed to accept this item as a matter of urgent business to allow a timely update on the situation to Members]

The Board received a presentation of the Deputy Chief Executive, Central Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, explaining the decision to close Stretford Memorial Hospital once all services and clinics had been transferred to alternative sites, hoped to be completed by the end of October, 2015.

After giving a brief background on the site, the presentation outlined the site’s problems which ultimately lead to the decision. Limited clinical activity meant fewer people on site (staff and patients) in general, with particularly low numbers of people on site at some times of the week. Problems with ensuring that the site and the buildings were secure were identified, as well as evidence that the site was being used for drug-taking. The view was taken that there was only a limited capacity for staff to respond to any sort of medical or security emergency at the site.

Following a risk assessment by the senior management team, it was concluded that Stretford Memorial was not currently a safe or appropriate place for the provision of clinical services to patients, or for staff to work. Remaining services provided at Stretford Memorial would need to be transferred elsewhere to ensure the safety and welfare of patients and staff.

All clinics would be re-provided by the end October 2015, with patients being offered appointments at Trafford General, Altrincham or the main CMFT (Oxford Road) site, depending on their preference. Arrangements for re-providing mental health clinics were being discussed with Greater Manchester West Mental Health Trust. In the longer term, the hope would be to provide some services from the Shrewsbury Street development.

The presentation concluded by advising Board Members that the current action would be temporary to protect the safety and welfare of patients and staff. Discussions were taking place with partner organisations on options for the longer term use of the site, as well as having discussions with Trafford’s Health Scrutiny Committee Chair and Vice Chair around the consultation requirements.

Members of the Board agreed with the decision to close the site, but wanted to ensure that services were transferred efficiently, and that a long term solution was found for the area.

Questions were asked as to why the decision had been made so abruptly, as it had been clear for some time that facilities at the site were lacking. The Deputy Chief Executive, Central Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust agreed that there had been some previous concerns, but advised that the recent risk assessment completed by the senior management team ultimately confirmed that the site was not fit for purpose in its current state. The risk assessment findings accelerated the process, and the decision was made accordingly.

During discussions about the future of the site, it was suggested that an integrated care facility might be placed at the location. Trafford Clinical Commissioning Group stated they were keen to have something in the area, and confirmed they were in discussions about the possibility of joint working as the area bordered Manchester.

            RESOLVED: That the presentation be noted by the Board.