Council and democracy

Agenda item

People's Panel Representative

Minutes:

The Chair welcomed Kevin Brice, Chair of the People’s Panel, to the meeting and asked for a brief update on why the Panel had been set up. Mr Brice stated that People’s Panel had been set up in September 2018 following a recommendation from Thurrock Healthwatch to provide an independent view on matters relating to the relocation of services from Orsett Hospital. The group had been set up with 12 members with public and patient representatives who were able to contribute to the aims of the plans. Some of the panel’s concerns were the information available on the IMC plans, breakdown of services at Orsett Hospital, plans for services to each IMC, transport, parking, staffing, integrated services and growth within the borough.

 

The People’s Panel had their own Terms of Reference, met frequently and arranged guest speakers. Tom Abell and Roger Harris had both been invited to present to the panel and had provided presentations with a site visit having been undertaken to the Tilbury IMC. Mr Brice stated the future aims of the panel would be to elevate process on the project plan, update membership, arrange meetings with Public Health and CCG, link with communications, confirm communication links were in place for the members of the public, continue to question and review the status of each IMC. Mr Brice stated that it was his intention to stand down as Chair but continue as a panel member.

 

Councillor Redsell as a member on the Bus User Group stated that bus companies were happy to work with the proposed four IMCs for connections required between each IMC and the connection to Basildon Hospital. Mr Brice stated that it was imperative to have a bus connection in place and had been a significant concern.

 

Members discussed the bus services that had been reduced from January 2020 and the lack of bus transportation to Orsett Hospital. Tom Abell stated that this had also been raised as a concern with hospital staff. Members agreed that this was a major concern that had to be addressed urgently and to ensure that services would be integrated into future travel plans. Councillor Ralph agreed to check the services and liaise with the portfolio holder. Roger Harris stated this would be included in the wider transport plan as the footfall increased. Conversations would be undertaken with operators before the IMCs were open.

 

The Chair asked Mr Brice what the feelings and thoughts of residents were at the time of the proposed plans were known compared to now. Mr Brice stated there had been a lot of negativity at the beginning as there was a lack of information on each site and what services would be going where. Compared to now where there was some acceptance that Orsett Hospital would close and some willingness to embrace the IMCs as long as they provided the appropriate services.

 

Councillor Ralph questioned whether the panel had raised any concerns on parking problems at Thurrock Hospital. Mr Brice stated the panel had raised concerns that there was insufficient parking at Thurrock Hospital and had to be addressed before the site was expanded.

 

The Chair thanked Mr Brice for his time this evening.