The Corporate Director of Adults, Housing and Health introduced the report which outlined plans for the development of an Integrated Medical Centre (IMC) in Tilbury to address the health needs in the area and improve the quality and capacity of primary care.  The report also provided further detail on the proposed model of care and the delivery mechanism for the capital build project.  Members were asked to consider and comment on the exciting opportunity, before the report being presented at Cabinet the following week.

The Chair asked whether the new IMC would include a Minor Injuries unit.  The Corporate Director of Adults, Housing and Health outlined that there were hopes for 4 IMCs across Thurrock.  While it would be unlikely that all 4 would facilitate Minor Injuries units 1 or 2 would.  The unit(s) would be commissioned and delivered by the NHS and therefore he could not yet advise which site(s) would be selected.

The Cabinet Member for Regeneration assured the Committee that Basildon Hospital and all the NHS partners had signed a Memorandum of Understanding that services provided at present would not change until these IMCs were in place so there would be no loss of care in Thurrock.  It was hoped that services such as Minor Injuries units and renal dialysis might be provided at some of the IMCs.  The exact outcomes were subject to the consultation currently underway but the aim was to ensure services were more viable for both the Council and patients and it was an opportunity to ensure the best possible outcomes for Thurrock.

Councillor Smith highlighted the problem Thurrock faced around retention of GPs and urged for one of the IMCs to be designated as a GP training practice to encourage trainee GPs into the borough where they might settle, to the betterment of Thurrock.  The Committee heard that the Council could influence plans but could not directly control as delivery would be controlled by the NHS, however the CCG had aspired to something similar for some time.  The landscape of primary care in Thurrock was currently not in good shape and this made recruiting GPs tough.

Councillor Piccolo queried the business case process and the impact that might have on the timeframe for the IMC to be delivered.  There would be 2 separate business cases, one for Cabinet to borrow money to build the centre and a separate NHS business case for service delivery.  The NHS business case process was very complicated but there had been assurances that it would be a 1-stage process for the commissioning of primary care.  While there were hopes for 4 IMCs across Thurrock, the scheme for Tilbury stood alone and would be considered on its own merit.  The IMC in Tilbury had been planned regardless of consultations around plans for Orsett hospital; however the opportunities resulting from the current consultation would be an added dimension.

The Chair echoed the need for something to be done in Tilbury which was, at present, 8 GPs short.  He wished to see the IMC sooner rather than later.  Councillor Gerrish also echoed support for the project and agreed that the term ‘Integrated Medical Centre’ was far clearer for residents than some previous suggestions.  He queried what room there would be for growth in the future, for example if additional services wished to join the IMC.  The Corporate Director of Adults, Housing and Health outlined that there would be specifications for the design team around maximising use of the centres, both around extended hours and 7 day weeks and around the utilising of space., such as shared reception areas.  It was essential to future proof the sites for growth, both in terms of population and services offered; this was key to the regeneration aspect of the proposal.

The Chair referred to the Executive Summary within the report and the aims to reduce health inequalities.  He welcomed the proposal which was very important for residents.

RESOLVED:

That Members of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee:

1.            Note the current status of the project and comment on the proposed mechanism for securing the delivery of the Tilbury and Chadwell IMC.

2.            Support the Council in taking the role outlined within the report including the decision to tender and appoint the design team.