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Quality account 24-25 final

Description: QUALITY ACCOUNT 2024/25 QUALITY ACCOUNT Contents Part 1: Statement on quality from the chief executive 1.1 Chief executive’s statement and welcome 3 Part 2: Priorities for improvement and statements of assurance from the Board 2. Introduction 5 2.1 Priorities for improvement 6 2.1.1 Progress against 2024/25 priorities 6 2.1.2 Quality Improvement Priorities - 2024/25: Final Reports 8 2.2 Priorities for improvement for 2025/26 28 2.3 Statements of assurance from the Board 47 2.3.1 Review of services 47 2.3.2 Participation in national clinical audits and confidential enquiries 47 2.3.3 Recruiting to research 52 2.3.4 Commissioning for Quality and Innovation (CQUIN) payment framework 52 2.3.5 Statements from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) 52 2.3.6 Payment by results 53 2.3.7 Data quality 54 2.3.8 Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT) 54 2.4 Overview of Quality Performance 55 2.4.1 Single Oversight Framework 55 2.4.2 Reporting against core indicators for 2024/25 55 2.4.3 Learning from deaths 67 2.4.4 Seven-day hospital services 70 2.4.5 Freedom to Speak Up 72 2.4.6 Rota gaps 74 2.4.7 Duty of Candour 76 Part 3: Other information 3.1 Our commitment to safety 77 3.2 Our commitment to improving the experience of the people who use our services 81 3.3 Our commitment to improve the quality of our patients’ environment 83 3.4 Our commitment to sustainability and the environment 85 3.5 Our commitment to staff 89 3.6 Our commitment to education and training 91 3.7 Our commitment to clinical research 98 3.8 Our commitment to technology 102 3.9 Conclusion 103 Part 4: Appendices 104 2 QUALITY ACCOUNT Part 1: Statement on quality from the Chief Executive 1.1 Chief Executive’s statement and welcome I am pleased to present this year’s quality account, which reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering safe, effective and compassionate care for our patients. 2024/25 has been a challenging year for UHS and the wider NHS and social care system. We have navigated operational pressures, with increasing numbers of patients who are medically fit but do not have an onward care package in place to be discharged, alongside a rise in winter infections and a record number of attendances to our emergency department. In the face of these challenges, our teams have worked tirelessly to enhance patient outcomes, improve service accessibility and ensure that the care patients receive meets the highest standards. I want to recognise the hard work of our staff in ensuring safety, driving innovation, and adapting to changes. This report highlights successful initiatives that have improved patient care over the past year. It also provides an overview of our quality priorities for 2024/25 and sets out our quality improvement priorities for 2025/26. We are proud to have maintained our focus on quality and achieved most of our objectives, enhancing the experience for those who use our services. Patient experience is an important priority for UHS. In 2024/25 we have successfully recruited approximately 2,000 ‘involved patients’, which will ensure that we co-design our services with those who use them, keeping our focus on our Trust values of patients first, working together and always improving. 2025/26 promises to be an exciting year for patient experience, with the development of the Patient and Family Support Hub, which will integrate voluntary services and ensure equitable access to support services for all. Our long-standing commitment to delivering safe, high-quality care is underpinned by the Fundamentals of Care programme - eight care commitments that patients, families and carers can expect from their care at UHS and these statements have been written in conjunction with patients, relatives and staff. In 2024/25 the programme has made significant progress in embedding Fundamentals of Care into our organisational culture. This has been achieved through developing understanding with newly registered professionals in our preceptorship programme, support worker development opportunities and the ongoing empowerment of staff through leadership development. In 2024/25, we have continued to strengthen our internal quality assurance programmes by aligning the clinical accreditation scheme with the CQC single assessment methodology. We are collaborating with other internal programmes - such as infection control, Patient-Led Assessments of the Care 3 QUALITY ACCOUNT Environment (PLACE) and friends and family feedback - to triangulate data and enhance oversight of key quality metrics, including patient safety, effectiveness, patient experience, and outcomes. This approach provides us with valuable intelligence to help us uphold our Trust values. 2024/25 marked one year of Patient Safety Incident Response Framework (PSIRF) implementation at UHS which has helped develop ‘just and learning’ culture across the organisation. Safety awareness has increased through our education programmes that have achieved good attendance and feedback. This coming year we will continue to build on the work that has been undertaken as part of implementation of the national safety standards for invasive procedures (NATSSIPS) 2. We continue to collaborate with our partners and develop our work as an integral organisation in the integrated health and social care system, building on trusted relationships across organisational boundaries are essential in improving health outcomes for our whole population. I want to recognise the amazing dedication of our staff in maintaining the safety of both colleagues and patients, fostering innovation, and adapting to evolving circumstances. Throughout this year, our teams across all services have strengthened their collaboration with our partners. As we continue to advance towards an integrated health and social care system, these trusted relationships are proving essential in our ability to respond effectively. To the best of my knowledge, the information contained in this document accurately reflects our performance, provides a true account of the quality of the health care services we provide, and where we have succeeded and exceed in delivery on our plans. David French Chief Executive Officer 26 June 2025 4 QUALITY ACCOUNT Part 2: Priorities for improvement and statements of assurance from the Board 2. Introduction Despite it being an extremely challenging year and unprecedented demand in the emergency department during 2024/25, the Trust maintained a strong focus on quality assurance. This was undertaken through established programmes and clinical leadership oversight of key safety and patient experience indicators, including falls, pressure ulcers, and venous thromboembolisms. The Fundamentals of Care initiative continued to be embedded, supported by high-quality peer reviews and weekly matron-led quality walkabouts aligned with CQC domains. The clinical accreditation scheme (CAS) was enhanced with updated documentation reflecting learning from themed walkabouts and aligned with national frameworks. A new governance framework for mortality and morbidity meetings was introduced to improve learning dissemination and escalation. The Trust also opened a Patient and Family Support Hub (P&FSH), advanced volunteer recruitment through a system-wide passporting approach, and began implementing NatSSIPs 2. In response to rising violence against staff, de-escalation training was rolled out, leading to a reduction in physical restraint and violence incidents. The Trust’s commitment to continuous improvement was demonstrated through training over 1,000 staff, outperforming NHS averages in improvement metrics, and achieving measurable service enhancements, including a 5.25% reduction in average length of stay, increased theatre throughput, and expanded use of patient initiated follow up pathways. Every year all NHS hospitals in England must prepare and publish an annual report for the public about the quality of their services. This is called the quality account and makes us at UHS more accountable to our patients and the public which helps drive improvement in the quality of our services. Quality in healthcare is made up of three core dimensions: Patient experience - how patients experience the care they receive Patient safety - keeping patients safe from harm Clinical effectiveness - how successful is the care we provide? 5 QUALITY ACCOUNT The quality account incorporates all the requirements of The National Health Service (Quality Accounts) Regulations 2010 (as amended) as well as additional reporting requirements. This includes: • How well we did against the quality priorities and goals we set ourselves for 2024/25 (last year). • It sets out the priorities we have agreed for 2025/26 (next year), and how we plan to achieve them. • The information we are required by law to provide so that people can see how the quality of our services compares to those provided by other NHS trusts. Additional information about our progress and achievements in key areas of quality delivery. Stakeholder and external assurance statements, including statements from our Council of Governors, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board and Southampton County Council’s Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee. 2.1 Priorities for improvement This section reflects on the 2024/25 quality improvement priorities at UHS and outlines our quality improvement priorities for 2025/26. 2.1.1 Progress against 2024/25 priorities Last year, we upheld our commitment to delivering the highest standard of care, influenced by various national, regional, local, and trust-wide factors. Throughout the year, we encountered unprecedented demand on our services, contending with challenges related to operational, capacity, patient flow, infection prevention, and safety. Despite these difficulties, we were confident in our ability to maintain our focus on quality priorities. Our teams worked diligently to achieve their goals under these challenging circumstances. We are proud to present our accomplishments and how our successes have continued to enhance the quality of services we provide to those who rely on us. 6 QUALITY ACCOUNT Overview of success Core dimension Patient experience Patient safety Clinical effectiveness Quality priority Progress Exploring the provision of a support centre for people using our services. Creating a behaviour framework behind our values, bringing them to life to improve our patient and staff experience. Volunteering - a new focus. Achieved On hold Achieved Acuity and deteriorating patients: continuing to improve how we keep patients safe from harm. We will ensure that Fundamentals of Care (FoC) are provided to all our patients in collaboration with our patients, their family, and their carers. Improving our morbidity and mortality (M&M) meetings. Achieved Achieved Achieved Develop the Trust’s approach to reducing the impact of health inequalities (HIs). Help develop a UHS quality management system approach. Achieved Achieved 7 QUALITY ACCOUNT 2.1.2 Quality Improvement Priorities - 2024/25: Final Reports Quality Improvement Priority One: Exploring the provision of a support centre for people using our services (year one) Why was this a priority? UHS is a regional centre for many disease types, but we recognise there is inequality in provision of support facilities in the Trust for all our patients and their friends and families regardless of their clinical conditions. While cancer patients have access to designated centres such as The Maggie’s Centre and Macmillan facilities, other disease types have no comparable options despite often having enhanced needs. Patients who are nearing the end of their life are frequently spending their final days in bays with other patients as side rooms are prioritised for isolation purposes, and there are few areas available that can accommodate a hospital bed for patients to have time with their family away from their clinical setting. Apart from the UHS Patient Support Hub, there are no designated spaces that are accessible for patients, families, or carers, often resulting in staff offices and education rooms being inappropriately repurposed to meet their needs. Growing feedback from complaints and Friends and Family Test (FFT) responses emphasis our inability to provide patients, carers and their families access to spaces for respite and support. In addition, a recent UHS carers survey indicated that while we recognise that being a carer can sometimes be demanding both physically and emotionally, there are no designated areas for them to have their own personal needs met. Creating a bespoke support facility at UHS would help to address these needs and would be the first facility of its kind in an acute trust in England. What have we achieved? Estate has been identified. Work has started to repurpose the underutilised Macmillan Centre into a generic non-disease specific Patient and Family Support Hub. This agreement made through the Trust Investment Group was to end the current agreement with the Macmillan charity and to approach Southampton Hospitals Charity to support a refurbishment and further investment into the hub (for example funding a carers shower provision). Key areas identified for further development • Major grant request submitted to Southampton Hospitals Charity due to go to Charity Trustee Board in March 2025. • Recruitment of a band 7 mnager role (appointed in January 2025 and starting 31 March 2025); • Rebranding and merging (of current Patient Support Hub) started in February 2025. 8 QUALITY ACCOUNT How will ongoing improvements be measured and monitored? Once the Patient and Family Support Hub is launched there will be a constant drive for patient and service user involvement, co-designing the space, there will be surveys on before and after, end of life quality of care will improve Progress metrics • Reduction in adverse event reporting that a patient died in an open bay. • Carers survey improvement. • P&FSH FFT results. Quality Improvement Two: Creating a behavior framework behind our values, bringing them to life to improve our staff and patient experience Creating a behaviour framework behind our Trust Values to bring them to life in our everyday work and interactions is still very much a priority. However, the work has been paused to ensure it aligns to the development of the new Trust strategy, both these pieces of work need to be produced side by side. It is anticipated the work on the behaviour framework will commence alongside the development of the overall Trust strategy and timelines for launch and embedding will move to 2025/26. 9 QUALITY ACCOUNT Quality Improvement Priority Three: Volunteering Why was this a priority? To value the contribution our volunteers make to our organisation, we wanted to improve the onboarding process to provide more guidance and support for our volunteer colleagues, and to work with them more closely to build in flexibility and be more creative in the kind of roles and support they could offer. What have we achieved? • We worked with our systems partners to complete a successful bid through Volunteering for Health (VfH) and have plans to develop a unified and standardised approach of volunteer recruitment using a passporting system. • Our key relationship is with the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Voluntary Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector Health and Care Alliance (HIVCA) and it has allowed us to further explore a more system-wide approach, with a view to sharing resources, ideas, and opportunities both internally and outside the organisation on a regular basis. • We have worked with HIVCA and fostered a collaborative learning environment, aiming to streamline and standardise the volunteer onboarding processes over the coming year. • We have built upon current onboarding and training processes and are particularly developing the enhanced care training for our volunteers to support their awareness of working alongside patients who have mental health issues, dementia, delirium, learning disabilities and autism. • We are working with information governance leads to consider how the Trust’s internal policies can create equitable opportunities for a range of volunteers, to support them in accessing limited patient records, to allow them to document the interactions that they have with patients in support of the provision of collaborative holistic care. • We have begun to develop a new “ABC” approach to offering our volunteering roles, codesigning new roles for volunteers, and providing a flexible ‘responsive volunteering’ process that can support the organisational pressures as they arise and dovetailing the offer from our experience of care teams. • We have started to build relationships with the NHS care responder volunteer’s service looking at how they can enhance our existing offering provided by our responder volunteers. Key areas identified for further development • We have more scope to develop a more robust support process for volunteers during their placements through building better relationships between the volunteers and their clinical teams. • We will grow our volunteering hub space in spring 2025, to offer a more effective space for volunteers to access practical and welfare support from voluntary services, giving them a clear base and point of contact. • Working with HIVCA in the system-wide partnership, we will continue to explore the VfH funding and how it can develop the ‘passporting’ system for the volunteers across the network. • As our new Patient and Family Support Hub becomes established, we will work with the NHS responders and our existing responder volunteers to ensure a more extensive five to seven day/ week service (including evenings). 10 QUALITY ACCOUNT How will ongoing improvements be measured and monitored? The key metrics for measuring these outcomes will come from: • Our responder volunteer statistics through the Patient and Family Support Hub. • Our outcomes associated with the HIVCA partnership and the VfH bid i.e. progress with a passporting system including potential recruitment of a post to develop and establish this new system. Progress metrics • Year one funding from the VfH bid was received by the partnership to develop the partnership with the HIVCA support meetings every six to eight weeks. • The system-wide volunteer onboarding and passporting system has not yet been established but will continue to progress with the partnership. • We will have developed a responsive volunteer network, available five days a week with an established support system in place. • We are an open and inclusive recruiter of volunteers and monitor the equality, diversity and inclusivity of the volunteers we recruit, seeing a more diverse range of volunteers that begins to more accurately represent our local community. What our patients/relatives/carers tell us 11 QUALITY ACCOUNT 12 QUALITY ACCOUNT Quality Improvement Priority Four: Acuity and deteriorating patients: continuing to improve how we keep patients safe from harm ADULTS AND PAEDIATRICS Why was this a priority? The recognition, assessment, and escalation of a deteriorating patient either adult or child are a key element of our trust-wide patient safety and quality strategy with the aim of improving clinical outcomes for acutely ill patients. How rapidly we respond to patient deterioration both in and out of hours is a key determinant of patient and quality outcomes. What have we achieved? Five new starters have successfully completed their supernumerary period. The critical care outreach team (CCOT) resumed its 24/7 service on 16 December 2024. Recruitment for the final vacancies was completed in December 2024, with both new recruits scheduled to commence their roles by 31 March 2025. An education task and finish group has been established, which has conducted a gap analysis with all education leads and reviewed both internal and external training resources. Standards are currently under revision. The medical education and simulation team is testing the Acute Life-threatening Events-Recognition and Treatment (ALERT) course, which includes resident doctors and junior nurses. Initial feedback was presented to the deteriorating patient group on 25 September 2024. The Trust’s acute deterioration education day continues to review feedback and evaluations for study days. The acuity surveillance pilot was successful, and the CCOT is now formally implementing this initiative. Monthly acuity reports are generated at the Trust, division, care group, and ward levels, or through bespoke reporting. These reports incorporate various metrics, including National Early Warning Score 2 (NEWS2) and National Paediatric Early Warning Score (NPEWS) activations, Call 4 Concern activations, a 24-hour overview of NEWS2 activations, cardiac arrest calls, CCOT activations and reasons for referral, and unplanned admissions to the intensive care unit (ICU). Quarterly data on cardiac arrests, Treatment Escalation Plans (TEP), and Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (DNACPR) are presented to the resuscitation committee and the deteriorating patient group (DPG). Challenges persist in collecting robust sepsis data. UHS is participating in the national Martha’s Rule pilot programme, with Call 4 Concern implemented in March 2024 and all activations reported on Ulysses. A task and finish group has been established to explore patient wellness questions, which is a fixed agenda item at the DPG. The bi-monthly DPG has been established, with increasing medical engagement, and regular reports are submitted to the patient safety and quality committee (PSSG). Key areas identified for further development • Further roll out of Martha’s rule UHS-wide including Call 4 Concern. • Gain feedback from divisional governance teams regarding incidents to ensure learning is identified and appropriate action plans are devised and implemented. Collaboration with maternity and neonatal services. • Development of acuity dashboard. • Medium- and long-term service development commenced including workforce planning. 13 QUALITY ACCOUNT How will ongoing improvements be measured and monitored? • Bimonthly deteriorating patient group meetings to review current trends and themes, implementation of appropriate actions and evaluation of actions. • Biannual review of deteriorating patient group terms of reference. • Quarterly report to patient safety steering group. • Yearly assurance report – Trust quality committee. Progress metrics • Patient observation compliance data. • NEWS2 and NPEWS activations and data analysis. • Analysis of all unplanned admwissions to ICU from ward areas – adult and paediatric for themes to inform education and practice. • Adult and paediatric ICU stepdown data. • Adult critical care outreach team activity and outcome data. • Adult and paediatric cardiac arrest and outcomes data. • Adult TEP & DNACPR data. • Complaints and adverse event reports related to failure to rescue and failure to escalate. • Percentage of patients diagnosed with sepsis within the emergency department receiving appropriate antibiotics within one hour of sepsis diagnosis. • Analysis of adult and paediatric Call 4 Concern data, action plan developed, implemented, and adjusted in response to themes. • Analysis of patient/service user feedback on Call 4 Concern service. • Analysis of staff feedback on Call 4 Concern service. Volunteers and quality patient safety partners helped to promote the Call 4 Concern work 14 QUALITY ACCOUNT Quality Improvement Priority Five: Fundamentals of Care Why was this a priority? Patient Experience - Fundamentals of Care (FoC) was established as a priority in 2024/25 due to evidence that post COVID we had not yet returned to a less task-focussed and more patientfocussed level of care. The priority was developed to create a foundation and structure to tackle these care standards of care and to challenge practices, in response to patient and relative feedback. What have we achieved? Since commencing in late 2023 the following has been achieved: • We have established the FoC project board and this group continues to meet every three months to provide an overall project view, share successes and opportunities for learning, discuss the workstreams continuing under the eight standards and to escalate challenges through a formal governance structure (through quality committee and QGSG). • We have had one quality patient safety partner (QPSP) on the project board since conception. Subsequent events have involved two other QPSPs and have broadened the ‘patient voice’. • Each of the standards has a lead who oversees a multi-professional working group with clinical team representation. Some groups have chosen to pair due to links in their primary and secondary project drivers and actions. Matron involvement is driving the patient facing team involvement. • The project board is minuted, with an action tracker. The board is attended by the corporate nursing team and is supported by our deputy chief nurse, chaired by our head of patient experience. It is also supported by our chief nursing informatics officer, members of the transformation team and communications. • There is a FoC project manager in place who has worked with the transformation team to create a project plan in collaboration with workstream leads, a communications plan and drive forward key initiatives including business intelligence and the development of a clinical quality dashboard so we can measure the impact of the FoC. • Enhancing leadership and role modelling of the FoC has been a key focus through leadership in practice study days. These sessions, held three times annually, target leaders across the organisation to address and challenge behaviours related to the FoC. Incorporating the patient voice, these study days are grounded in real patient stories and involve the practical application of skills using simulated patients. 15 QUALITY ACCOUNT • As part of the patient hygiene working group, we have undertaken surveys using volunteer support, of patients and staff in the clinical decision unit (CDU), acute medical unit (AMU3), trauma assessment unit (TAU) and Macmillan acute oncology service (MAOS) in relation to their experiences of patient hygiene care and the impact of the trial patient hygiene packs. • Existing surveys, PALS interactions, complaints, adverse event reports (AER), Friends and Family Test (FFT) are followed up and reviewed by senior managers accordingly. These inform the FoC workstream through the head of patient experience. • Since conception, sharing the patient perspective and reflecting what patients would like to hear from us has been key. The posters around the organisation on our care commitments and resources on staffnet and the virtual learning environment (VLE) for staff, support this. These resources include: o Resources developed by each group to share during the monthly focussed trolley dashes. o Videos developed by staff for staff, to improve awareness of some key facts about each of the eight standards. Staff on Bassett ward engaging patients with dementia in crafting activities • Strong presence of the FoC throughout education as it has been mapped to the health care support worker (HCSW) induction, is included on preceptorship for all staff groups, has been presented to some university students at the University of Portsmouth and is embedded in lots of local training and development initiatives. The head of patient experience delivers many sessions across the organisation and beyond. Head of patient experience engaging with clinical staff in cardiovascular and thoracics on how to assess the FoC in their area 16 QUALITY ACCOUNT • The What Matters To Me (WMTM) project was trialled in some clinical areas from October 2024 (F7 and G7). Due to challenges in engaging the volunteer support to maintain this project it has temporarily been halted. The boards have an agreed template, agreed by a QPSP, and based upon feedback from staff and patients. The values of this project are echoed in local projects we have seen. • The FoC is being reviewed in conjunction with matron walkabout and the clinical accreditation scheme (CAS). Starting in February 2025, a new monthly focus is being established, with five core questions associated with a FoC standard and five specialist questions associated with that topic. This is forming past of ward benchmarking with a new self-assessment tool being implemented. Key areas identified for further development • Clinical representation in these working groups is to be re-established/built upon to support further engagement in the clinical areas/teams. • Continuing to establish links and support in child health, maternity and outpatients to ensure a bespoke but collaborative roll out of FoC. • To continue strong patient engagement and involvement, linking with involved patients where required with the support of our existing FFT results, the national inpatient and urgent and emergency (U&E) care surveys. • Resources to continue to grow to create a repository of information for staff and develop their knowledge around the FoC and to support each other in challenging behaviours and practices. • Employ interim project manager to maintain the project and support new ones whilst the current project manager is on maternity leave, focusing on establishing the dataset to evidence the FoC. • Strengthen the recruitment of volunteers for WMTM through the successful bid to Volunteering for Health (VfH) through the recruitment and investment in a volunteer coordinator, as part of a partnership with other organisations in Hampshire and Isle Of Wight (HIOW), including the charity sectors. • Successful implementation and evaluation of WMTM boards across key areas in organisation, with full volunteer support for the obtaining of photographs of the patients from themselves/ families to maintain that person-centred focus. How will ongoing improvements be measured and monitored? Improvements will be measured and monitored through FFT feedback, feedback from selfassessment tools and ongoing surveillance of the clinical quality dashboard. Progress metrics Reduction in clinical Iincidents: We’ve seen a decrease in the number and severity of incidents related to the FoC across inpatient settings. A key theme in early 2024 involved patients reporting being asked to urinate in incontinence pads. Six adverse event reports (AERs) were recorded in Q1, with none reported in Q3, indicating improvement. Reduction in complaints: While we don’t yet tag complaints specifically to FoC, we’ve observed a decline in ‘patient care’ complaints - from 14.67% in Q1 to 13.91% in Q3. We’re also exploring refinements in complaint categorisation to better align with FoC themes. 17 QUALITY ACCOUNT Increase in compliments: Patient and family feedback is gathered through various channels. For example, our urgent and emergency care survey showed an overall satisfaction score of 7.68/10. Improved oerformance against metrics: Throughout 2024, we’ve redesigned our improvement metrics in collaboration with clinical teams. These are now reflected in the clinical quality dashboard, supported by a comprehensive data dictionary developed by our project manager. 18 QUALITY ACCOUNT Quality Improvement Priority Six: Improving our morbidity and mortality (M&M) meetings Why was this a priority? The Patient Safety Incident Response Framework (PSIRF) sets out the NHS’s approach to developing and maintaining effective systems and processes for responding to patient safety incidents. It supports our processes for learning and improving patient safety and clinical effectiveness and replaces the old serious incident framework. An important element of the PSIRF is the focus on strengthening the processes for local learning through M&M meetings. M&M meetings (or clinical review meetings) have a central function in supporting our services to achieve and maintain high standards of care. They allow us to review the quality of the care that is being provided to our patients and learn lessons from outcomes. They are multi-disciplinary meetings which provide a safe place for learning, for supporting comprehensive conversations and ensuring governance standards are met. They allow us to identify any opportunities for improvement and are an important opportunity for education. They also provide opportunities for senior staff to model appropriate professional behaviour and engage the significant expertise of clinicians at the point of care. There is also a growing trend in M&M meetings to identify how resilience within complex systems enables good outcomes in the face of the kind of challenges and uncertainties which we are experiencing, and which are inherent within healthcare delivery. What have we achieved? The medical advisor for patient safety is leading efforts on morbidity and mortality (M&M) meetings. A comprehensive framework for M&M meetings at UHS has been developed, establishing expectations for a safe learning environment that is multiprofessional and multi-disciplinary, with a systematic meeting structure and agenda focused on learning, governance integration, and patient-centred care. This framework is supported by a handbook, resources, and education for M&M leads. A dedicated Teams channel has been created to provide resources for M&M leads. An M&M workshop was held as part of the WHO Patient Safety Day on 12 September 2024, focusing on creating strong learning environments, maintaining patient centrality, and learning from palliative care. The workshop was attended by 20 M&M leads and governance representatives. Additionally, 20 M&M leads attended a study day on 23 January 2025, covering topics such as human factors and systems thinking, PSIRF, keeping the patient central, appreciative inquiry in M&M, creating strong learning environments, managing difficult behaviour, and expanding the scope of M&M beyond mortality. The study day was well received, and another is planned for early April. Regular meetings are held with M&M leads and the medical patient safety advisor to provide support and identify areas needing assistance. An electronic M&M recording system was developed and trialed to capture and evidence outcomes, but it is no longer supported by the Trust, prompting the investigation of alternatives. A clear escalation process from M&M meetings to the existing governance structure has been established, with actions recorded. M&M meeting outcomes are now a standing agenda item in governance meetings. 19 QUALITY ACCOUNT UHS - 6 key principles of M&M Safety A safe space for learning. A meeting atmosphere that is conductive to open discussion with a focus on ‘Just and Learning Culture’ and an emphasis on understanding the systems factors, not focusing on individuals. Multiprofessional and Multi-disciplinary Ensuring active participation across staff groups and different disciplines. Meeting Framework Systematic agenda selection process, structured meeting format and objective analysis of data, including consideration of systems factors, and human factors and ergonomics. Learning Focus Comprehesive discussions to generate actionable learning and system improvement. Using an appreciative inquiry approach to emphasise and learn from the every day, as well as where things can go wrong. Governance Hospital-wide system to record outcomes, lessons learned, and dissemination of recommendations to ensure action and learning. Supporting our integrated approach to quality across the organisation. Folow up to ensure actions are completed. Clear pathways for central reporting and escalation of concerns. Patient Centred Keeping the patient and the family central to the learning. Ensuring that the patient voice is heard when learning from events. Completing feedback and duty of candour to help build trust. Training as part of the WHO World Patient Safety Day: Discussing how to create psychological safety in meetings 20 QUALITY ACCOUNT Key areas identified for further development • Development of electronic recording process that can be used for all M&M meetings. • Need to develop stronger links and greater support from local governance. How will ongoing improvements be measured and monitored? Regular review of M&M meetings with the M&M leads to ensure that: • M&M meetings are represented by the multi-disciplinary. • Terms of reference are in place. • Incorporating mortality data. • Using a recording app (when available). • Outcomes are linked to actions and governance processes. Progress metrics The electronic recording system is not currently supported so we cannot measure this (and it makes it hard to audit actions and escalations as these would be audited via this). Survey of clinical staff (163 replies) and their view on M&M. Key findings: • 73% staff feel UHS views the meetings as important. • 75% that their department views these as important. • 60% that they are fit for purpose. • 75% that they make a difference to patient safety. • 80% agree that systems factors are considered. • 35% felt they were well supported by local governance. 21 QUALITY ACCOUNT Quality Improvement Priority Seven: Develop the Trust’s approach to reducing the impact of health inequalities (HIs) (year one) Why was this a priority? The causes of health inequalities are complex, but research has shown that the main drivers of health inequalities are social determinants; the environments people live in, access to employment and the kind of start they had in life. Inequalities are also driven by the ways in which health services are designed and delivered, and by the quality of clinical care received. The NHS plays an important role in both mitigating against the wider determinants and in reducing healthcare-based inequalities. As well as a moral and social responsibility, NHS trusts have a legal duty to consider health inequalities. A new requirement from NHS England asks that trusts describe the extent to which they have exercised its functions consistently with NHS England’s views set out in the statement on information on inequalities. Addressing health and care inequalities is a core focus of the CQC’s 2021 strategy. To reinforce this commitment, the CQC has outlined five equality objectives aimed at tackling disparities in health outcomes. They have made it clear that action will be taken where care falls short for particular groups. Providers are expected to proactively identify, engage with, and respond to individuals who face barriers to accessing care or experience poorer outcomes. These efforts will be reflected in the CQC’s assessment frameworks. Failure to address health inequalities also carries a significant financial burden for NHS trusts. Estimates suggest these disparities cost the NHS around £5.5 billion each year. Eliminating health inequalities could potentially reduce the volume of treatments provided by the NHS by up to 15%, easing pressure on services and resources. What have we achieved? Governance A health inequalities board has been convened, chaired by the chief medical officer and attended by representation across UHS, patient partners, public health teams from the local councils and the population health team within the integrated care board. The board has set some initial objectives. These will be delivered through five areas of focus, each with a dedicated sponsoring director and a detailed delivery plan. These areas of focus are: • Clinical priorities. • Data and measurement. • Enabling the organisation. • Communications and engagement. • Strategy and approach. Clinical priorities Three clinical priorities have been set, based on national guidance on services where there is greatest health inequalities impact. The public health leadership from the local councils and integrated care board were involved in this prioritisation to ensure that we chose areas with high prevalence locally, and where it was felt an acute trust can have greatest impact. Priorities set are tobacco dependency, hypertension and obesity. 22 QUALITY ACCOUNT Tobacco dependency In Southampton, smoking rates are higher than the national average. It is estimated that one in six Southampton deaths are attributable to smoking (JSNA, 2021). 70% of our lung cancer patients and 86% of our COPD patient deaths are directly attributable to smoking. People who smoke are 36% more likely to be admitted to hospital than non-smokers and have poorer treatment outcomes including reduced response to treatments, prolonged recovery and increased risk of complications, across many areas including surgery, cancer and cardiovascular disease (Royal College of Physicians, 2020). This leads to increased length of stay, higher rates of emergency department attendance and greater pressure upon outpatient clinics due to smoking-related comorbidities. We have been focusing on improving identification of those who have been admitted who smoke, increasing the delivery of very brief advice to all patients who smoke and increasing referral to tobacco dependency services on the ward for those who do not opt out. We’ve been reviewing our data to understand how we are supporting those most at risk of being impacted by health inequalities. Obesity In 2022 to 2023, 29.5% of adults in Southampton were estimated to be living with obesity, above the national average. Southampton has one of the highest childhood obesity rates in the county. There are a large number of conditions linked with obesity, including cardiovascular disease, hypertension and liver disease. There is a multi-disciplinary service provided at UHS for children which provides excellent outcomes, reversing clinical impacts such as hypertension and type two diabetes. This programme seeks to identify opportunities to collaborate with our system to prevent the increasing levels of childhood obesity, reflecting the national focus on left shift and prevention. Adult obesity services are in review across our system. Hypertension Hypertension is amongst the leading causes of death in Southampton and Hampshire. High blood pressure causes threat to life expectancy linked with stroke, vision loss, heart failure, heart attack, kidney disease/failure. Hypertension identification and control have both been a challenge across Hampshire and Isle of Wight. Although hypertension treatment is delivered in primary care, there are actions we are taking as a trust to support this important priority. This includes: • As the largest employer in the city we have the opportunity to improve health by supporting our staff. We are developing materials to support our staff to understand the importance of blood pressure monitoring and approach to accessing help with high blood pressure. We hope this knowledge will extend to families, communities and how we support our patients. • Support people to ‘wait well’ whilst on our waiting list, with improved guidance on controlling and monitoring blood pressure while waiting for surgery, reducing the number of cancelled procedures due to high blood pressure. • Consider how improved data sharing on blood pressure readings between UHS and GPs can support onward support for hypertension. 23 QUALITY ACCOUNT w Data and measurement Several positive steps have been taken in measuring and understanding health inequalities within our services. These have been: • Building new dashboard that enables us to assess whether access to our services in equitable related to IMD decile, age, gender and ethnicity. • Assessment of equitable delivery of smoking cessation services. • Assessing the acute impact of hypertension control. • Collaborating with the Integrated care board on producing the data required for national reporting guidelines. Enabling the organisation We wish to support staff across our organisation to understand health inequalities, to recognise them within services, to access to tools to enable service change and to have routes to escalate issues. We have appointed a health inequalities officer who will be a key link to support services to achieve this. We have begun developing training that will be available across the organisation. We have also established escalation routes for raising concerns related to health inequalities. Communications and engagement There have been a number of excellent case studies communicated during this year through existing communications channels such as the Connect magazine. HELIXR, a pioneering programme that supports vulnerable patients with chronic liver disease through the introduction of peer support workers, attracted news coverage and was featured on the BBC and ITV Meridian in March. We have been attending events across Southampton including Pride and the Black Business and Arts Festival to show our support and to connect with our communities. We’ve been reaching out to grow the number and diversity of our involved patients, aiming to reflect the diversity of our population in our feedback and helping us to better serve the needs of our community. Strategy and approach We have worked on establishing this approach to delivering health inequalities over the year, which is now seeing results in progress in all prioritised areas for improvement. We have taken discussions to our Trust Board to establish how we will move this important work forward in years to come. We have also reflected on how population health, prevention and health inequalities will feature in our developing updates to our trust and clinical strategies. Key areas identified for further development There are detailed delivery plans for all of our priority areas over the next year, which will enable us to keep driving towards our aims. Highlights from these plans include: • Designing and publishing health inequalities training for all staff. • Creating an internal staff campaign, recognising the impact of health inequalities within our people and providing advice. • Establishing a health inequalities operational group who receive escalations of health inequalities issues and assess trust-wide implications and support improvements. • Delivery of planned improvements within our three prioritised clinical specialties. • Connecting with our communities and engagement leads across our city, improving our insights into the local drivers of health inequalities and identifying improvement opportunities. • Reviewing our use of QEIAs for change and decision making. 24 QUALITY ACCOUNT • Development of Trust and clinical strategies with making impact on health inequalities included. • Making use of the data sets we have built to drive change within our services and measure our impact. How will ongoing improvements be measured and monitored? We have clear objectives against all priorities with delivery timelines. We will continue to assess our progress in delivering against these. The dashboards that have been built will enable us to measure change over time, demonstrating where we have been able to impact on the equality of access to services. We will continue to work with our patients to gain feedback on how well we have met their needs while under our care. Progress metrics During 2024/25, we significantly advanced data capabilities to measure health inequalities across UHS services. We now track outpatient and inpatient waiting lists, discharges, and emergency department performance by age, gender, ethnicity, and Index of Multiple Deprivation - enabling long-term impact assessment. Staff access to this data will also be monitored. While some planned measures were successfully implemented, others remain in progress and will continue into year two (2025/26) of this quality priority. As part of our hypertension programme, we aimed to reduce theatre cancellations and non-elective admissions. Pathway improvements are underway and will be implemented in 2025/26, supported by expanded data sources. Combined with the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Intergrated Care Board’s (HIOW ICB) cardiovascular disease (CVD)-focused ‘signature move’ in primary care, these efforts are expected to reduce non-elective admissions. HIOW ICB data for 2024/25 shows: • ~95 CVD-related ED attendances/month • ~420 non-elective admitted episodes of care/month • ~2,340 bed days/month Our tobacoo quit rates continue to be better than expected nationally. Throughout the year, the health inequalities board reviewed case studies from eight services, showcasing impactful improvement work. These have been documented to support organisational learning. 25 QUALITY ACCOUNT Quality Improvement Priority Eight: Develop a UHS quality management system approach (year one) Why was this a priority? In April 2023, NHS Improving Patient Care Together (IMPACT) was launched to support all NHS organisations, systems, and providers at every level (including NHS England) to have the skills and techniques to deliver continuous improvement. NHS IMPACT’s five components form the basis of all evidence-based improvement methods and underpin a systematic approach to continuous improvement: • Building a shared purpose and vision. • Investing in people and culture. • Developing leadership behaviours. • Building improvement capability and capacity. • Embedding improvement into management systems and processes. Taking a more integrated quality approach is also a key component of our ‘always improving’, clinical effectiveness and Trust strategies in support of our ‘outstanding patient outcomes, safety and experience’ strategic pillar. To establish our current position, the Trust undertook a self-assessment to gauge its organisational maturity against the IMPACT framework and identified ‘embedding improvement into management systems and processes’ as an area of opportunity to improve and employ best practice. It was also a recommendation from the Thirlwall Inquiry that organisations focus on their ability to triangulate different quality indicators to build
Url: /Media/UHS-website-2019/Docs/About-the-Trust/Annual-reports-and-quality-accounts/quality-account-24-25-final1.pdf

Papers Trust Board - 5 November 2024

Description: Date Time Location Chair Apologies Agenda Trust Board – Open Session 05/11/2024 9:00 - 11:30 The Ark Conference Centre, HHFT/Microsoft Teams Jenni Douglas-Todd Diana Eccles 1 Chair’s Welcome, Apologies and Declarations of Interest 9:00 Note apologies for absence, and to hear any declarations of interest relating to any item on the Agenda. 2 Minutes of Previous Meeting held on 10 September 2024 Approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on 10 September 2024 3 Matters Arising and Summary of Agreed Actions To discuss any matters arising from the minutes, and to agree on the status of any actions assigned at the previous meeting. 4 QUALITY, PERFORMANCE and FINANCE 9:10 Quality includes: clinical effectiveness, patient safety, and patient experience 4.1 Briefing from the Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee Keith Evans, Chair 4.2 Briefing from the Chair of the Finance and Investment Committee Dave Bennett, Chair 4.3 Briefing from the Chair of the People and Organisational Development Committee Jane Harwood, Chair 4.4 Briefing from the Chair of the Quality Committee Tim Peachey, Chair 4.5 Chief Executive Officer's Report 9:25 Receive and note the report Sponsor: David French, Chief Executive Officer 4.6 Performance KPI Report for Month 6 9:35 Review and discuss the report Sponsor: David French, Chief Executive Officer 4.7 Finance Report for Month 6 9:55 Review and discuss the report Sponsor: Ian Howard, Chief Financial Officer 4.8 ICB Finance Report for Month 6 10:10 Receive and discuss the report Sponsor: Ian Howard, Chief Financial Officer 4.9 Recovery Support Programme (RSP) Undertakings - Self Assessment 10:20 Review and discuss the self-assessment Sponsor: David French, Chief Executive Officer 4.10 10:30 People Report for Month 6 Review and discuss the report Sponsor: Steve Harris, Chief People Officer 4.11 Cancer Patient Experience Survey Results 2023 10:45 To receive and discuss the results Sponsor: Gail Byrne, Chief Nursing Officer Attendee: Ali Keen, Head of Cancer Nursing 5 STRATEGY and BUSINESS PLANNING 5.1 Corporate Objectives 2024-25 Quarter 2 Review 11:00 Review and feedback on the corporate objectives Sponsor: David French, Chief Executive Officer Attendees: Martin De Sousa, Director of Strategy and Partnerships/Kelly Kent, Head of Strategy and Partnerships 5.2 Board Assurance Framework (BAF) Update 11:10 Review and discuss the update Sponsor: Gail Byrne, Chief Nursing Officer Attendee: Craig Machell, Associate Director of Corporate Affairs and Company Secretary 6 CORPORATE GOVERNANCE, RISK and INTERNAL CONTROL 6.1 Feedback from the Council of Governors' (CoG) Meeting 23 October 2024 11:15 (Oral) Sponsor: Jenni Douglas-Todd, Trust Chair 6.2 Register of Seals and Chair's Actions Report 11:20 Receive and ratify In compliance with the Trust Standing Orders, Financial Instructions, and the Scheme of Reservation and Delegation. Sponsor: Jenni Douglas-Todd, Trust Chair 7 Any other business 11:25 Raise any relevant or urgent matters that are not on the agenda Page 2 8 Note the date of the next meeting: 7 January 2025 9 Items circulated to the Board for reading 9.1 CRN: Wessex 2024-25 Q2 Performance Report Note the report Sponsor: Paul Grundy, Chief Medical Officer 10 Resolution regarding the Press, Public and Others Sponsor: Jenni Douglas-Todd, Trust Chair To agree, as permitted by the National Health Service Act 2006 (as amended), the Trust's Constitution and the Standing Orders of the Board of Directors, that representatives of the press, members of the public and others not invited to attend to the next part of the meeting be excluded due to the confidential nature of the business to be transacted. Page 3 Agenda links to the Board Assurance Framework (BAF) 5 November 2024 – Open Session Overview of the BAF Risk 1a: Lack of capacity to appropriately respond to emergency demand, manage the increasing waiting lists for elective demand, and provide timely diagnostics, that results in avoidable harm to patients. 1b: Due to the current challenges, we fail to provide patients and their families / carers with a high-quality experience of care and positive patient outcomes. 1c: We do not effectively plan for and implement infection prevention and control measures that reduce the number of hospital-acquired infections and limit the number of nosocomial outbreaks of infection. 2a: We do not take full advantage of our position as a leading University teaching hospital with a growing, reputable, and innovative research and development portfolio, attracting the best staff and efficiently delivering the best possible treatments and care for our patients. 3a: We are unable to meet current and planned service requirements due to the unavailability of staff to fulfil key roles. 3b: We fail to develop a diverse, compassionate, and inclusive workforce, providing a more positive staff experience for all staff. 3c: We fail to create a sustainable and innovative education and development response to meet the current and future workforce needs identified in the Trust’s longer-term workforce plan. 4a: We do not implement effective models to deliver integrated and networked care, resulting in sub-optimal patient experience and outcomes, increased numbers of admissions and increases in patients’ length of stay. 5a: We are unable to deliver a financial breakeven position, resulting in: inability to move out of the NHS England Recovery Support Programme, NHS England imposing additional controls/undertakings, and a reducing cash balance impacting the Trust’s ability to invest in line with its capital plan, estates/digital strategies, and in transformation initiatives. 5b: We do not adequately maintain, improve and develop our estate to deliver our clinical services and increase capacity. 5c: Our digital technology or infrastructure fails to the extent that it impacts our ability to deliver care effectively and safely within the organisation, 5d: We fail to prioritise green initiatives to deliver a trajectory that will reduce our direct and indirect carbon footprint by 80% by 2028-2032 (compared with a 1990 baseline) and reach net zero direct carbon emissions by 2040 and net zero indirect carbon emissions by 2045. Appetite (Category) Minimal (Safety) Cautious (Experience) Minimal (Safety) Open (Technology & Innovation) Open (workforce) Open (workforce) Open (workforce) Cautious (Effectiveness) Cautious (Finance) Cautious (Effectiveness) Open (Technology & Innovation) Open (Technology & Innovation) Current risk rating 4x5 20 3x3 9 4x4 16 3x3 9 4x5 20 4 x3 12 4x3 12 3x3 9 3x5 15 4x5 20 3x4 12 2x3 6 Target risk rating 4 x 2 Apr 6 27 3 x 2 Mar 6 26 2 x 3 Apr 6 27 3 x 2 Mar 6 25 4 x 3 Mar 12 26 4 x 2 Mar 8 27 3 x 2 Mar 6 25 3 x 2 Apr 6 25 3 x 3 Apr 9 25 4 x 2 Apr 8 27 3 x 2 Apr 6 27 2 x 2 Dec 4 24 Agenda links to the BAF No Item 4.6 Performance KPI Report for Month 6 4.7 Finance Report for Month 6 4.8 ICB Finance Report for Month 6 4.9 Recovery Support Programme (RSP) Undertakings – Self Assessment 4.10 People Report for Month 6 4.11 Cancer Patient Experience Survey Results 5.1 Corporate Objectives 2024-25 Quarter 2 Review Linked BAF risk(s) 1a, 1b, 1c 5a 5a 5a 3a, 3b, 3c 1b All Does this item facilitate movement towards or away from the intended target risk score and appetite? Towards Away Neither x x x x x x x Minutes Trust Board – Open Session Date Time 10/09/2024 9:00 – 13:00 Location Conference Room, Heartbeat/Microsoft Teams Chair Jenni Douglas-Todd (JD-T) Present Dave Bennett, NED (DB) Gail Byrne, Chief Nursing Officer (GB) Jenni Douglas-Todd, Chair (JD-T) Diana Eccles, NED (DE) (9:00-10:00 and 12:00-13:00) Keith Evans, Deputy Chair and NED (KE) David French, Chief Executive Officer (DAF) Paul Grundy, Chief Medical Officer (PG) Steve Harris, Chief People Officer (SH) Jane Harwood, NED/Senior Independent Director (JH) Ian Howard, Chief Financial Officer (IH) Tim Peachey, NED (TP) Joe Teape, Chief Operating Officer (JT) Alison Tattersall, NED (AT) In attendance Martin De Sousa, Director of Strategy and Partnerships (MDeS) Craig Machell, Associate Director of Corporate Affairs and Company Secretary (CM) Lauren Anderson, Corporate Governance and Risk Manager (LA) (item 6.1) Jane Fisher, Head of Health and Safety Services (JF) (item 7.2) Danielle Honey, Named Nurse for Safeguarding Children (DH) (item 5.13) Diana Hulbert, Guardian of Safe Working Hours and Emergency Department Consultant (DHu) (item 5.10) Duncan Linning-Karp, Deputy Chief Operating Officer (DLK) (item 5.5) Corinne Miller, Named Nurse for Safeguarding Adults (CMi) (item 5.13) Jenny Milner, Associate Director of Patient Experience (JM) (item 5.11) Jessica Bown, Midwifery Quality Assurance and Safety Matron (shadowing Gail Byrne) 1 member of the public (item 2) 5 governors (observing) 1 members of staff (observing) 2 members of the public (observing) Apologies Diana Eccles, NED (DE) (from 10:00-12:00) 1. Chair’s Welcome, Apologies and Declarations of Interest The Chair welcomed attendees to the meeting. There were no interests to declare in the business to be transacted at the meeting. 2. Patient Story Allan Peters was invited to relate his experience as a cancer patient, who had been diagnosed with stage 4 lymphoma, and, in particular, his experience of CAR-T cell therapy, which had been successful, with no reappearance of the cancer for more than a year. It was noted that the patient had had a positive experience with staff, and, when he collapsed, had been impressed by the reaction of a student nurse. Page 1 3. Minutes of the Previous Meeting held on 25 July 2024 The draft minutes tabled to the meeting were agreed to be an accurate record of the meeting held on 25 July 2024. 4. Matters Arising and Summary of Agreed Actions It was noted that action 1165 could be closed, and the relevant paper had been updated with the correct information. There were no other matters arising or actions overdue. 5. QUALITY, PERFORMANCE and FINANCE 5.1 Briefing from the Chair of the Finance and Investment Committee The chair of the Finance and Investment Committee was invited to provide an overview of the meeting held on 19 August 2024. It was noted that: • The committee had reviewed the Finance Report for Month 4 (item 5.7), noting that whilst the Trust was slightly off-plan, it was maintaining its trajectory in terms of an improved position. • The Trust was making progress in terms of its Always Improving programme with some reduction in length of stay. • There were a number of risks to the Trust’s achievement of its 2024/25 plan, including costs incurred from industrial action, insufficient funding for the pay award, and non-delivery of system transformation programmes. The Trust was also delivering £10m of unpaid activity. • The committee received a report from Estates, noting that there had been an improvement in the Trust’s ability to recruit staff. 5.2 Briefing from the Chair of the People and Organisational Development Committee The chair of the People and Organisational Development Committee was invited to provide an overview of the meeting held on 21 August 2024. It was noted that: • The committee had reviewed the People Report for Month 4 (item 5.9), noting that the Trust was below its target workforce level, although there had been an increase in use of bank staff due to the holiday period. The Trust was benefitting by £1.5m a month from these savings in staff numbers. • It was expected that the Trust would go above its planned staff numbers in September 2024 due to factors such as higher than assumed numbers of patients having no criteria to reside. • The committee received an update on violence and aggression in the context of the recent riots. 5.3 Briefing from the Chair of the Quality Committee The chair of the Quality Committee was invited to provide an overview of the meeting held on 19 August 2024. It was noted that: • The committee reviewed the Trust’s main quality indicators and noted that the indicators in respect of infection prevention were of concern. However, there had been a reduction in Emergency Department waiting times. • The Trust’s progress in implementing the measures under ‘Martha’s Rule’ was noted. • The committee received the annual medical safety report and reviewed consultant job planning. • There had been difficulties with porting over documents to a new IT system in Ophthalmology. Page 2 5.4 Chief Executive Officer’s Report David French was invited to present the Chief Executive Officer’s Report, the content of which was noted. It was further noted that: • The 2024/25 pay award for Agenda for Change staff was due to be paid in October. In addition, the Government had made an offer to junior doctors, which appeared likely to be acceptable. There were concerns about the extent to which these pay awards would be fully funded. • The Trust had been formally notified of a collective pay grievance for healthcare support workers, which potentially impacted over 1,000 staff and was for up to six years of back pay. • The civil unrest in late July 2024 had had a significant impact on staff, especially from those from black and minority ethnic communities. • The New Hospitals programme had been paused, and the situation regarding the proposed new hospital near Basingstoke was unclear. Separately, the ‘Save Winchester Action Group’ had written to board members of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board (HIOW ICB) expressing concerns about the proposed downgrade of Winchester hospital. • The Care Quality Commission had published its adult inpatient survey for 2023, which showed a deterioration in people’s experiences since 2020. • The Trust’s aseptic unit had received a positive audit report and had been assessed as being ‘low risk’. • An inspection of the Trust’s mortuary arrangements had been carried out by the Human Tissue Authority in August 2024. The outcome was awaited. • The NHS’s long-term plan process had commenced, with an expected emphasis on digital and moving away from hospitals to focus on the community and prevention. • The report by Lord Darzi on the NHS had been published. This indicated a variation in both quality of and access to NHS services across the country. • A workshop was scheduled in October 2024 regarding violence and aggression, with the focus now being on there needing to be a limit on what the Trust will tolerate and there being consequences, including exclusion of individuals. 5.5 Patient Safety and Quality of Care in Pressured Services Joe Teape was invited to present the paper ‘Patient Safety and Quality of Care in Pressured Services’, the content of which was noted. It was further noted that: • NHS England had sent all integrated care boards, integrated care partnerships, regional directors and NHS trusts and foundation trusts a letter on 26 June 2024 regarding urgent and emergency care, and requiring boards to assure themselves that the Trust is doing all it can to provide alternatives to Emergency Department attendance and admission, and to maximise in- hospital flow. • The Trust chose to queue patients in the Emergency Department, rather than in ambulances in order to be able to release ambulances. It was considered that this approach was safer than having patients remain in ambulances. • The Trust was able to provide good assurance based on its performance against the standards. • The HIOW ICB was proposing to introduce an initiative to reduce ambulance delays whereby patients would be released to the Emergency Department after 45 minutes. Page 3 5.6 Performance KPI Report for Month 4 Joe Teape was invited to present the Performance KPI Report for Month 4, the content of which was noted. It was further noted that: • The Trust was in the top quartile for seven out of nine measures. Of those where the Trust was below top quartile, one was 78-week waits due to the shortage of corneal transplant material, and the other was the 31-day standard, although improvement was expected. • The Trust was aiming to reduce its 65-week waiters to single digits by the end of September 2024. • There had been an increase in the relative mortality rate, the causes of which were being investigated. • The Trust had not had to open surge capacity. • Ward D4 had been closed for deep-cleaning to tackle candida auris. In terms of the spotlight on waiting lists, it was noted that: • The Trust’s waiting list had increased slightly in year by c.1,500, although the growth was in outpatients waits, not patients waiting for a procedure. • There was an opportunity to triage referrals, with use of advice and guidance for General Practitioners in particular. However, it was noted that GPs were not obliged to accept advice and guidance as an alternative to a referral, and the expected industrial action by GPs was seen as a risk. • The Trust had been successful in stabilising its waiting list, it would now be necessary to reduce it from c.60k to c.40k in order to meet the 18-week Referral To Treatment standard. Action: Gail Byrne agreed to look into the increase in ‘red flag’ staffing incidents in July 2024. 5.7 Finance Report for Month 4 Ian Howard was invited to present the Finance Report for Month 4, the content of which was noted. It was further noted that: • The Trust had recorded an in-month deficit of £3.9m and £16.9m year-to-date. The monthly position continued to improve month-on-month, and the Trust’s cost base remained relatively stable. • The Trust’s Elective Recovery performance would be key to achievement of its 2024/25 plan. There remained significant uncertainties in respect of the costs of industrial action, pay award funding, payments for 2023/24 Elective Recovery Funding (ERF), and 2024/25 ERF. • The reasons for the Trust’s variance to plan were largely driven by costs of industrial action, pay awards, unidentified Cost Improvement Programme (CIP), and non-delivery of system mental health and non-criteria to reside programmes. • Identification of CIP and pay controls were working well, and the Trust had delivered 126% ERF performance. • The Trust was anticipating a deficit of £3.8m and 128.5% ERF performance in Month 5. 5.8 Break 5.9 People Report for Month 4 Steve Harris was invited to present the People Report for Month 4, the content of which was noted. It was further noted that: Page 4 • At the end of July 2024, the Trust was 288 Whole Time Equivalents (WTE) below its overall workforce plan. However, over the following months a significant increase in workforce numbers was expected due, largely, to the onboarding of newly-qualified nurses. • The Trust’s plan was predicated on the delivery of system programmes to reduce the number of patients having no criteria to reside and mental health patients. The assumed improvements in mental health patient numbers represented approximately 160 WTE. • There was a dispute with the Trust’s porters, with Unite threatening industrial action. 5.10 Guardian of Safe Working Hours Quarterly Report Diana Hulbert was invited to present the Guardian of Safe Working Hours Quarterly Report, the content of which was noted. It was further noted that: • The previous year had been a difficult one for foundation year doctors due to the industrial action and associated press around this. • Changes in the structure of doctors’ postings and training had resulted in a loss of the previously firm structure and had generated uncertainty for those impacted. It was necessary to ensure that F1 and F2 doctors felt part of the UHS family. • Improvements in the induction process for F1 doctors were required. A twoweek shadowing period had been received positively. 5.11 Learning from Deaths 2024-25 Quarter 1 Report Jenny Milner was invited to present the Learning from Deaths report for Quarter 1 of 2024/25, the content of which was noted. It was further noted that: • Nationally, the Trust continues to benchmark lower than the expected death rates. • The morbidity and mortality reviews process required refining, as sharing of learning could be inconsistent as was the quality of reviews. A mobile application was being developed to help share learnings. • A recurrent theme had emerged via incident reporting in respect of out-ofhours paediatric palliative care advice and support, as no out-of-hours service had been commissioned. • There had been an increase in the number of complaints relating to the location of the death due to a lack of side rooms. Similarly, there was a lack of private spaces to have sensitive conversations. • A palliative care box had been trialled on Ward D3. Use of charity funding was being considered to enable this to be rolled out elsewhere. 5.12 Medical Appraisal and Revalidation Annual Report including Board Statement of Compliance Paul Grundy was invited to present the Medical Appraisal and Revalidation Annual Report, the content of which was noted. It was further noted that: • The report was intended to enable the Trust to provide assurance that its professional standards processes meet the requirements of the Medical Profession (Responsible Officers) Regulations 2010 and related guidance. Page 5 • This was the second year of using a portal as part of the appraisals process, which had resulted in an improved user experience. • Compliance rates had continued to improve, and there was a good process in place to remind individuals to complete their appraisals. • There had been an increase in the number of appraisers and these were wellrated. Decision: Having reviewed the Annual Report, the Board approved the Statement of Compliance tabled to the meeting, and authorised either the Chair or Chief Executive Officer to sign the Statement on behalf of the Trust. 5.13 Safeguarding Annual Report 2023-24 Corinne Miller and Danielle Honey were invited to present the Safeguarding Annual Report for 2023/24, the content of which was noted. It was further noted that: • There had been a continued increase in activity across most services, and there had been a sustained increase in the number of Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) applications across the Trust along with requests for support with complex Mental Capacity Act case management. • The year had been challenging due to a loss of key staff. • The Trust had undertaken work to update its policies and Level 3 Safeguarding Adult Training had been rolled out via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). • A key area of work had been to review the pathway for adults with local authorities. The response from local partners remained challenging due, largely, to budgetary constraints at these other organisations. • The Trust’s children’s safeguarding team had carried out the self-assessment audit required by section 11 of the Children Act 2004, which highlighted no areas of specific concern or gaps. There had been an 28% increase in referrals as well as an increase in the level of complexity. • The adult safeguarding team had won the ‘UHS Champions Team of the Year’ award. 6. STRATEGY and BUSINESS PLANNING 6.1 Board Assurance Framework (BAF) Update Lauren Anderson was invited to present the Board Assurance Framework, the content of which was noted. It was further noted that: • All risks had been reviewed by the relevant Executive Director(s) since the BAF was last presented to the Board, with an extensive review having been carried out in December 2023 and in April 2024. • Following review by the Finance and Investment Committee in August 2024, risk 5c had been modified to better reflect the Trust’s estates-related risks. • The NHS was designing a dynamic risk assessment framework. • Work was ongoing to compare the Care Quality Commission’s Well-Led framework with the Trust’s BAF, and to identify any gaps. Page 6 7. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE, RISK and INTERNAL CONTROL 7.1 Register of Seals and Chair’s Actions Report The paper ‘Register of Seals and Chair’s Actions Report’ was presented to the meeting, the content of which was noted. Decision: The Board agreed to ratify the application of the Trust Seal to the documents listed in the ‘Register of Seals and Chair’s Actions Report’. 7.2 Health and Safety Annual Report 2023-24 Jane Fisher was invited to present the Health and Safety Annual Report for 2023/24, the content of which was noted. It was further noted that: • There continued to be a number of incidents of late reporting of work-related absence, although steps were being taken to streamline the process and to make reporting easier. • There had been a number of losses in staff over the year, which had impacted the FFP3 mask-fitting team in particular. • Improved training had been made available through the Virtual Learning Environment, and health and safety training received was now listed as a skill on staff members’ HealthRoster profile. • Thirty-nine incidents had been reported under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR). • The main causes of injuries were as a result of collisions, slips, trips and falls, sharps, and incidents of violence and aggression. With the exception of the latter, these incidents were generally accidents or a result of human error, with nursing and healthcare assistants being the most likely groups to be injured. 7.3 People and Organisational Development Committee Terms of Reference It was noted that the People and Organisational Development Committee had reviewed its terms of reference at its meeting held on 21 August 2024. Decision: Following discussion, it was further noted that whilst the committee had proposed no changes to the terms of reference, it was agreed that the terms of reference should include specific reference to the CQC’s quality statements given the emphasis within the CQC’s latest framework on equality, diversity and inclusion related matters. 8. Any other business There was no other business. 9. Note the date of the next meeting: 5 November 2024 10. Items circulated to the Board for reading The item circulated to the Board for reading was noted. There being no further business, the meeting concluded. Page 7 11. Resolution regarding the Press, Public and Others Decision: The Board resolved that, as permitted by the National Health Service Act 2006 (as amended), the Trust’s Constitution and the Standing Orders of the board of directors, that representatives of the press, members of the public and others not invited to attend to the next part of the meeting be excluded due to the confidential nature of the business to be transacted. The meeting was adjourned. Page 8 List of action items Agenda item Assigned to Deadline Status Trust Board – Open Session 06/06/2024 5.6 Performance KPI Report for Month 1 1152. Digital Teape, Joe Explanation action item JT agreed to include Digital as an agenda item at a future Trust Board Study Session. 27/02/2025 Pending Update: Item tentatively scheduled for TBSS on 27/02/2025. Trust Board – Open Session 25/07/2024 5.4 Briefing from the Chair of the Quality Committee (Oral) 1163. Impact of technology Machell, Craig 27/02/2025 Pending Explanation action item Craig Machell agreed to add an item covering the impact of technology over the next 5-10 years to a future Trust Board Study Session agenda. Update: Item tentatively scheduled for 27/02/25 Study Session. Trust Board – Open Session 10/09/2024 5.6 Performance KPI Report for Month 4 1175. 'Red flag' staffing incidents Byrne, Gail Explanation action item Gail Byrne agreed to look into the increase in ‘red flag’ staffing incidents in July 2024. 05/11/2024 Pending Page 1 of 1 Agenda item 4.1 Committee Chair’s Report to the Trust Board of Directors 5 November 2024 Committee: Audit and Risk Committee Meeting Date: 14 October 2024 Key Messages: Assurance: (Reports/Papers reviewed by the Committee also appearing on the Board agenda) Any Other Matters: • The committee reviewed the year end process for 2023/24, and associated ‘lessons learned’. Many of the issues encountered ought to be mitigated by the introduction of a new finance system, together with a ‘rehearsal’ of the year end accounts process to be carried out early in 2025. • The Trust’s National Cost Collection submission for 2024 went well with no validation errors requiring re-submission and data quality was good. Whilst the output will be presented to the Finance and Investment Committee, initial indications were that the Trust was more efficient than the average. • The committee received an update on the Procurement Act 2023 and the potential impact on the Trust. It was noted that the additional reporting requirements had been delayed until February 2025 due to issues with the digital reporting platform development. • The committee received updates in respect of Information Governance and Legal. • The committee received an update on Data Quality, including work ongoing to review cancer waiting times data. • A report on a local proactive exercise in respect of Bank/Agency staff identity fraud showed that whilst the Trust was following the majority of the recommendations to reduce the risk of this type of fraud, current practice could be improved. The committee agreed with the report. 6.2 Board Assurance Framework (BAF) Level of Assurance: Substantial • All risks had been reviewed with the relevant executive director(s). • It is intended that agenda items at Board meetings will be more clearly linked to the BAF risks. • In addition, division-level ‘BAFs’ are under consideration to provide a clearer idea of overall risk at the divisional level to bridge the gap between the operational risk register and Board-level BAF. • 90% of operational risks had been reviewed, an indicator of wellembedded risk management within the organisation. The Trust’s Fraud, Bribery & Corruption Annual Report 2023/24 highlighted no particular areas of concern. The committee reviewed the performance of the Trust’s internal and external auditors. In addition, the committee held a discussion with the external auditors without management present. Substantial Assurance Reasonable Assurance There is a robust series of suitably designed internal controls in place upon which the organisation relies to manage the risk of failure of the continuous and effective achievement of the objectives of the process, which at the time of our review were being consistently applied. There is a series of controls in place, however there are potential risks that may not be sufficient to ensure that the individual objectives of the process are achieved in a continuous and effective manner. Improvements are required to enhance the adequacy and effectiveness of the controls to mitigate these risks. Page 1 of 2 Limited Assurance No Assurance Not Applicable Controls in place are not sufficient to ensure that the organisation can rely upon them to manage the risks to the continuous and effective achievement of the objectives of the process. Significant improvements are required to improve the adequacy and effectiveness of the controls. There is a fundamental breakdown or absence of core internal controls such that the organisation cannot rely upon them to manage the risks to the continuous and effective achievement of the objectives of the process. Immediate action is required to improve the adequacy and effectiveness of controls. Where assurance is not required and/or relevant. Page 2 of 2 Agenda item 4.2 Committee Chair’s Report to the Trust Board of Directors 5 November 2024 Committee: Finance and Investment Committee Meeting Date: 21 October 2024 Key Messages: • • • • • • The Trust has received significant additional cash in October 2024 through deficit support funding and additional payments for 2023/24 ERF performance. The Trust’s financial position remains challenging with a year-to-date deficit of £8m. The Always Improving programme continues to make progress, but will need to go further and faster. The Trust’s data centre arrangements remain a risk and design work is ongoing in respect of a solution. The risk associated with cyber incidents also remains high. The committee supported a business case for possible expansion of UHS Pharmacy Limited and recommends it to the Board. The committee reviewed the proposed financial recovery plan and recommends to the Board its submission to the ICB. The main risk to the achievement of the Trust’s 2024/25 plan remains the need for the ICS transformation programmes to deliver. Assurance: (Reports/Papers reviewed by the Committee also appearing on the Board agenda) 5.8 Finance Report for Month 6 Level of Assurance: Substantial • The Trust has received £11.2m of deficit support funding as well as £6.5m of additional funding in respect of 2023/24 Elective Recovery performance. • The year-to-date deficit is c.£8m, with an underlying deficit of c.£6m per month. • The Trust’s monthly income remains strong and ERF performance in September 2024 was 130%. However, costs are gradually increasing, and further investigation is required into pay expenditure. • The full amount of 2024/25 CIP has now been identified. • The most significant risk to the Trust’s achievement of its 2024/25 plan remains delivery of the system transformation programmes. 6.2 Board Assurance Framework Level of Assurance: Reasonable • Risks 5a, 5b and 5c have been updated, following discussions with the respective Executive Directors. • Risk 5a will be reassessed following the Trust’s self-assessment against the Recovery Support Programme undertakings to ensure that the risk rating and target are appropriate. • A new scoring framework is being developed to improve consistency in the rating of risks. Any Other Matters: The additional cash received in October 2024 means that it is now likely that the Trust will not need additional cash until February 2025, whereas this was previously expected to be the case in November 2024. The Trust has in place effective controls to monitor its cash position, and a regular report on cash will be provided to the Finance and Investment Committee. Page 1 of 2 Substantial Assurance Reasonable Assurance Limited Assurance No Assurance Not Applicable There is a robust series of suitably designed internal controls in place upon which the organisation relies to manage the risk of failure of the continuous and effective achievement of the objectives of the process, which at the time of our review were being consistently applied. There is a series of controls in place, however there are potential risks that may not be sufficient to ensure that the individual objectives of the process are achieved in a continuous and effective manner. Improvements are required to enhance the adequacy and effectiveness of the controls to mitigate these risks. Controls in place are not sufficient to ensure that the organisation can rely upon them to manage the risks to the continuous and effective achievement of the objectives of the process. Significant improvements are required to improve the adequacy and effectiveness of the controls. There is a fundamental breakdown or absence of core internal controls such that the organisation cannot rely upon them to manage the risks to the continuous and effective achievement of the objectives of the process. Immediate action is required to improve the adequacy and effectiveness of controls. Where assurance is not required and/or relevant. Page 2 of 2 Agenda item 4.3 Committee Chair’s Report to the Trust Board of Directors 5 November 2024 Committee: People and Organisational Development Committee Meeting Date: 21 October 2024 Key Messages: Assurance: (Reports/Papers reviewed by the Committee also appearing on the Board agenda) Any Other Matters: • The Trust remains below its plan in terms of workforce numbers. However, from October 2024 onward, this position is expected to change. • The risk of non-delivery of ICS transformation programmes is significant. The Trust has assumed a significant reduction in workforce based on delivery of these schemes. • The committee examined the progress against actions designed to improve the lives of resident doctors. It was noted in particular that there was an issue with a lack of availability of office/desk space. • The Trust had been notified that Unite was commencing a ballot of its members commencing on 21 October 2024 as part of the ongoing dispute with porters. 5.11 People Report for Month 6 Level of Assurance: Substantial • The Trust was 249 WTE below its plan. However, this position was expected to change significantly with the onboarding of newly qualified nurses etc. in the autumn. • In addition, the Trust’s plan assumed that the ICS transformation programmes would begin to deliver significant reductions from October 2024 onward. • Turnover and sickness remain below target at 11.1% and 3.6% respectively. Bank and agency rates also remain low. • Appraisal rates remain low at 73%. The Trust was considering a move away from the current ESR system in order to make the appraisal process easier. The Trust had held constructive discussions with Unison as part of the Band 2/3 pay dispute. Substantial Assurance Reasonable Assurance Limited Assurance No Assurance Not Applicable There is a robust series of suitably designed internal controls in place upon which the organisation relies to manage the risk of failure of the continuous and effective achievement of the objectives of the process, which at the time of our review were being consistently applied. There is a series of controls in place, however there are potential risks that may not be sufficient to ensure that the individual objectives of the process are achieved in a continuous and effective manner. Improvements are required to enhance the adequacy and effectiveness of the controls to mitigate these risks. Controls in place are not sufficient to ensure that the organisation can rely upon them to manage the risks to the continuous and effective achievement of the objectives of the process. Significant improvements are required to improve the adequacy and effectiveness of the controls. There is a fundamental breakdown or absence of core internal controls such that the organisation cannot rely upon them to manage the risks to the continuous and effective achievement of the objectives of the process. Immediate action is required to improve the adequacy and effectiveness of controls. Where assurance is not required and/or relevant. Page 1 of 1 Agenda item 4.4 Committee Chair’s Report to the Trust Board of Directors 5 November 2024 Committee: Quality Committee Meeting Date: 14 October 2024 Key Messages: Assurance: (Reports/Papers reviewed by the Committee also appearing on the Board agenda) Any Other Matters: • The Trust was making good progress against its 2024/25 Quality Priorities. • There were concerns regarding the consistency of approach to infection prevention and control in the Trust. Action plans were being produced and the ‘Fundamentals of Care’ programme is also intended to address many of these concerns. • A never event due to wrong site surgery had been recorded. This is the fifth never event reported during 2024. • The closure of Ward D4 had not been effective in eradicating the candida auris infection with four new cases reported. • There was insufficient resource to roll out National Safety Standard for Invasive Procedures (NatSSIPS) 2 in a comprehensive and systematic manner. • In its review of mental health work, the committee noted the following top three risks: lengths of wait for onward care; parity of esteem for patients; and the level of support from local mental health trusts. 6.2 Board Assurance Framework Level of Assurance: Reasonable • Risks 1a, 1b, 1c and 4a have been updated, following discussions with the respective Executive Directors. • It was agreed that the likelihood of achieving the target risk level for risk 1c (infection prevention and control) by April 2025 should be reviewed. • Staffing remains the main concern for the Trust’s Maternity services. • The possibility of support from Salisbury NHS FT to manage the increasing number of caesarean sections was being explored. Substantial Assurance Reasonable Assurance Limited Assurance No Assurance Not Applicable There is a robust series of suitably designed internal controls in place upon which the organisation relies to manage the risk of failure of the continuous and effective achievement of the objectives of the process, which at the time of our review were being consistently applied. There is a series of controls in place, however there are potential risks that may not be sufficient to ensure that the individual objectives of the process are achieved in a continuous and effective manner. Improvements are required to enhance the adequacy and effectiveness of the controls to mitigate these risks. Controls in place are not sufficient to ensure that the organisation can rely upon them to manage the risks to the continuous and effective achievement of the objectives of the process. Significant improvements are required to improve the adequacy and effectiveness of the controls. There is a fundamental breakdown or absence of core internal controls such that the organisation cannot rely upon them to manage the risks to the continuous and effective achievement of the objectives of the process. Immediate action is required to improve the adequacy and effectiveness of controls. Where assurance is not required and/or relevant. Page 1 of 1 Agenda item 4.5 Report to the Trust Board of Directors, 5 November 2024 Title: Sponsor: Author: Purpose Chief Executive Officer’s Report David French, Chief Executive Officer Craig Machell, Associate Director of Corporate Affairs (Re)Assurance Approval Ratification Information x Strategic Theme Outstanding patient outcomes, safety and experience Pioneering research and innovation World class people Integrated networks and collaboration Foundations for the future x x x x Executive Summary: The CEO’s Report this month covers the following matters: • Autumn Statement • Portering Dispute • BAM Dispute • Change NHS • Review into the Operational Effectiveness of the Care Quality Commission • Proposed Legislative Changes • New Hospital Programme – Hampshire Together • Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare • Charity Priorities • Staff Survey • National Patient Safety Award Contents: Chief Executive Officer’s Report Risk(s): N/A Equality Impact Consideration: YES / NO / N/A Chief Executive Officer’s Report Autumn Statement On 30 October 2024, the Chancellor of the Exchequer presented her Autumn Statement. The statement was said to be based on the principles of restoring economic stability and increasing investment. A summary can be found from NHS Providers website: autumn-budget-2024-on-the-day-briefing.pdf The statement set out measures to raise an additional £40bn in taxation. This includes an increase in employer’s national insurance contributions by 1.2% to 15% from April 2025, increases in the rates of capital gains tax, changes to inheritance tax, abolition of the nondomicile tax regime, increased stamp duty on second homes, an increase in the rate of the windfall tax on energy companies, and removal of the VAT exemption for private schools. The Chancellor said that she would reduce wasteful spending and has set a 2% productivity savings target for all departments. The Government will publish its ten-year plan for the NHS in Spring 2025 and re-committed to reducing waiting times to 18 weeks by delivering on its manifesto commitment for 40,000 extra hospital appointments each week. The key announcements for health and care include: • Day-to-day spending for the Department of Health and Social Care will increase by £22.6bn from 2023/24 to 2025/26. This is a two-year average real terms NHS growth rate of 4% – the highest since 2010 (excluding the years affected by the COVID-19 pandemic). • Capital spending will increase by £3.1bn in 2025/26 (compared to 2023/24 outturn) – rising to £13.6bn. This is a two-year average real terms growth rate of 10.9%, although it is still lower than the overall value of the maintenance backlog (£13.8bn). This includes £1.5bn for new surgical hubs and diagnostics scanners, and £1bn towards backlog maintenance. There remains some uncertainty regarding the implications of the additional revenue funding and whether any of the funding announced will provide in-year relief in addition to values already confirmed as part of pay award and Elective Recovery Framework funding. Overall, the commitment to additional capital and revenue investment to the NHS is extremely welcome. We will assess the implications for HIOW ICS and to UHS over the coming weeks and months. The national proposed rise in the minimum wage to £12.21 in April 2025 will exceed the current lowest level within the NHS of £12.08. The national staff council will be working with NHS unions to review the implication of this and how it is addressed at a national level. Portering Dispute The Trust has been formally notified by UNITE the union that it has initiated a strike ballot of its members employed within the portering department at University Hospital Southampton. The ballot commenced on 21 October and will run until 11 November 2024. UNITE is balloting members on a range of issues including conduct, culture and working conditions. Prior to the ballot, and having been made aware of staff concerns, the Trust commissioned an independent external review, seeking views of all the portering department. The ballot has attracted media coverage from the BBC and some other local sources, and the Trust provided a response to the issues raised. The Trust is in active discussions with UNITE and local portering representatives to address the issues being raised and will continue to work constructively to resolve the dispute. Page 2 of 6 Meanwhile, the Trust is actively considering plans to ensure patient services and safety are maintained in the event a strike takes place. This will include enacting the Trust’s business continuity processes through the hospital incident management structure. The Board will be kept informed as plans are finalised and on conclusion of the ballot. BAM Dispute While the Trust was proceeding with the development of the east wing annex, concerns were raised by external structural engineers over the capacity of the existing building to cope with the expected additional weight the development would put on the existing structure. In 2022, the Trust raised a formal issue with BAM, the principal contractor of the existing east wing annex building. Over the last two years the Trust, with the support of DAC Beachcroft, has been trying to get BAM’s representatives to the mediation table to resolve the issues raised on the building. In September 2024, the decision was taken to commence arbitration proceedings against BAM Construction over the inability to agree to a mediator or mediation date. The Trust continues to work closely with DAC Beachcroft during this process, aiming for completion in early 2025. Change NHS On 21 October 2024, the Department for Health and Social Care launched an online portal for individuals to share their views, experiences and ideas to assist in the development of the Government’s 10 Year Health Plan. Staff and members of the public have been asked to: • Give their views on the NHS and health and care. • Tell the Government what they feel is working well and what needs improving. • Share their experiences. • Post their ideas for improving health and care in the future. More information can be found at: Change NHS: help build a health service fit for the future GOV.UK Review into the Operational Effectiveness of the Care Quality Commission On 15 October 2024, the Government published an independent report by Dr Penny Dash, who had been commissioned in May 2024 to review the operational effectiveness of the Care Quality Commission (CQC). The review heard from over 300 people from across the health and care sectors and within the CQC, and analysed the CQC’s performance data. The review found significant failings in the internal workings of the CQC, which have led to a substantial loss of credibility, a deterioration in the CQC’s ability to identify poor performance and support a drive to improve quality. The review summarised these failings as follows: • Poor operational performance – there has been a stark reduction in activity compared with 2019. • Significant challenges with the provider portal and regulatory platform. • Delays in producing reports and poor-quality reports. • Loss of credibility within the health and care sectors due to the loss of sector expertise and wider restructuring, resulting in lost opportunities for improvement. • Concerns around the single assessment framework and its application. • Lack of clarity regarding how ratings are calculated and concerning use of the outcome of previous inspections to calculate a current rating. • There are opportunities to improve the CQC’s assessment of local authority Health and Care Act 2022 duties. • ICS assessments are in early stages of development with a number of concerns shared. • The CQC could do more to support improvements in quality across the health and care sector. • There are opportunities to improve the sponsorship relationship between the CQC and the Department of Health and Social Care. Page 3 of 6 The full report can be read at: Review into the operational effectiveness of the Care Quality Commission: full report - GOV.UK Proposed Legislative Changes The Government has proposed a number of significant reforms to employment legislation through its Employment Rights Bill. These changes include: • From 2026, employees will have immediate entitlement to paternity leave, unpaid parental leave, and bereavement leave from the first day of employment. Protections for pregnant women and mothers will also be strengthened. • ‘Exploitative’ zero-hours contracts will be banned, giving workers the right to move to guaranteed hours contracts after a 12-week reference period.
Url: /Media/UHS-website-2019/Docs/About-the-Trust/Trust-governance-and-corporate-docs/2024-Trust-documents/Papers-Trust-Board-5-November-2024.pdf

Papers Trust Board - 13 May 2025

Description: Agenda Trust Board – Open Session Date Time Location Chair Apologies In attendance 13/05/2025 9:00 - 13:00 Conference Room, Heartbeat Education Centre Jenni Douglas-Todd Keith Evans, Alison Tattersall Helena Blake, Head of Clinical Quality Assurance (shadowing Gail Byrne) Raquel Domene Luque, Interim Lead Matron, Ophthalmology (shadowing Gail Byrne) 1 Chair’s Welcome, Apologies and Declarations of Interest 9:00 Note apologies for absence, and to hear any declarations of interest relating to any item on the Agenda. 2 Patient Story (This item has been postponed until the next meeting) The patient story provides an opportunity for the Board to reflect on the experiences of patients and staff within the Trust and understand what the Trust could do better. 3 Minutes of Previous Meeting held on 11 March 2025 Approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on 11 March 2025 4 Matters Arising and Summary of Agreed Actions To discuss any matters arising from the minutes, and to agree on the status of any actions assigned at the previous meeting. 5 QUALITY, PERFORMANCE and FINANCE Quality includes: clinical effectiveness, patient safety, and patient experience 5.1 Briefing from the Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee 9:10 Keith Evans, Chair 5.2 Briefing from the Chair of the Finance and Investment Committee 9:15 Dave Bennett, Chair 5.3 Briefing from the Chair of the People and Organisational Development 9:20 Committee Jane Harwood, Chair 5.4 Briefing from the Chair of the Quality Committee 9:25 Tim Peachey, Chair including Maternity and Neonatal Safety 2024-25 Quarter 3 Report 5.5 9:30 5.6 10:00 5.7 10:40 5.8 10:55 5.9 11:05 5.10 11:10 5.11 11:20 5.12 11:30 5.13 11:40 6 6.1 11:50 Chief Executive Officer's Report Receive and note the report Sponsor: David French, Chief Executive Officer Performance KPI Report for Month 12 Review and discuss the report Sponsor: David French, Chief Executive Officer Break Finance Report for Month 12 Review and discuss the report Sponsor: Ian Howard, Chief Financial Officer ICS Finance Report for Month 12 Receive and discuss the report Sponsor: Ian Howard, Chief Financial Officer People Report for Month 12 Review and discuss the report Sponsor: Steve Harris, Chief People Officer UHS Annual Staff Survey Results 2024 Report Discuss and note the report Sponsor: Steve Harris, Chief People Officer Attendees: Ceri Connor, Director of OD and Inclusion/Sophie Limb, HR Project Manager Guardian of Safe Working Hours Quarterly Report Receive and discuss the report Sponsor: Paul Grundy, Chief Medical Officer Attendee: Diana Hulbert, Guardian of Safe Working Hours and Emergency Department Consultant Learning from Deaths 2024-25 Quarter 3 and 4 Reports Review and discuss the reports Sponsor: Paul Grundy, Chief Medical Officer Attendee: Jenny Milner, Associate Director of Patient Experience STRATEGY and BUSINESS PLANNING Corporate Objectives 2024-25 Quarter 4 Review Review and feedback on the corporate objectives Sponsor: David French, Chief Executive Officer Attendees: Martin De Sousa, Director of Strategy and Partnerships/Kelly Kent, Head of Strategy and Partnerships Page 2 6.2 Board Assurance Framework (BAF) Update 12:00 Review and discuss the update Sponsor: Gail Byrne, Chief Nursing Officer Attendees: Craig Machell, Associate Director of Corporate Affairs and Company Secretary/Lauren Anderson, Corporate Governance and Risk Manager 6.3 South Central Regional Research Delivery Network (SC RRDN) 2024-25 12:10 Annual Performance Review and 2025-26 Annual Plan Receive and note the annual report and plan Sponsor: Paul Grundy, Chief Medical Officer Attendee: Clare Rook, Chief Operating Officer, CRN: Wessex 7 CORPORATE GOVERNANCE, RISK and INTERNAL CONTROL 7.1 Feedback from the Council of Governors' (CoG) meeting 29 April 2025 12:25 (Oral) Sponsor: Jenni Douglas-Todd, Trust Chair 7.2 Register of Seals and Chair's Actions Report 12:30 Receive and ratify In compliance with the Trust Standing Orders, Financial Instructions, and the Scheme of Reservation and Delegation. Sponsor: Jenni Douglas-Todd, Trust Chair 8 Any other business 12:35 Raise any relevant or urgent matters that are not on the agenda 9 Note the date of the next meeting: 15 July 2025 10 Resolution regarding the Press, Public and Others Sponsor: Jenni Douglas-Todd, Trust Chair To agree, as permitted by the National Health Service Act 2006 (as amended), the Trust's Constitution and the Standing Orders of the Board of Directors, that representatives of the press, members of the public and others not invited to attend to the next part of the meeting be excluded due to the confidential nature of the business to be transacted. 11 Follow-up discussion with governors 12:40 Page 3 Agenda links to the Board Assurance Framework (BAF) 13 May 2025 – Open Session Overview of the BAF Risk 1a: Lack of capacity to appropriately respond to emergency demand, manage the increasing waiting lists for elective demand, and provide timely diagnostics, that results in avoidable harm to patients. 1b: Due to the current challenges, we fail to provide patients and their families / carers with a high-quality experience of care and positive patient outcomes. 1c: We do not effectively plan for and implement infection prevention and control measures that reduce the number of hospital-acquired infections and limit the number of nosocomial outbreaks of infection. 2a: We do not take full advantage of our position as a leading University teaching hospital with a growing, reputable, and innovative research and development portfolio, attracting the best staff and efficiently delivering the best possible treatments and care for our patients. 3a: We are unable to meet current and planned service requirements due to the unavailability of staff to fulfil key roles. 3b: We fail to develop a diverse, compassionate, and inclusive workforce, providing a more positive staff experience for all staff. 3c: We fail to create a sustainable and innovative education and development response to meet the current and future workforce needs identified in the Trust’s longer-term workforce plan. 4a: We do not implement effective models to deliver integrated and networked care, resulting in sub-optimal patient experience and outcomes, increased numbers of admissions and increases in patients’ length of stay. 5a: We are unable to deliver a financial breakeven position, resulting in: inability to move out of the NHS England Recovery Support Programme, NHS England imposing additional controls/undertakings, and a reducing cash balance impacting the Trust’s ability to invest in line with its capital plan, estates/digital strategies, and in transformation initiatives. 5b: We do not adequately maintain, improve and develop our estate to deliver our clinical services and increase capacity. 5c: Our digital technology or infrastructure fails to the extent that it impacts our ability to deliver care effectively and safely within the organisation, 5d: We fail to prioritise green initiatives to deliver a trajectory that will reduce our direct and indirect carbon footprint by 80% by 2028-2032 (compared with a 1990 baseline) and reach net zero direct carbon emissions by 2040 and net zero indirect carbon emissions by 2045. Agenda links to the BAF No Item Linked BAF risk(s) 5.6 Performance KPI Report for Month 12 5.8 Finance Report for Month 12 5.9 ICS Finance Report for Month 12 5.10 People Report for Month 12 5.11 UHS Staff Survey Results 2024 Report 5.12 Guardian of Safe Working Hours Quarter 3 Report 6.1 Corporate Objectives 2024-5 Quarter 3 Review 6.3 South Central Regional Research Delivery Network Annual Performance Review and 2025-26 Annual Plan 1a, 1b, 1c 5a 5a 3a, 3b, 3c 3b 3b, 3c All 1b, 2a Appetite (Category) Minimal (Safety) Current risk rating 4x5 20 Cautious (Experience) Minimal (Safety) 3x3 9 4x4 16 Open (Technology & Innovation) 3x3 9 Open (workforce) Open (workforce) Open (workforce) 4x5 20 4x3 12 4x4 16 Cautious (Effectiveness) 3x3 9 Cautious (Finance) 4x5 20 Target risk rating 4 x 2 Apr 6 27 3 x 2 Mar 6 26 2 x 3 Apr 6 27 3 x 2 Dec 6 25 4 x 3 Mar 12 26 4 x 2 Mar 8 27 3 x 2 Mar 6 29 3 x 2 Dec 6 25 3 x 3 Apr 9 30 Cautious (Effectiveness) Open (Technology & Innovation) Open (Technology & Innovation) 4x5 20 3x4 12 2x3 6 4 x 2 Apr 8 30 3 x 2 Apr 6 27 2 x 2 Dec 4 27 Does this item facilitate movement towards or away from the intended target risk score and appetite? Towards Away Neither X X X X X X X X Minutes Trust Board – Open Session Date Time 11/03/2025 9:00 – 13:00 Location Chair Conference Room, Heartbeat/Microsoft Teams Jenni Douglas-Todd (JD-T) Present Dave Bennett, NED (DB) Gail Byrne, Chief Nursing Officer (GB) Jenni Douglas-Todd, Chair (JD-T) Diana Eccles, NED (DE) Keith Evans, Deputy Chair and NED (KE) David French, Chief Executive Officer (DAF) Paul Grundy, Chief Medical Officer (PG) Steve Harris, Chief People Officer (SH) Jane Harwood, NED/Senior Independent Director (JH) Ian Howard, Chief Financial Officer (IH) Duncan Linning-Karp, Interim Chief Operating Officer (DL-K) David Liverseidge, NED (DL) Tim Peachey, NED (TP) Alison Tattersall, NED (AT) In attendance Martin De Sousa, Director of Strategy and Partnerships (MDeS) Craig Machell, Associate Director of Corporate Affairs and Company Secretary (CM) Lauren Anderson, Corporate Governance and Risk Manager (LA) (item 6.2) Kelly Kent, Head of Strategy and Partnerships (KK) (item 6.1) 2 members of the public (item 2) 5 governors (observing) 7 members of staff (observing) 1 members of the public (observing) 1. Chair’s Welcome, Apologies and Declarations of Interest The Chair welcomed attendees to the meeting. There were no interests to declare in the business to be transacted at the meeting. 2. Patient Story Gregg and Serra [SURNAME] were invited to present their experience as the parents of a child who underwent successful open-heart surgery at Southampton General Hospital in September 2024, having been diagnosed with an atrioventricular septal defect in 2023. It was noted that: • The care provided by the Trust’s staff had been exceptional, including for being able to put matters into layman’s terms to assist understanding. • The interaction between staff and the child patient was also praised, with the parents reporting that their child had been viewed first of all as a person, rather than as simply another patient. 3. Minutes of the Previous Meeting held on 7 January 2025 The draft minutes tabled to the meeting were agreed to be an accurate record of the meeting held on 7 January 2025. Page 1 4. Matters Arising and Summary of Agreed Actions An update was provided in respect of the following actions: • 1200: it was noted that discussions had been had with Natasha Watts and Jenny Milner and the action was ongoing. • 1201: it was noted that an update would be presented in the closed session of the meeting. • 1202: the Trust had written to the Integrated Care Board. • 1203: it was noted that a meeting had been arranged to discuss Freedom to Speak Up on 21 March 2025. 5. QUALITY, PERFORMANCE and FINANCE 5.1 Briefing from the Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee The chair of the Audit and Risk Committee was invited to present the Committee Chair’s Report in respect of the meeting held on 20 January 2025, the content of which was noted. It was further noted that: • The committee considered the accounting policies and management judgements for the 2024/25 annual accounts. • The committee reviewed the Trust’s compliance with the Code of Governance for NHS Provider Trusts, noting that the Trust was compliant in all areas or had appropriate explanations for the few areas of non-compliance. • The committee had received a report on cyber risk, noting that the main risk was from suppliers not having adequate protection and the Trust’s operations being impacted as a result of the loss of service. • The committee considered a report in respect of the risk of individuals impersonating agency staff and noted the Trust’s controls to mitigate against this risk. 5.2 Briefing from the Chair of the Finance and Investment Committee The chair of the Finance and Investment Committee was invited to present the Committee Chair’s Reports in respect of the meetings held on 27 January and 24 February 2025, the content of which was noted. It was further noted that: • The committee reviewed the Finance Report for Month 10 (item 5.8), noting that the Trust was forecasting a year-end deficit of £17.65m and delivery of £76m in efficiencies under the Cost Improvement Programme. • It was further noted that the Trust was anticipating that it would have carried out c.£40m of unpaid activity by the end of the year. • The committee considered a draft of the Trust’s annual plan submission, noting that 2025/26 would present a significant challenge. 5.3 Briefing from the Chair of the People and Organisational Development Committee The chair of the People and Organisational Development Committee was invited to present the Committee Chair’s Reports in respect of the meetings held on 24 January and 24 February 2025, the content of which was noted. It was further noted that: • The committee reviewed the People Report for Month 10 (item 5.10), noting that whilst the Trust was forecasting to be 125 whole-time-equivalents (WTE) above its 2024/25 plan, the total substantive workforce would be 50 WTE lower than in March 2024. • There had been high levels of sickness absence over the period, which had resulted in increased use of bank staff. Concern was expressed in respect of the low uptake rate for vaccinations by staff compared to previous years. Page 2 • Appraisal rates were lower than anticipated, but it was possible that this was due to issues with the transfer of recording of appraisals to the Virtual Learning Environment system. 5.4 Briefing from the Chair of the Quality Committee The chair of the Quality Committee was invited to present the Committee Chair’s Report in respect of the meeting held on 27 January 2025, the content of which was noted. It was further noted that: • The committee had received an update in respect of the ‘Fundamentals of Care’ programme and noted that the programme was progressing well. • The committee reviewed the progress of the Always Improving outpatients and discharge programmes. • The committee reviewed the interim Maternity and Neonatal Safety Report, noting that there was nothing to escalate to the Board. 5.5 Chief Executive Officer’s Report David French was invited to present the Chief Executive Officer’s Report, the content of which was noted. It was further noted that: • There had been significant changes in the leadership of NHS England with effectively all executive directors having resigned. Furthermore, there were expected to be significant reductions in the NHS England workforce and changes in the relationship between NHS England and the Department for Health and Social Care. • The Trust had received a request to provide feedback on a proposed management and leadership standard for the NHS. The Trust intended to respond to the consultation. • Concerns had been raised in respect of the Trust’s adult cardiac waiting list due to a mismatch in referrals against operations performed, which had resulted in an improvement plan being submitted to NHS South East Region and a quality visit on 4 February 2025. The Trust’s congenital cardiac team was also under pressure due to insufficient capacity. • Positive feedback had been received following a visit to the Trust’s maternity services by NHS South East Region and the Local Maternity and Neonatal System team. • On 28 February 2025, the Trust had announced the opening of the refurbished Muslim prayer room facilities. • The Trust’s mechanical thrombectomy service was now a 24/7 service and that it was expected that the service would treat up to 1,200 patients a year over the next five years. • Dr Stephen Harden, a consultant in cardiothoracic radiology at the Trust, had been elected as the incoming president of the Royal College of Radiologists for a three-year term commencing on 1 September 2025. 5.6 Performance KPI Report for Month 10 Duncan Linning-Karp was invited to present the Performance KPI Report for Month 10, the content of which was noted. It was further noted that: • The Emergency Department remained under significant pressure due to the level of attendances (11,728 during January 2025), with performance against the four-hour wait target being 61% in January 2025 and 55% in February 2025. • The average number of patients having no criteria to reside was 232 during January 2025. • The Trust’s performance in respect of the 62- and 28-day cancer targets remained high at 79.1% and 83.6% respectively for December 2024. The Page 3 Trust’s performance in these areas was higher than the national targets for March 2026. • Compared to equivalent teaching hospitals, the Trust was second in the country for 65-week waits and joint first in the country for 78-week waits. It was expected that the outstanding 65-week wait patients at March 2025 would be limited to those awaiting material for corneal transplants, of which there was a national shortage, and a small number of complex patients. • The Trust’s mortality rate had fallen as expected and the Trust was ranked as having one of the lowest mortality rates in England. • There had been an increase in the number of incidents of pressure ulcers during January and February 2025. It was noted that often there was an increased number of patients with co-morbidities during the winter months, who were at greater risk of developing pressure ulcers. • Whilst staffing levels had been problematic during September and October 2024 in the Maternity service, the situation had since improved as newlyqualified nurses became substantive. • Further work was ongoing to promote wider use of virtual clinics as an alternative to face-to-face appointments. • The Trust was intending to spend £1.5m on hardware by the end of the year to address the issues caused by the average age of the Trust’s IT estate. Action Craig Machell agreed to add A/I to a future Trust Board Study Session agenda. Gail Byrne agreed to present a deep-dive on pressure ulcers to the Quality Committee. 5.7 Break 5.8 Finance Report for Month 10 Ian Howard was invited to present the Finance Report for Month 10, the content of which was noted. It was further noted that: • The Trust had been working with system partners to agree a ‘landing plan’ for the system for 2024/25 to deliver a break-even position. The Trust’s forecast was for a year-end deficit of £17.65m. • The Trust had recorded a £7.5m in-month surplus and a year-to-date deficit of £15.2m, £11.8m behind its plan. However, there remained an underlying deficit of c.£6.5m, which would pose a significant challenge for 2025/26. • The Trust was forecasting to have insufficient cash in May 2025 and therefore would require additional cash support. It was noted that cash support would require certain commitments from applicants and that requests were not always fulfilled. • The messaging from NHS England appeared to be that difficult decisions would be required to deliver a financially sustainable NHS and that there would be no additional funding. It was noted that a number of these decisions would be better made at a national level to ensure consistency across the country. 5.9 ICB Finance Report for Month 10 The ICB Finance Report for Month 10 was noted. 5.10 People Report for Month 10 Steve Harris was invited to present the People Report for Month 10, the content of which was noted. It was further noted that: Page 4 • Unison had put an offer to its members to resolve the dispute over Band 2/3 pay. It was expected that the vote would conclude at the end of March 2025. • The consultation in respect of the transfer of staff to UHS Estates Limited had progressed well, with the transfer expected to take place on 1 April 2025. • Progress continued to be made in respect of the action plan agreed with portering staff. • The Trust had exceeded its workforce plan by 153 whole-time-equivalents (WTE) at the end of January 2025. There had been a significant increase in use of bank staff due to continued high levels of sickness absence and the need to open surge capacity. • It was forecast that the Trust would be 125 WTE above its plan for 2024/25. It was noted that the Trust had anticipated a reduction in staffing numbers of c.220 WTE due to reductions in patients having no criteria to reside and delivery of system transformation programmes. However, these assumptions had not materialised. 5.11 Mortuary Standards Compliance Update Gail Byrne was invited to provide an update in respect of the actions required following the Fuller Inquiry, the content of which was noted. It was further noted that: • The action plan and outputs from the Fuller Inquiry had been presented to the Board at its meeting held on 6 June 2024. • It was noted that all the actions identified had been completed. 6. STRATEGY and BUSINESS PLANNING 6.1 Corporate Objectives 2024-25 Quarter 3 Review Martin De Sousa and Kelly Kent were invited to present the ‘Corporate Objectives 2024-25 Quarter 3 Review’, the content of which was noted. It was further noted that fifty per cent of objectives were on track to be delivered in full (a reduction compared to the second quarter), 37.5% were amber and 12.5% were red. 6.2 Board Assurance Framework (BAF) Update Lauren Anderson was invited to present the Board Assurance Framework Update, the content of which was noted. It was further noted that: • There were six risks rated as ‘critical’ (i.e. 15 or above), with one risk (risk 3c) having been upgraded from 12 due to increased likelihood given reductions in the available funding and workforce. • The target dates for six risks had also been extended, including two out to April 2030 due in part to uncertainty in respect of funding availability. 7. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE, RISK and INTERNAL CONTROL 7.1 Feedback from the Council of Governors’ (CoG) meeting 29 January 2025 The Chair presented a summary of the Council of Governors’ meeting held on 29 January 2025. It was noted that the meeting had considered the following matters: • Chief Executive Officer’s Performance Report Page 5 • Chair and Non-Executive Director Appraisal Process • Audit and Risk Committee Terms of Reference • Governors’ Nomination Committee Terms of Reference • Annual Business Plan • Noting the appointment of David Liverseidge following the original approval given in 2024. • Governor Attendance • Membership Engagement 7.2 Register of Seals and Chair’s Actions Report The paper ‘Register of Seals and Chair’s Actions Report’ was presented to the meeting, the content of which was noted. It was further noted that the following items had been sealed on 7 March 2025: • TP1 Land Registry between University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust and Prime Infrastructure Management Services 4 Limited (the Transferor) and University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust (Transferee) relating to Land forming part of an accessway adjoining Plot 2, Bargain Farm, Frogmore Lane, Nursling, Southampton, Hampshire SO16 0XS. Seal number 291 on 7 March 2025 • TP1 Land Registry between University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust and Prime Infrastructure Management Services 4 Limited (Transferor) and University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust (the Transferee) relating to Land forming part of an accessway adjoining Plot 2, Bargain Farm, Frogmore Lane, Nursling, Southampton, Hampshire SO16 0XS. Seal number 292 on 7 March 2025. • Underlease between Just Retirement Limited (the Landlord) and University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust (the Tenant) relating to Aseptic Pharmacy and Offices on the Ground, 1st and 2nd Floors at Plot 2 Adanac Health and Innovation Campus, Nursling, Southampton, Hampshire SO16 0XS. Seal number 293 on 7 March 2025. • Reversionary Underlease between Just Retirement Limited (the Landlord) and University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (the Tenant) relating to Ground and first Floor Sterile Services Unit and Offices at Plot 2 Adanac Health and Innovation Campus, Nursling, Southampton, Hampshire SO16 0XS. Seal number 294 on 7 March 2025. • Underlease between Just Retirement Limited (the Landlord), IHSS Limited (the Tenant) and University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust (the Trust) relating to Ground and first Floor Sterile Services Unit and Offices at Plot 2 Adanac Health and Innovation Campus, Nursling, Southampton, Hampshire SO16 0XS. Seal number 295 on 7 March 2025. • Sub-Underlease between University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (Landlord) and UHS Estates Limited (Tenant) of Aseptic Pharmacy and Offices on the Ground, 1st and 2nd Floors at Plot 2 Adanac Health and Innovation Campus, Nursling, Southampton, Hampshire SO16 0XS. Seal number 296 on 7 March 2025. Page 6 Decision: The Board agreed to ratify the application of the Trust Seal to the documents listed in the ‘Register of Seals and Chair’s Actions Report’ and in respect of the items listed above. 7.3 Audit and Risk Committee Terms of Reference Craig Machell was invited to present the proposed changes to the Audit and Risk Committee’s Terms of Reference, the content of which was noted. It was further noted that: • The Audit and Risk Committee had reviewed its terms of reference at its meeting on 20 January 2025, following which input had been sought from the Council of Governors at its meeting held on 29 January 2025. • It was proposed to amend a reference in paragraph 10.2 and to update Appendix A. Decision Having considered the proposed amendments to the Audit and Risk Committee’s Terms of Reference, the Board approved the changes. 7.4 Finance and Investment Committee Terms of Reference Craig Machell was invited to present the proposed changes to the Finance and Investment Committee’s Terms of Reference, the content of which was noted. It was further noted that: • The Finance and Investment Committee had reviewed its terms of reference at its meeting on 27 January 2025. • It was proposed to update Appendix A. Decision Having considered the proposed amendments to the Finance and Investment Committee’s Terms of Reference, the Board approved the changes. 7.5 Quality Committee Terms of Reference Craig Machell was invited to present the proposed changes to the Quality Committee’s Terms of Reference, the content of which was noted. It was further noted that: • The Quality Committee had reviewed its terms of reference at its meeting on 27 January 2025. • It was proposed to amend a reference in paragraph 10.2 and to update Appendix A. Decision Having considered the proposed amendments to the Quality Committee’s Terms of Reference, the Board approved the changes. 7.6 Remuneration and Appointment Committee Terms of Reference Craig Machell was invited to present the Remuneration and Appointment Committee’s Terms of Reference, the content of which was noted. It was further noted that: Page 7 • The Remuneration and Appointment Committee had reviewed its terms of reference at its meeting on 11 March 2025. • No changes were proposed. Decision Having considered the Remuneration and Appointment Committee’s Terms of Reference, the Board approved the terms of reference. 7.7 Trust Executive Committee Terms of Reference Craig Machell was invited to present the proposed changes to the Trust Executive Committee’s Terms of Reference, the content of which was noted. It was further noted that: • The Trust Executive Committee (TEC) had reviewed its terms of reference at its meeting on 12 February 2025. • It was noted that the most significant amendments were in respect of the following: o Introduction of the pre-TEC process for business cases requiring additional expenditure; o The role of the TEC as a forum for discussion of significant strategic matters; o The TEC’s role in identification of opportunities for system collaboration; o Updates to reflect the current role of the Trust Investment Group and the TEC under the Standing Financial Instructions; and o Other amendments to add clarity about the TEC’s operation and reports received. Decision Having considered the proposed amendments to the Trust Executive Committee’s Terms of Reference, the Board approved the changes. 8. Any other business There was no other business. 9. Note the date of the next meeting: 13 May 2025 10. Items circulated to the Board for reading The item circulated to the Board for reading was noted. There being no further business, the meeting concluded. 10. Resolution regarding the Press, Public and Others Decision: The Board resolved that, as permitted by the National Health Service Act 2006 (as amended), the Trust’s Constitution and the Standing Orders of the board of directors, that representatives of the press, members of the public and others not invited to attend to the next part of the meeting be excluded due to the confidential nature of the business to be transacted. The meeting was adjourned. Page 8 List of action items Agenda item Assigned to Deadline Status Trust Board – Open Session 25/07/2024 5.4 Briefing from the Chair of the Quality Committee (Oral) 1163. Impact of technology Machell, Craig 03/06/2025 Pending Explanation action item Craig Machell agreed to add an item covering the impact of technology over the next 5-10 years to a future Trust Board Study Session agenda. Update: Item deferred to Study Session on 03/06/2025. Trust Board – Open Session 07/01/2025 5.13 Infection Prevention and Control 2024-25 Quarter 2 Report 1204. Infection prevention Byrne, Gail 03/06/2025 Pending Explanation action item Gail Byrne agreed to include an item on infection prevention control at a future Trust Board Study Session to include details of an Australian study, point of care testing, and progress on the roll out of the Fundamentals of Care programme. Update: Item tentatively scheduled for TBSS on 03/06/2025. Trust Board – Open Session 11/03/2025 5.6 Performance KPI Report for Month 10 1217. Artificial Intelligence (A/I) Machell, Craig Explanation action item Craig Machell agreed to add A/I to a future Trust Board Study Session agenda. 03/06/2025 Pending Update: Tentatively scheduled for TBSS on 03/06/2024. Agenda item Assigned to Trust Board – Open Session 11/03/2025 5.6 Performance KPI Report for Month 10 1218. Pressure ulcers Byrne, Gail Explanation action item Gail Byrne agreed to present a deep-dive on pressure ulcers to the Quality Committee. Deadline Status 13/05/2025 Pending Page 2 of 2 Agenda item 5.1 Committee Chair’s Report to the Trust Board of Directors 13 May 2025 Committee: Audit & Risk Committee Meeting Date: 17 March 2025 Key Messages: • • • • • • The committee considered the going concern assessment for the 2024/25 accounts and agreed that the accounts should be prepared on a ‘going concern’ basis. The external auditor reported that there had been no significant issues resulting from the transfer to a new finance system. The committee received a report on losses and special payments during 2024/25 and noted that the levels were similar to previous years. These payments were generally related to lost patient property. The committee reviewed the Trust’s Treasury Policy, confirmed the current bank mandate and approved certain minor changes to the Treasury Policy. An update was received in respect of Information Governance. It was noted that the Trust – in common with most others – was not expected to meet the standards set out in the Data Security and Protection Toolkit for 2024/25 due to the introduction of the Cyber Assurance Framework. The Trust had reported six breaches to the Information Commissioner since 1 January 2024, but none of the incidents resulted in further action on the part of the regulator. The committee agreed the Fraud team’s work plan for 2025/26. Assurance: (Reports/Papers reviewed by the Committee also appearing on the Board agenda) 6.2 Board Assurance Framework (BAF) Update Assurance Rating: Risk Rating: Substantial N/A • All risks had been reviewed with the relevant executive director(s). • It was suggested that Risk 3c should be reconsidered in terms of what the main risk was given the increase in risk rating to 16, particularly whether the main concern was running out of trained staff as opposed to being unable to deliver training and development. Any Other Matters: • The committee reviewed the outputs from the internal audit reports in respect of rostering, the discharge process, and core financial controls noting that there was nothing significant which required escalation to the Board. Assurance Rating: Substantial There is a robust series of suitably designed internal controls in place upon Assurance which the organisation relies to manage the risk of failure of the continuous and effective achievement of the objectives of the process, which at the time of our review were being consistently applied. Reasonable There is a series of controls in place, however there are potential risks that Assurance may not be sufficient to ensure that the individual objectives of the process are achieved in a continuous and effective manner. Improvements are required to enhance the adequacy and effectiveness of the controls to mitigate these risks. Limited Assurance Controls in place are not sufficient to ensure that the organisation can rely upon them to manage the risks to the continuous and effective achievement of the objectives of the process. Significant improvements are required to improve the adequacy and effectiveness of the controls. Page 1 of 2 No Assurance Not Applicable Risk Rating: Low Medium High Not Applicable There is a fundamental breakdown or absence of core internal controls such that the organisation cannot rely upon them to manage the risks to the continuous and effective achievement of the objectives of the process. Immediate action is required to improve the adequacy and effectiveness of controls. Where assurance is not required and/or relevant. Based on the report considered by the committee, there is little or no concern that the Trust will be unable to meet its stated objectives and/or plans. There is some concern that the Trust might not be able to fully meet its stated objectives and/or plans based on the information contained in the report considered by the committee. There is a significant risk that the Trust will not be able to meet its stated objectives and/or plans based on the information contained in the report considered by the committee. Where risk rating is not relevant. Page 2 of 2 Agenda Item 5.2 i) Committee Chair’s Report to the Trust Board of Directors 13 May 2025 Committee: Finance & Investment Committee Meeting Date: 24 March 2025 Key Messages: • • • • • • The committee received an update in respect of the Trust’s 2025/26 annual plan. It was noted that the NHS in England was forecasting a deficit of £6.6bn, which had resulted in significant intervention by Government, including the abolition of NHS England and 50% reductions in integrated care boards’ costs. These reductions would be supplemented by a national mutually agreed resignation scheme. The Trust anticipated running out of cash in May 2025, but it was understood that cash support would no longer be provided. The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care System was aiming to reach a breakeven position in 2025/26. This would necessitate additional controls on recruitment and 5-10% reductions in expenditure/headcount as well as achievement of challenging Cost Improvement Programme targets. The committee reviewed the Finance Report for Month 11. It was noted that the Trust had recorded an in-month surplus of £8.2m due to a number of one-off items. There had been an increase in the use of bank staff due to the need to open surge capacity and the demand resulting from patients with mental health issues. The committee received an update in respect of the transformation plans regarding the ‘living within our means’, urgent and emergency care, and elective care recovery workstreams. The committee reviewed the quarterly update from Estates, Facilities and Capital Development. It was noted that there was a plan for removal of all reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) on the Southampton General Hospital site. It was further noted that the steam ducts on the site continued to be an issue and there was a risk that the Trust was at the limit for electricity usage on the site. Assurance: (Reports/Papers reviewed by the Committee also appearing on the Board agenda) N/A Any Other Matters: The committee considered a business case in respect of a Hampshire and Isle of Wight Elective Hub in Winchester. It was noted that this proposal was reviewed and approved at the Trust Board meeting on 25 March 2025. Assurance Rating: Substantial There is a robust series of suitably designed internal controls in place upon Assurance which the organisation relies to manage the risk of failure of the continuous and effective achievement of the objectives of the process, which at the time of our review were being consistently applied. Page 1 of 2 Reasonable Assurance Limited Assurance No Assurance Not Applicable There is a series of controls in place, however there are potential risks that may not be sufficient to ensure that the individual objectives of the process are achieved in a continuous and effective manner. Improvements are required to enhance the adequacy and effectiveness of the controls to mitigate these risks. Controls in place are not sufficient to ensure that the organisation can rely upon them to manage the risks to the continuous and effective achievement of the objectives of the process. Significant improvements are required to improve the adequacy and effectiveness of the controls. There is a fundamental breakdown or absence of core internal controls such that the organisation cannot rely upon them to manage the risks to the continuous and effective achievement of the objectives of the process. Immediate action is required to improve the adequacy and effectiveness of controls. Where assurance is not required and/or relevant. Risk Rating: Low Medium High Not Applicable Based on the report considered by the committee, there is little or no concern that the Trust will be unable to meet its stated objectives and/or plans. There is some concern that the Trust might not be able to fully meet its stated objectives and/or plans based on the information contained in the report considered by the committee. There is a significant risk that the Trust will not be able to meet its stated objectives and/or plans based on the information contained in the report considered by the committee. Where risk rating is not relevant. Page 2 of 2 Agenda Item 5.2 ii) Committee Chair’s Report to the Trust Board of Directors 13 May 2025 Committee: Finance and Investment Committee Meeting Date: 28 April 2025 Key Messages: • • • • • • • The committee reviewed the Finance Report for Month 12 (see below). The committee received an update in respect of the Trust’s cash position, noting that the Trust’s cash position had been relatively stable during the fourth quarter due to receipt of additional one-off funding and careful supplier payment management. However, the Trust was highly likely to require cash support in either Q1 or Q2. The committee noted the report from the Trust’s digital services, noting the successful negotiation of a discount for purchasing new laptops due to the number required. In addition, there had been a leak in GICU which had impacted the switch network, but which had since been rectified. It was further noted that, during the first months of the year, the Trust had blocked more attempted cyber attacks than in the whole of 2024. It was noted that trusts had been set challenging targets for reducing the size of their corporate services, and as such were expected to reduce the size of these services by 50% of the growth since 2018/19. The committee received an update on the Trust’s 2025/26 capital plan, noting that the plan was under review owing to the Trust’s cash position. In addition, it had been agreed to prioritise maintaining the Trust’s level of expenditure on strategic maintenance and to defer the refurbishment of the neuro theatres. The committee reviewed the update from the Trust’s commercial team, including in respect of private and overseas patients, the proposed private patient unit, and Adanac Park. The committee supported the Trust’s participation in the proposed Elective Hub at Winchester. Assurance: (Reports/Papers reviewed by the Committee also appearing on the Board agenda) 5.8 Finance Report for Month 12 Assurance Rating: Risk Rating: Substantial High • The Trust had successfully ended the year at where it expected to do so with a deficit of £7m at year end. • The Trust’s underlying position remained a concern with a £6.9m deficit recorded during the month. • The committee reviewed the high use of bank staff during months 8 to 12, noting that the Trust had opened surge capacity during this period and was experiencing significant demand. • The Trust had achieved 127% elective recovery performance against the national target of 113%, and had also delivered its 2024/25 Cost Improvement Programme target in full (£85m). • The Trust had also spent £96m of capital during 2024/25. 6.2 Board Assurance Framework (BAF) Update Assurance Rating: Risk Rating: Substantial N/A • Risks 5a, 5b and 5c have been updated, following discussions with the respective Executive Director(s). Page 1 of 2 Any Other Matters: • The committee discussed whether the 2030 target for risk 5b was realistic and whether the rating to be achieved by 2030 should be increased. N/A Assurance Rating: Substantial There is a robust series of suitably designed internal controls in place upon Assurance which the organisation relies to manage the risk of failure of the continuous and effective achievement of the objectives of the process, which at the time of our review were being consistently applied. Reasonable There is a series of controls in place, however there are potential risks that Assurance may not be sufficient to ensure that the individual objectives of the process are achieved in a continuous and effective manner. Improvements are required to enhance the adequacy and effectiveness of the controls to mitigate these risks. Limited Assurance Controls in place are not sufficient to ensure that the organisation can rely upon them to manage the risks to the continuous and effective achievement of the objectives of the process. Significant improvements are required to improve the adequacy and effectiveness of the controls. No Assurance There is a fundamental breakdown or absence of core internal controls such that the organisation cannot rely upon them to manage the risks to the continuous and effective achievement of the objectives of the process. Immediate action is required to improve the adequacy and effectiveness of controls. Not Applicable Where assurance is not required and/or relevant. Risk Rating: Low Medium High Not Applicable Based on the report considered by the committee, there is little or no concern that the Trust will be unable to meet its stated objectives and/or plans. There is some concern that the Trust might not be able to fully meet its stated objectives and/or plans based on the information contained in the report considered by the committee. There is a significant risk that the Trust will not be able to meet its stated objectives and/or plans based on the information contained in the report considered by the committee. Where risk rating is not relevant. Page 2 of 2 Agenda Item 5.3 i) Committee Chair’s Report to the Trust Board of Directors 13 May 2025 Committee: People & Organisational Development Committee Meeting Date: 24 March 2025 Key Messages: • • The committee reviewed the People Report for Month 11. It was noted that February 2025 had continued to be challenging due to high sickness rates, with the Trust close to calling a critical incident. This had driven much higher bank rates. There had been a lower than forecast number of leavers during the month (44 whole-timeequivalents (WTE) against a forecast of 100). The Trust was 267 WTE above its plan. The Trust’s draft Workforce Plan for 2025/26 was reviewed. The Trust was required to deliver a breakeven plan. Accordingly, the Trust was anticipating a freeze on all non-clinical vacancies and holding 30% of clinical vacancies. In addition, there would potentially be a target to reduce headcount by 5-10% as well as additional reductions in use of bank and agency staff. It was further proposed to reorganise the four existing Divisions into three in order to deliver efficiencies. It was noted that even if the Trust achieved fully against all performance targets and implemented the restrictions and reductions above, there would still be a deficit. Assurance: (Reports/Papers reviewed by the Committee also appearing on the Board agenda) 5.11 UHS Staff Survey Results 2024 Report Assurance Rating: Risk Rating: Reasonable Low • The committee reviewed the Staff Survey results for 2024. • The Trust had maintained its above average position across all of the People Promise domains. • The Trust’s results remained broadly similar to those in 2023, although there had been improvements in some areas, such as satisfaction with immediate managers, flexible working, appraisals, and confidence in reporting unsafe practice, violence, bullying and harassment. • The participation rate was low at 39%, which gave rise to some concern about how reflective of the workforce the results were. A significant difference in engagement between non-clinical and clinical staff was noted. 6.2 Board Assurance Framework Assurance Rating: Risk Rating: Update Substantial N/A • Risks 3a, 3b and 3c had been updated, following discussions with the respective Executive Director(s). • Risk 3c had been upgraded from 12 to 16 to reflect the reduction in national funding for education and training and the more restrictive funding framework. In addition, it was noted that the intended reduction in NHS corporate infrastructure would impact training and development staff. • The committee agreed to review the Board Assurance Framework again once the 2025/26 plan had been approved. Any Other Matters: • The committee received an update in respect of the Band 2/3 pay dispute and in respect of the portering department. Page 1 of 2 Assurance Rating: Substantial There is a robust series of suitably designed internal controls in place upon Assurance which the organisation relies to manage the risk of failure of the continuous and effective achievement of the objectives of the process, which at the time of our review were being consistently applied. Reasonable There is a series of controls in place, however there are potential risks that Assurance may not be sufficient to ensure that the individual objectives of the process are achieved in a continuous and effective manner. Improvements are required to enhance the adequacy and effectiveness of the controls to mitigate these risks. Limited Assurance Controls in place are not sufficient to ensure that the organisation can rely upon them to manage the risks to the continuous and effective achievement of the objectives of the process. Significant improvements are required to improve the adequacy and effectiveness of the controls. No Assurance There is a fundamental breakdown or absence of core internal controls such that the organisation cannot rely upon them to manage the risks to the continuous and effective achievement of the objectives of the process. Immediate action is required to improve the adequacy and effectiveness of controls. Not Applicable Where assurance is not required and/or relevant. Risk Rating: Low Medium High Not Applicable Based on the report considered by the committee, there is little or no concern that the Trust will be unable to meet its stated objectives and/or plans. There is some concern that the Trust might not be able to fully meet its stated objectives and/or plans based on the information contained in the report considered by the committee. There is a significant risk that the Trust will not be able to meet its stated objectives and/or plans based on the information contained in the report considered by the committee. Where risk rating is not relevant. Page 2 of 2 Agenda Item 5.3 ii) Committee Chair’s Report to the Trust Board of Directors 13 May 2025 Committee: People & Organisational Development Committee Meeting Date: 25 April 2025 Key Messages: • • • • • • • The committee reviewed the People Report for Month 12 (see below). The committee noted the significant challenges for 2025/26 in delivering the Trust’s Annual Plan and the implications for its workforce. In particular, the Trust was anticipating having to reduce its overall workforce by 6% during the year, coupled with a 20% reduction in bank staff and 30% reduction in agency staff. It was noted that the organisational changes would need to happen at pace, but that there was not presently central funding to support this. The Trust had implemented strict recruitment controls, including a freeze on all non-clinical recruitment and would hold 30% of clinical vacancies. Delivery of the Trust’s 2025/26 plan also assumed significant reductions in the numbers of mental health patients and in patients having no criteria to reside. It had been announced that the Trust would be restructuring its divisions, reducing from four to three. It was anticipated that this would be completed by 1 July 2025. Furthermore, the Trust had a medium- to long-term objective of developing and implementing shared services with other organisations in the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care System. The organisational and workforce changes envisaged were to be supported by both an equality and a quality impact asse
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