To receive an update.

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the order of agenda items was changed, so that Update on Heatherwood Hospital Opening was considered fourth.

Carol Deans, Director of Communications and Engagement, NHS Frimley, Dan Bradbury, Chief Operating Officer, NHS Frimley, and Nigel Foster, Chief Finance Officer, NHS Frimley, introduced the item with a presentation. Nigel Foster gave the background and progress to the development of the new Heatherwood hospital. Dan Bradbury then gave a summary of the facilities, services, layout and infrastructure. And finally, Carol Deans gave an overview on the new hospital’s impact and future aspirations.

The Chairman asked about the parking spaces at Heatherwood. Carol Deans answered that there were 151 patient spaces, 16 disabled patient spaces as well as 240 staff and six disabled staff spaces.

Councillor Sharpe raised the question of bicycle parking spaces. Carol Deans answered that there were bicycle parking spots at the hospital but added that they would investigate on how clear they were located and may consider signposting. Nigel Foster reiterated that the signposts for parking should be investigated.

Councillor Da Costa asked if it was still going to be low risk elective surgery, and whether Heatherwood has a HDU (High Dependency Unit) and a maximum BMI. Dan Bradbury replied that there was not an HDU, but there was elevated post-operative support which was designed to chunk the 80% of surgery at high volumes. He added that there would always be about 15–20% which would require a greater level of support, which would then be maintained.

Councillor Da Costa asked if the new electronic system would enable practitioners to test results by using a patient number rather than needing to go through multiple systems and then cross-reference. Dan Bradbury answered that a system called ‘Open Epic’ allowed care practitioners to access and review patient records. There was also Connected Care, a hub and interface which allowed people to see patients records and it linked disparate systems. Nigel Foster confirmed Councillor Da Costa’s answer.

Councillor Tisi asked to what extent did the specialisms which were chosen reflected the aging population and the changes in future proofing for what was being seeing going forward. In regards to future proofing, Dan Bradbury replied that they would monitor this over the next 12 months. Within the NHS, two of the specialties which had increased the most in terms of patient waiting times and patient waiting lists were ophthalmology and orthopaedics. The main reason was because they tended to not be life-threatening.

Councillor Bateson asked whether the Heatherwood building could be expanded in the future. Nigel Foster replied that the possibility of expansion was considered during the planning to ensure there was an open possibility to add additional buildings or expand the current building. However, if there was a decision to expand, there would be questions on funding for this expansion. Also, while expansion was possible, NHS Frimley would seek to make use of its current sites first to meet demand.

Discussing the length of time of the meeting, Councillor Tisi suggested that the presentations be forwarded to the panel before the meeting to allow the Panel to look through them and prepare questions, allowing efficiency during the meeting.

ACTION: The Clerk to forward presentations to the Panel before meetings.