Healthwatch Redbridge responds to the decision by the Secretary of State for Health in regards to Intermediate Care Services

Healthwatch Redbridge welcomes the response from the Secretary of State, that it has been acknowledged that the local CCG can do more to engage further around this issue with local people.

Vanda Thomas, Healthwatch Redbridge Chair said:

‘We believe that the intervention of Redbridge Health Scrutiny Committee (RHSC) with strong support from the local community, has meant that this worthwhile project will continue to review the ongoing changes to intermediate care in Redbridge, Havering and Barking & Dagenham.’

Cathy Turland, Healthwatch Redbridge Chief Executive said:

‘We continue to have very real concerns about capacity planning and will continue to work with and support the RHSC to scrutinise and review the effectiveness of the service.’

‘We will also continue to work with the CCG to ensure effective and continuous engagement as recommended by the Secretary of State.’

On 30 November 2015, Healthwatch Redbridge carried out an Enter & View visit to Foxglove Ward as part of its ongoing review of Intermediate Care. The report for this visit will be made available shortly.

Healthwatch Redbridge CEO was recently given the opportunity to view the new ward at KGH (Japonica Ward has been refurbished). Whilst the services appeared good, we will want to engage with patients and carers over the coming months to ensure the rehabilitation is effective and meets the needs of individual patients.

 For and on behalf of Healthwatch Redbridge 

Ends….. 

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The response for the Secretary of State can be found on the IRP website using the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/irp-redbridge-initial-assessment

In April 2015, Healthwatch Redbridge carried out two Enter & View visits in response to concerns raised by local people in regards to the in-patient rehabilitation services as part of the planned reconfiguration of Intermediate Care in Redbridge, Havering and Barking & Dagenham.

Healthwatch Redbridge is concerned that there are still issues that need to be addressed appropriately to ensure that patients and carers receive the best possible services. We believe that the services that were provided at Wanstead Hospital may be reviewed and some discontinued unless patients and carers are given the opportunity to be involved in the planning and design of rehabilitation services. 

We have been asked by the RHSC to review the Intermediate Care Service over the next eighteen months with a view to ensuring the service is appropriate and meets the needs of patients and carers. We are happy to continue to engage with the service provider, North East London Foundation Service (NELFT) and the commissioner, Redbridge Clinical Commissioning Group (RCCG), ensuring the patient and carer voice is heard and influences the decisions being taken.