The board of directors of NCIC responded to questions on waiting lists, managing demand in A&E, and finances at their annual members meeting earlier this month.
The Trust’s annual members meeting was held at People First in Carlisle on Tuesday 7th November, with an option to also attend virtually through MS teams.
As well as presenting the Trust’s annual report and accounts for 2022/23, it was an opportunity to look to the future and hear views of governors, members and the wider community on the work of the Trust.
Lyn Simpson, Chief Executive provided an overview of achievements during the year and James Drury provided an overview of the annual accounts.
Chair Steven Morgan then talked about our emerging long term plans for the future. Talking about some of our challenge he said that to create a brighter future we have to be bold and face them head on.
He said, “One of our strengths in North Cumbria is the power of our relationships with our partners. Working together as one team, within and without our organisation, is fundamental to our future. Connecting care will be the central feature of our strategy.
“We will be looking at how the Cumberland Infirmary and the West Cumberland Hospital can be more effective as one hospital on two sites - increasingly looking at how we can make more of the capacity in Whitehaven to take the heat off our Carlisle site - particularly by shifting more of our elective work that way. And we will be looking at ways to make even greater use of our community hospitals to make services more accessible to patients closer to where they live.”
“Recruiting clinicians to north Cumbria is a challenge. We are a long way away from other parts of the NHS where doctors, nurses and other professionals may look to develop their careers. We have to offer something new and different to become an employer of choice. The exciting news is that we have a new medical school being built right here in Carlisle which gives us a unique opportunity to become a respected centre of education and learning for new medics.
“The centre will also be the focal point for our quality improvement initiatives - with the expertise to support all parts of the organisation to drive up standards towards a positive culture outstanding patient care.”
“Nothing will dampen our ambition and determination to deliver the very highest standards of care for the people of north Cumbria. I am proud of the caring compassionate colleagues who day in day out save lives and make people well. I want our organisation to share that pride and join together as one team, excited about our vision of outstanding connected care.”
Some questions had been submitted in advance which were responded to first and then the floor was opened for questions from the floor an online.
Questions included:
- Eric Martlew, Public Governor for Carlisle asked about the size of the waiting list and whether patients are opting for private healthcare instead.
- Mahesh Dhebar queried the regional variation of access to emergency care and the impact of the financial challenges on services, particularly at West Cumberland Hospital.
- Brian Eaton, Public Governor for Allerdale asked what steps the Trust was taking to manage the high demand of patients going through A&E departments.
- The Trust’s finance director James Drury also responded to a series of questions on the financial position including from David Hughes, Public Governor for Copeland who raised queries about the private finance initiative and about our capital investment plan.
For a full list of Questions & Answers, please visit the annual members' meeting webpage where you can also see a recording of the meeting.
On our website you can also view:
- The 2022/23 annual report and accounts
- Governor Council Activities
- Elections to the Governors Council and Non Executive Director Appointments