Agenda item - BSUH: New Working Arrangements with Western Sussex Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

42.1    This report was introduced by the Senior Scrutiny Officer. Dominic Ford, Company Secretary, attended on behalf of Brighton & Sussex University Hospitals Trust (BSUH).

42.2    In response to a question from Cllr Taylor on future trust governance arrangements, Mr Ford told members that the Chair and Chief Executive of Western would also assume these responsibilities at BSUH from 01 April 2017. It seems likely that the rest of the Western executive team will also assume joint responsibilities. The composition of the rest of the BSUH board is not yet clear, particularly in terms of the roles of Non-Executive Directors (NEDs). This arrangement is for three years. The two trusts will remain as separate organisations, although the possibility of a future merger has not been ruled out.

42.3    Cllr Allen commented that it was important to state that, despite the shortcomings identified in the recent CQC report, BSUH does a great deal of tremendous work. It also needs to be recognised that the pressures at the Royal Sussex are not the same as those at Worthing or Chichester – for example the hospital’s 98% occupancy rate. Mr Ford agreed that the new arrangements presented significant risks for both organisations. However, Western does have an excellent track record, particularly in terms of staff engagement.

42.4RESOLVED - That members note the information in this report; and agree that the HOSC Chair should write to BSUH, Western Sussex Hospitals and NHS Improvement (NHSi) to seek assurances that the new working arrangements will ensure that BSUH continues to be focused on the needs of Brighton & Hove residents, both as a provider of district general hospital and specialist services, and to the delivery of the 3Ts programme and that these arrangements are reflected in the governance arrangements established, including the composition of the BSUH Board after 1^st April 2017.