The board of the South Reading CCG met in public for the first time at the Museum of English Rural Life on Wednesday, 19th June, 2013.

Highlights of the meeting were a review of the year's aims for the CCG, the quality scorecard up to 2 months back, the risk analysis, budget reports and plans. Quality strategy and policies on risk assessment and safeguarding were adopted.

Dr Elizabeth Johnston, reviewing the year's aims, noted that South Reading CCG area was the area in Berkshire West with the most children. Takeup of immunisations and maintenance of breast feeding in the first six weeks were aims, as well as improved takeup of cancer screenings, more cardiovascular disease checks and better coverage of care for diabetics.

The quality scorecard revealed one case of MRSA at the RBH (target none) and a rise of almost 50% in unplanned admissions to RBH from quarter 1 to quarter 4, no doubt partly driven by our long cold Spring this year. Also some falling short of target on time to first suspected cancer treatment and time to get onto Stroke ward. Ceasarean section rates in maternity exceeded target percentage.

The risk register highlighted a number of points: issues at a local nursing home, pressure on A&E at RBH, and the consequences of poor or late data caused by the long settling-in of the RBH's new patient record system.

It was reported that 4 new business cases had been approved.

1. Funding for a new Community Diabetologist.
2. One-off funding for a map of medicine for diabetes.
3. Funding for enhanced diabetes primary care for staff training and more patients adopting self-management.
4. Enhanced funding for the service navigation team at RBH funded out of the penalties imposed on RBH for more unplanned treatments than in 2008-9.

The register of board members' interests and the problem of conflict of interest in commissioning additional services from GPs were discussed.

The meeting closed with questions from members of the public present, answered by various board members.

Next board meeting will be on 18th September 2013.

The full text of the reports can be found at this page.