To receive an update on:-

·         The Sustainable and Transformation Partnership and

·         The proposed merger of Bedford and the Luton and Dunstable Hospitals

The Director of Social Care Health and Housing introduced a report that brought together all initiatives and activities connected to the Sustainable and Transformation Partnership (STP) in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes (BLMK) and the Better Care Fund (BCF).

The report set out the five priorities of the STP and the key initiatives in each priority.  The delays in the merger of Bedford and the Luton and Dunstable Hospitals were noted and the Committee would be advised of any developments.

The Director identified key projects within the Central Bedfordshire area to be monitored by the Central Bedfordshire Transformation Board that included:-

·         The development of an Integrated Care System (formerly Accountable Care System) for STP BLMK for which BLMK was a national leader.

·         System reengineering that would deliver joint commissioning of Health and Social Care services.

·         Out of hospital care and research into non-elective admissions.

·         Support in care homes and digitalisation of care records.

·         The development of the Village Care Schemes and social prescribing.

A Member acknowledged the good work being undertaken within Priority 3, Sustainable Secondary Care, but had been disappointed by the news of the delays in the Hospitals merger.  It was proposed that pressure be brought to bear on the Government to expedite the merger.

It was further proposed that work and additional funding provided to Houghton Regis to improve health inequalities to help the community care for themselves and this be communicated to other Town and Parishes Councils.  The Assistant Director for Public Health welcomed the approach taken in Houghton Regis and would investigate how best to inform Town and Parish Councils.

RECOMMENDED the Committee:-

·         Looks forward to learning about the further emerging benefits to Central Bedfordshire through the integrated care system and STP.

·         Expressed its disappointment on the news that the business plan to merge Bedford and Luton and Dunstable Hospitals, which serve many residents of Central Bedfordshire, had been put back.

·         Expects concerned parties to bring the necessary pressure on Central Government to be able to provide a positive update to the Committee.