NHS Harrow, 14 April 2009

NHS Harrow is the new working name of Harrow PCT. Apparently several PCTs have adopted this style, as it is clearer to the public what the function of the organisation actually is.

This report covers main items of the recent Board meeting, held on 14 April

1. Performance All seems quite satisfactory. The (98% in less than) 4 hour A&E target (at Northwick Park, of course) has been achieved for the whole year, in fact NPH is the only London hospital that has gone from ‘red’ to ‘green’ within a single year. Regarding immunization there are variations in the GP records and the PCT’s own counting.

2. Finance and Budgets The overall closing balance will be very near the target of a surplus of £1.7 M, there may be some changes because the Pharmacy contract has been changed nationally. No major changes are expected for the coming year.

3. Sustainable Health Care This was presented by the Director of Public Health. It is concerned with saving carbon in the borough, everyone agrees it’s a good thing to do but no one knows what the costs will be. One suggestion that met with general approval was the suggestion that people should write shorter reports.

4. Primary Medical Services in East Harrow This was about the provision of new services, to replace a Health Centre that was closed about 2 years ago and some GP practices that have closed. Three alternative proposals were presented, each involving the Community Health Centre in Belmont, supported by a 2 GP led Health Centres. A local consultation is to be held shortly.

Paul