The Health and Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Monday 15 June 2026 to discuss the operational plans and integrated delivery plans of several key healthcare organisations serving Staffordshire. Presentations were given by representatives from the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care Board (ICB), University Hospitals North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM), North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust (NSCHT), and Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (MPFT). The discussions focused on strategic priorities, financial sustainability, operational performance, and the challenges and opportunities in delivering healthcare services over the next five years.

Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care Board (ICB) Operational Plan and Complaints Overview

The ICB presented its five-year strategic plan, which focuses on developing neighbourhood-based models of care with prevention as a core theme. Significant transformation is planned across various health services, including mental health, children and young people's services, and diagnostics. Digital and data-enabled transformation, modernisation of primary care, and system productivity driven by value-based commissioning are also key priorities. The operational plan for 2026/27 outlines a trajectory towards underlying breakeven by 2030/31, with in-year breakeven planned each year.

A summary of formal complaints received between April 2025 and March 2026 was also presented. Of the 834 formal complaints, 146 related to ICB services, with the largest number concerning All Age Continuing Care, primarily due to delays in reviews and dissatisfaction with funding decisions. Other key themes included cancellations of surgical procedures at private hospitals, access to weight management medication, changes in commissioning policy for earwax removal, the Special Allocation Scheme, and access to Flash Glucose Monitors.

Councillor Steven Norman raised concerns about the for noting status of reports, stating that the committee's role is to scrutinise. He requested clarity on how progress reports on the ICB's plans would be provided. Ms. Irvine, from the ICB, assured that specific items would be brought to the work programme for scrutiny, providing data on progress and outcomes. Councillor Matthew Wallens questioned how financial balance would be maintained without affecting care quality, to which Ms. Irvine explained the robust governance and quality impact assessments in place. Councillor Wayne Luca inquired about improvements to mental health services, particularly talking therapies, and the ring-fencing of funding. Ms. Irvine acknowledged concerns about waiting times for initial appointments and committed to investigating further. Councillor Colin Greatorex expressed a desire for more detailed operational plans, beyond high-level principles, to build confidence in their achievability. Ms. Irvine acknowledged this request and offered to provide further documentation, noting that some details are still evolving through partnership work. Councillor Greatorex also raised concerns about the ICB being responsible for service provider complaints, and Ms. Irvine confirmed that provider complaints are investigated and responded to. Councillor David Bassett asked about the ICB's financial position at the end of Quarter 1, to which Ms. Irvine stated they were progressing as expected, with some minor overspends being mitigated. He also inquired about how the ICB plans to listen to patients in the new world, and Ms. Irvine detailed a robust involvement strategy involving workshops and forums. Councillor Bassett also raised concerns about the lack of a coherent diabetes strategy in Staffordshire, which Ms. Irvine acknowledged as a national concern and a priority area for the ICB, promising to liaise with relevant directors for a specific response. Councillor Adam Griffiths questioned whether issues in other areas of the combined ICB, such as Shropshire and Telford, would affect Staffordshire, and Ms. Irvine confirmed that outcomes are measured separately. He also noted the low percentage of running costs attributed to administration. Councillor Ann Edgeller reiterated concerns about mental health waiting lists for children, obesity in children, dentistry costs, and plans for Stafford County Hospital, as well as the compatibility of hospital records. Ms. Irvine addressed these points, promising to take specific questions away for further investigation. Councillor Norman followed up on complaints regarding out-of-area placements and private hospital overbooking, and Ms. Irvine committed to responding in writing.

University Hospitals North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM) Integrated Delivery Plan

Chris Bird, Deputy Director of Strategy at UHNM, presented the Trust's ten-year strategy and five-year integrated delivery plan. The plan aligns with national shifts towards community-based care, digital transformation, and prevention. Key developments include the opening of the Community Diagnostic Centre in Hanley, redevelopment of the Breast Care Unit at County Hospital, and plans for an Urgent Treatment Centre at Royal Stoke. UHNM has secured £12 million in investment for robotic surgery, leading to a 20% uplift in productivity. The Trust faces challenges in returning to a break-even financial position within three years.

Councillor Matthew Wallens inquired about the impact of the Community Diagnostic Centre in Hanley on waiting times, and Mr. Bird stated it was too early to provide definitive numbers but expected a beneficial impact. He also confirmed he had no update on Burntwood Health Centre, as it is commissioned through the ICB. Councillor Ann Edgeller praised the Community Diagnostic Centre and the Urgent Treatment Centre at Stafford, and asked about improving care for frail elderly patients leaving hospital. Mr. Bird acknowledged the challenge of medically fit patients remaining on acute sites and the need for better collaboration. Councillor Colin Greatorex echoed previous comments about the need for more detailed, time-planned information in the five-year plan, similar to a Gantt chart. Mr. Bird explained that internally, a strategic programmes executive committee oversees detailed planning and interdependencies. He also clarified that a virtual ward involves patients managed outside the hospital, often at home, with access to consultant and nurse care. Councillor Steven Norman questioned the confidence in the report given previous statements about Burntwood Health Centre, and Mr. Bird stated he was not best placed to comment on previous roles but assured that current plans have board-level oversight. Mr. David Bassett noted positive ambulance response times and UHNM's major trauma outcomes, and asked about the turnaround time for diagnostic test results. Mr. Bird agreed to include diagnostic imaging times in a subsequent report on the Community Diagnostic Centre. Councillor Wayne Luca raised concerns about cutting bank and agency staff while relying on them, and Mr. Bird explained this is a national requirement and part of a programme to assess staffing needs and skill mix. Councillor Luca also asked about the front door handover times from ambulances and corridor care, and Mr. Bird stated that an item on winter planning would address these issues. Councillor Luca and Councillor Wallens requested further information on outpatient complaints, cancelled operations, and talking therapies. Councillor Edgler reiterated concerns about the growing population in Staffordshire and the impact on hospital services. Councillor Griffith asked about robotic-assisted surgery and the possibility of robots operating independently in the future, and Mr. Bird agreed to provide a detailed response via correspondence. Councillor Luca also asked about backup systems for robotic surgery if the system goes down, and Mr. Bird stated this would be included in the follow-up response.

North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust (NSCHT) 5-Year Integrated Delivery Plan

Laura Smith, Deputy Chief Strategy Officer at NSCHT, presented the Trust's five-year integrated delivery plan. The plan focuses on prevention and early intervention, particularly for children and young people, and expanding neighbourhood mental health services. A new electronic patient record system, ORBIS U, is to be implemented. NSCHT highlighted its strong financial track record and performance, but acknowledged challenges in managing growing demand and complexity, especially in crisis care and for children and young people.

Councillor Matthew Wallens inquired about further measures to reduce out-of-area placements, and Ms. Smith clarified that the statistic mentioned related to mental health rehabilitation placements and that significant progress had been made. She explained the intention is always to keep patients as close to home as possible. Councillor Colin Greatorex again requested detail on sequencing and time-planning for the delivery plan, and Ms. Smith explained that detailed delivery plans exist within each portfolio, with monthly meetings and project groups. She also addressed the workforce plan, stating that while some information is available for the first two years, future details are still evolving, particularly regarding neighbourhood models of care. Councillor Ann Edgeller asked about the location of neighbourhood mental health centres and how waiting times for children's mental health services would be reduced. Ms. Smith stated that one centre is planned for Stoke-on-Trent, likely in Hanley, and that various initiatives are underway to reduce waiting times, including mental health support teams in schools and extended working hours for CAMHS teams. She also mentioned investment in voluntary community sector grants. Councillor Wayne Luca questioned how the shift from hospital to community care would be accelerated without affecting quality, and Ms. Smith assured that current operations remain unchanged and that neighbourhood centres are not intended to replace secondary care. She also outlined safeguards for third-party working. Councillor Steven Norman asked if OAP referred to old age pensioners, which Ms. Smith confirmed. He also raised concerns about the impact of new facilities on residents and potential noise or disturbance. Ms. Smith clarified that only neighbourhood mental health centres are being proposed and that co-production with local residents will be key. Councillor Luca asked how the Trust would encourage people with mental health issues to seek help and what the timeframe would be from referral to the first appointment. Ms. Smith explained the availability of a wellbeing portal and the aim for a four-week referral to assessment timeframe, with faster responses for crisis situations. Councillor Aaron Mansfield questioned the workforce plan regarding establishment versus staffing posts and potential repercussions for care. Ms. Smith stated she would need to refer specific category questions to the people team but assured that vacancy levels are low and staffing levels are constantly monitored. She acknowledged the potential for workforce gaps to conflict with efforts to reduce agency and bank staff. Mr. David Bassett commented on the effectiveness of voluntary sector services and the importance of listening to patients. Ms. Smith agreed and highlighted the focus on person-centred care. Councillor Greatorex raised concerns about the £29 million savings target and the lack of detailed plans for achieving it, and Ms. Smith explained that a robust plan exists and that the Trust is on track. He also inquired about barriers to partnership working and the potential closure of buildings. Ms. Smith confirmed that partnership working is a priority and that estate consolidation is part of the financial savings plan. Councillor Wayne Luca raised concerns about discharge processes from hospitals and the use of out-of-area beds. Ms. Smith detailed the integrated discharge hub and efforts to improve timely discharges, as well as plans to address out-of-area placements. She also outlined staff well-being initiatives. Mr. David Bassett asked about the connection of services to hospitals outside Staffordshire and the equitable offer across the county. Ms. Smith explained the integrated discharge hub and efforts to ensure an equitable offer, acknowledging challenges in the southwest of the county. She also addressed the issue of cross-border access to healthcare.

Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (MPFT) 5-Year Integrated Delivery Plan

Jenny Collier, Managing Director for services across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent at MPFT, and Colin Anderson, Deputy Director of Strategy, presented the Trust's five-year delivery plan. The plan focuses on five core principles: being a system partner, neighbourhood-led transformation, strengthening primary and community care resilience, stronger partnerships, and mental health leadership. MPFT aims to reduce urgent and emergency care demand and deliver the three shifts outlined in the NHS 10-Year Plan. The Trust has a strong financial track record and is on track to deliver its £29 million recurrent efficiency saving.

Councillor Ann Edgeller praised MPFT's work, particularly at St George's Hospital, and inquired about the work with prisons. Ms. Collier confirmed MPFT's involvement in in-reach services to prisons and provided details about the crisis assessment centre at Walton House. Councillor Steven Norman asked about the sickness to prevention shift and whether the neighbourhood offer would be the main tool for improvement, requesting examples of how it would work for a patient. Ms. Collier explained that the neighbourhood offer, alongside working with the voluntary and community sector and multidisciplinary teams, is a key tool for prevention, providing examples of proactive intervention. Councillor Wayne Luca asked about the time period from referral to the first appointment for mental health services, and Ms. Collier stated that while four weeks is the aim for assessments, crisis situations would be handled much faster. Mr. David Bassett commented on the effectiveness of voluntary sector services and the importance of population health management. Ms. Collier agreed and highlighted the use of patient profiles and dashboards. Councillor Colin Greatorex raised concerns about the £29 million savings target and the lack of detailed plans, and Ms. Collier explained that a robust plan is in place and the Trust is on track. He also inquired about barriers to partnership working and the potential closure of buildings. Ms. Collier confirmed that partnership working is a priority and that estate consolidation is part of the financial savings plan. Councillor Wayne Luca raised concerns about discharge processes from hospitals and the use of out-of-area beds. Ms. Collier detailed the integrated discharge hub and efforts to improve timely discharges, as well as plans to address out-of-area placements. She also outlined staff well-being initiatives. Mr. David Bassett asked about the connection of services to hospitals outside Staffordshire and the equitable offer across the county. Ms. Collier explained the integrated discharge hub and efforts to ensure an equitable offer, acknowledging challenges in the southwest of the county. She also addressed the issue of cross-border access to healthcare.

The committee requested further data on out-of-area placements and a briefing on talking therapies and the ICB's complaints process. They also expressed support for Councillor Edgler's comments on hospitals and concerns about the growing population in Staffordshire and the services provided.

The meeting concluded with a comfort break before moving on to the work programme.