Agenda item

33.1     The Committee considered a report on the outcomes of the public consultation on the proposed future location of very specialised cancer services for children in south London and much of the South East, including East Sussex. There were two options consulted on for potential locations of the future Principal Treatment Centre (PTC), which were Evelina London Children’s Hospital in Lambeth, south London, run by Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, and St George’s Hospital in Tooting, South London. A decision on the future location was to be made on 14 March 2024. (Post-meeting note: On 14 March 2024, leaders for NHS England (London and South East regions) decided that Evelina London Children’s Hospital should be the future Children’s Cancer Principal Treatment Centre).

33.2     The Committee asked whether patients and families that did not qualify for non-emergency patient transport would get support in travelling from East Sussex to London.

33.3     Catherine Croucher, Public Health Consultant NHSE London, explained the national guidelines allowed there to be discretion, so provider Trusts could offer transport for patients and families who didn’t meet the eligibility criteria. Both providers that had been consulted on as potential future options had committed to conduct an assessment of the transport needs of the patient group, noting the heightened needs that the particular patient cohort would have such as immunosuppression.

33.4     The Committee noted that it could be difficult and costly for residents travelling from East Sussex to travel to London, and asked how families would be supported with this.

33.5     Catherine Croucher noted that both the locations were within the London Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), while Evelina London was also in the Congestion Charge zone. Families traveling to and from London would be able to register with the hospital trust, which would mean that while ULEZ and Congestion Charge payments would be taken in the usual way, they could be reimbursed on the same day. Families would be required to register with the system and may need support with this, which would be provided by the chosen provider to help families navigate the reimbursement system.

33.6     The Committee asked whether parking and overnight accommodation would be provided at the chosen location.

33.7     Catherine Croucher responded that it was the standard model for parents to be able to stay overnight with their children when they were on the ward. Both providers had accommodation on or near their sites for wider family networks. As part of the implementation phase, consideration would be given to the likely capacity need to help ensure that accommodation facilities were fit for purpose. Both options had also committed to providing free and dedicated parking.

33.8     The Committee asked what mechanisms would be in place to ensure the operation of the service should insufficient staff agree to transfer to a new location.

33.9     Ailsa Willens, Programme Director Children’s Cancer Principal Treatment Centre Reconfiguration Programme, noted that there were 170 staff at the Royal Marsden that would be eligible for TUPE (Transfer of Undertakings Protection of Employment rights) protection if Evelina London was selected for the new PTC. Staff had been engaged as part of the consultation and they had raised concerns such as increased travel costs. While a move from the Royal Marsden to Evelina London would result in increased salary weightings for staff if the service were to move, it was possible not all staff would choose to move with the service. Both providers had plans to address this potential challenge, including upskilling the current workforce and continued recruitment work. There would be detailed work once a decision had been made to ensure there was sufficient staffing and that staff needs could be met.

33.10   The Committee asked what continued consultation and engagement there would be to shape the service once a decision on the future location had been made.

33.11   Ailsa Willens confirmed that the NHS, including potential future providers were keen to continue engagement throughout the transition and implementation period, and that families and staff were keen to help shape the service. Both providers had committed to work in partnership with the current service and staff to help co-design the new service and build on what already existed. There would also be patient and family representation at governance level and throughout the transition and implementation period.

33.12   The Committee asked what recommendations had been made by other HOSCs that had declared the changes a substantial variation.

33.13   Ailsa Willens noted that two Joint HOSCs had considered the changes a substantial variation, which had provided valuable feedback that was being considered as part of the decision, and would also inform the implementation of the new service. Travel and access was an area of particular interest other HOSCs had provided feedback on. Sabahat Hassan, Head of Partnerships and Engagement South East Commissioning, added that other HOSCs had fed back positively on the way they had been engaged with throughout the process.

33.14   The Committee RESOLVED to:

1)    note the report;

2)    receive written confirmation on which provider was chosen; and

3)    receive an update six months after implementation to hear a progress update.