To receive an update on the implementation of the actions of the Sub-Board and consider any further actions required (as set out in the submitted action tracker).

The Sub-Board noted the submitted action tracker.  The clerk provided the following updates:

Action 1 for Minute 12/08/25: that the Integrated Care Board (ICB) notes the strength of concern from Torbay residents and considers how they can engage further with residents as they develop their case for change

NHS Devon is very cognisant of the concerns raised from Torbay residents regarding the future of cardiology services.  This is clear from communication that has been received from local people over the last few months related to the previous proposal that was withdrawn ahead of the NHS Devon Board in May and the feedback shared from those that attended the Torbay Adult Social Care and Health Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Board meeting on 6 August 2025.

There are currently no proposals regarding cardiology services and the draft case for change, which covers the whole of Devon, will not contain any proposals.  The case for change will describe the current and future needs of the local population, the provision of local services and the key challenges facing the health and care system that need to be addressed.  The case for change will remain in draft form until the engagement programme is complete and findings have been considered, after which point a final version will be published.

Since the Torbay Adult Social Care and Health Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Board meeting, 6 August, the NHS Devon Stakeholder Engagement and Public Affairs Manager has been working with Healthwatch Devon, Plymouth and Torbay to design an engagement programme which will allow patients, members of public, clinicians, elected representatives and other keys stakeholders to provide their views on the draft case for change.  This includes a discussion with the Heart Campaign in Torbay.

Once the draft case for change has been agreed, details of the engagement programme and how people can share their views will be shared and publicised.

Action 2 for Minute 12/08/25: that the ICB be requested to provide the Adult Social Care and Health Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Board with details of who will be involved in engagement with the case for change so that they can be assured that all relevant groups are included and confirm the date that the case for change will be available for publication; and

A Cardiology Review Group (CRG) will be established to lead the engagement programme, as well as monitor the ‘in year’ performance recovery of cardiology services that is required by commissioners.  The programme will report to NHS Devon’s Board and NHS England’s Specialised Commissioning Board.   An overarching 11-month timeline is proposed to ensure there is time to engage stakeholders in a meaningful manner. 

A wide range of stakeholders will be involved in developing, reviewing and refining the draft case for change: 

·         Clinicians working across the whole patient pathway will be engaged, including through a Devon-wide clinical reference group.  Independent and external clinical advice will also be sought 

·         Overview and Scrutiny Committees in Torbay, Devon and Plymouth. Once the draft case for change is published – we will then return to the Overview and Scrutiny Committees in the Autumn to share the draft case for change for review, feedback and comment.

·         Public, patients and stakeholders from across Devon – including those with lived experience, MPs, Healthwatch, the Voluntary Community and Social Enterprise Sector (VCSE) and a stakeholder reference group.

The cardiology draft case for change is currently being developed alongside the One Devon Health and Care Strategy.  The Health and Care Strategy is due to be taken to the NHS Devon Board in October 2025 and the draft case for change will be published shortly after this Board meeting – an exact date has not been agreed.

Action 3 for Minute 12/08/25: that the ICB be requested to engage with the Adult Social Care and Health Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Board as they develop their case for change and any other significant changes to health care affecting Torbay’s residents and that appropriate professional colleagues be invited to the Sub-Board to give evidence.

NHS Devon consider the three Overview and Scrutiny Committees across Devon as key partners to involve as part of the cardiology draft case for change development.  If there were any significant changes to the delivery of healthcare that affected residents, Overview and Scrutiny Committee members will be key stakeholders to be involved in the conversation and NHS Devon would send the appropriate officers to present information/answer questions.  It is proposed that NHS Devon will attend Torbay Adult Social Care and Health Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Board again in the Autumn to present the latest information, answer questions and advise people how they can get involved in the draft case for change development process.