15th February 2013

11 committee members present

• 2013 AGM: Arrangements for this were confirmed, and nomination papers circulated.  
• Website: We have continued concerns about the website and how out of date it is, and will make renewed efforts to get it updated.
• RCHT and Foundation Governor Elections: We are delighted that Graham Webster and Chris Goninan have been elected as the two west Cornwall Governors.
• West Cornwall Hospital: Funding for a birthing room not forthcoming, but RCHT are still working on this as a possibility.
• Major issues with Ramsay Health Care gaining much NHS work (due to 'patient choice') notably at Duchy Hospital, which now threatens the future of St Michaels Hospital.  The public does not understand what is happening, and we need to speak out about it.
• Far too many beds in RCHT are occupied by patients who should be in community hospitals or being cared for in the community.  This impacts on WCH as well as Treliske.
• Shortcomings with 'Choose and Book', where patients are offered the first appointment, which is invariably at Treliske.  Need to consider location as well. We will take this up with the service.
• Urgent Care Centre at WCH is working well, taking 25% of emergencies compared to 75% at Treliske.  We are told that Treliske could not cope without WCH.
• Poltair and PCH: Kevin Baber was due to be our guest at this meeting, but cancelled at the last minute.  We are very concerned at the continued loss of beds at Poltair, and will support HIC in their request to consider this at the next HAOSC meeting in early March.