Coronavirus (COVID-19): NHS Louisa Jordan Governance Board minutes: 17 April 2020

Attendees and apologies

Attendees

Board Members

• Fiona McQueen, Chief Nursing Officer, Scottish Government
• Jill Young, Chief Executive, NHS Louisa Jordan
• John Connaghan, Chief Performance Officer, Scottish Government
• Alan Morrison, Deputy Director Health Infrastructure, Scottish Government
• David Miller, Chief People Officer, Scottish Government
• Michael Kellet, Scottish Government
• Colin Sinclair, Chief Executive NSS

In Attendance

• John Harden, Scottish Government
• Ian Wallace, Medical Director, NHS Louisa Jordan
• Gordon James, Construction and Mobilisation, NHS Louisa Jordan
• Christine McLaughlin, Finance Director, NHS Louisa Jordan
• Colin McDowall, Director of Clinical Operations, NHS Louisa Jordan
• Jacqui Jones, Human Resources Director, NHS Louisa Jordan
• Margaret Sherwood, Director of Support Services, NHS Louisa Jordan
• Greg Thomson, Programme Director, NHS Louisa Jordan
• David McArthur, Chief Nurse Operations, NHS Louisa Jordan
• Sandie Scott, Communications Director, NHS Louisa Jordan
• Matt McLaughlin, Unison
• Joyce Davison, BMA
• Eileen McKenna, RCN
• John Paterson, Lawyer, Scottish Government
• Clare Montgomery, Lawyer, Scottish Government
• James Boyce, Scottish Government
• Calum Henderson, Scottish Government (Secretariat)

Apologies

• Jason Leitch, National Clinical Director, Scottish Government
• Caroline Lamb, Director of Digital and Service Engagement

Items and actions

Introduction

The Chair welcomed everyone the third meeting of the NHS Louisa Jordan Governance Board. The attendees are noted above.

Minute

The minutes of the meeting held on 9 April 2020 were accepted.

Governance

The RCN to be added as an attendee of the Governance Board. The Terms of Reference are now signed off.

The Governance Board was content to approve the Internal Governance Paper. The paper will be continuously reviewed and will take into account the views of Staff side representation and that of Scottish Government Legal Directorate colleagues as soon as possible.

NHS Louisa Jordan Triggers for Occupation

John Connaghan to circulate a paper clarifying the external triggers to be used by Scottish Government and NHS Scotland in relation to the usage of the NHS Louisa Jordan. John Connaghan to review internal triggers and feedback directly to Jill Young. The Governance Board noted the paper.

Programme Update

The Governance Board noted the Programme update.

Christine McLaughlin spoke to the proposed financial governance for the NHS Louisa Jordan. The forecast set up and equipping figure will be £42.5 million however a contingency remains in place. The additional costings around maintenance  and operational costs to be presented at next meeting. Decommissioning costs to be developed. The Governance Board approved the finance paper.

The Board noted the risk register. A Health and Safety framework is in place for staff and will replicate measures across the wider NHS Scotland estate. The wellbeing package shared by NHS Nightingale to be considered and adopted to suit the NHS Louisa Jordan. There has been a positive response to Interim Chief Medical Officer’s letter regarding doctor recruitment. There  is now the training complete by staff to support the initial 40 beds.

Organisational Readiness

The Governance Board noted the significant progress made.

The Clinical Model adopts a  safety first approach with a focus on patients with lower acuity.    However, with the scope to cope with greater complexity if that is required.  The Governance Board approved the Clinical Model.

In terms of the staffing model, NHS Louisa Jordan employees will remain employed by thier home boards and national policies, terms and conditions will continue to apply. Jacqui Jones and Joyce Davison to discuss the role the BMA can play within the partnership forum structures. John Paterson to pick up detailed questions with Jacqui Jones. The Governance Board noted the Staffing Model.

Gordon James spoke to the Design, Construction and Compliance Statement  and the assurance measures relating to the design, construction and compliance of NHS Louisa Jordan. The Building Research Establishment have been commissioned to undertaken an independent review of the construction compliance and will feed back in two weeks. The Governance Board approved this paper. Colin Sinclair noted this presents opportunities for learning for the Centre of Excellence.

The NHS Louisa Jordan will have Infection Prevention and Control measures throughout the facility. The Governance Board noted the paper.

The Governance Board noted the current equipping status. The Governance also noted the significant contribution made by NSS to support the NHS Louisa Jordan.

Key Decisions 

Jill Young highlighted that the facility will be ready for handover on Sunday 19 April. This means the facility will be ready to be operational on Monday 20 April.

Communications Strategy

The News Release for the end of construction is currently with the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport for sign off. The Communications plan thereafter is currently being drafted.

AOB

The Scottish Government to consider publication of minutes. There would consideration as to whether a position statement could be provided after each meeting.

Alan Morrison highlighted the wider opportunity for learning with regards to construction of NHS projects.

The next meeting will be Friday 24 April 2020.

Actions Points

1. RCN to be added as an attendee of the Governance Board
2. John Connaghan to circulate a paper clarifying the external triggers to be used by Scottish Government and NHS Scotland in relation to the usage of the NHS Louisa Jordan. John Connaghan to review internal triggers and feedback directly to Jill Young.
3. Jacqui Jones and Joyce Davison to discuss the role the BMA can play within the partnership forum structures.
4. John Paterson to pick up any detailed questions re staff governance and employment with Jacqui Jones.
5. The Scottish Government to consider publication of minutes.