Aryshire & Arran independent scrutiny panel
In 2007 the Scottish Government set up an independent Panel to scrutinise proposals for changes to Accident and Emergency services at Ayr Hospital in Ayrshire.
The Panel simultaneously considered similar proposals for changes to A&E services in NHS Lanarkshire.
The task of the Panel was to scrutinise revised service proposals for A&E services in Ayrshire. The aim of the scrutiny was to provide assurance that the proposals:
- were safe, sustainable, evidence-based and represented value for money
- were robust, patient-centred and consistent with clinical best practice and national policy
- took account of local circumstances and the views of affected individuals and communities
- had considered all viable service options
In order to carry out its task the Panel had to:
- take account of local circumstances and the views of individuals and communities affected by effectively engaging with local people, in liaison with the Scottish Health Council
- provide a clear, comprehensive and accessible commentary on both sets of proposals in a form also suitable for publication
- complete this work by the beginning of 2008
Panel membership
The Panel was Chaired by Dr Andrew Walker, a Senior Lecturer in Health Economics at the Robertson Centre for Biostatistics, Glasgow University. Previously, he was Head of Health Economics at Greater Glasgow health board.
There were 3 other Panel members:
- Dr Ian Anderson, a Consultant in A&E Medicine at Victoria Infirmary in Glasgow
- Martyn Evans, Director of the Scottish Consumer Council
- Angela Scott, Head of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy in Scotland
Panel process
The Panel started its work in September 2007 and met regularly to scrutinise the health board's proposals and other related information. Where necessary, the Panel sought additional expert advice to assist it in its work.
Panel members visited Ayr Hospital to gain an understanding of how it currently operated, and what the practical impact of the proposed options might be.
The Panel also considered whether the NHS Ayrshire & Arran had taken proper account of the views that were expressed by local people and communities when it was developing its proposals. Members of the public were invited to attend one of 2 public meetings held in Kilmarnock and Ayr during November 2007. They could also submit their views in writing for the Panel's consideration.
An interim report was produced in November 2007. NHS Ayrshire & Arran was given the opportunity to provide further information to address the points raised in the interim report.
The final report was published in January 2008.