1. Apologies
2. Minutes of last meeting
3. Matters arising
4. Issues/challenges faced in health access in Hampshire relating to disability/long term conditions – Hampshire PCT
5. HBCDAG Action Plan – Group Update
– Officer Update
6. Presentation from Paul Menadue from Nightingale Associates on the Plans for the Oak Park Community Hospital
7. Date of next meeting
If you have any special requirements please contact Caren Ransom 02392 446007 caren.ransom@havant.gov.uk
If you require this in large print or alternative format please contact Caren Ransom on
023 9244 6007 or caren.ransom@havant.gov.uk
Fred Dunford
HBC Access Group
Helen Le May
Councillor Ponsonby
HBC
Councillor Terry Hart
Richard Sturgess
Gosport, Fareham Access Officer
Frank Stanley
Val Stanley
Anthony Le May
Marian Le May
Marc Le May
Judith Glenister
Masie Tucker
Val Hartridge
Caren Ransom
HBC Equalities and Access Officer
Tracey Ford
Alicia Samuel
Nick Birtley
Hampshire PCT
Paul Menadue
Nightingale Associates
As highlighted the spelling error “Any” to be changed to Andy
Item 6 (Announcements)
As per changes, minutes agreed as a correct record.
Change to the original Agenda for today’s meeting: An architect from Nightingale Associates ,responsible for the plan and design of the community Oak Park Hospital will be attending this meeting at 15.30 with a presentation for the group. TF confirmed that this was as promised to the group previously, but it does mean that they will not be seeing any further applications (there would not be enough time for the group to view it before the application is formally submitted and reviewed).
Nick Birtley from the Hampshire Primary Care Trust (PCT) gave details on his newly appointed role as an Equality & Diversity Manager.
Nick Birtley (NB) explained that the Trust had recently developed a race, disability and a gender equality scheme and will be producing a single equality scheme next year. The Hampshire Primary Care Trust (PCT) is keen to give disabled people a say in their work. NB continued that the group’s views will be very useful.
NB invited the group to express any concerns and/or views.
MT explained how she found the transport service unreliable and inconsistent. MT also commented that it appeared that the hospital transport department seemed unorganised with a lot of instances with miscommunication. This was discussed amongst the group who were of the same opinion.
MT and M Le M said they have had issues with their appointments. The scheduling of next appointments are no longer done at reception on the day but are apparently sent out in the post. MT’s 3 monthly appointments turned into 6 months and Marc’s 6 monthly turned into a year. M Le M also commented on the 0870 numbers (for booking appointments), high prices and the systems lack of efficiency.
RS brought up issues with accessible bays. Queen Alexandra Hospital (QA) has leased their bays, however clinics have not and cars with no blue badges are often parked in disabled car parking bays. RS observed that there seems to be no monitoring or enforcement.
VS also commented that at QA to get a free bay, she has had to park and then go in and get a token.
M Le M added that it he noticed that a lot of the bays have been taken over by the builders.
VH informed the group that she had attended a meeting where the parking situation at QA was discussed. She was told that once the building work is completed, there will be over 100 accessible bays.
JD explained that she has appointments at the Bosmere Medical Centre and finds getting there a problem. She cannot travel till 09.30 as the free bus does not travel till then. TF suggested that she request later appointments. NB and TF agreed that education was needed in this area for the service users and the providers. TF also noted that there is no public bus service for that centre but proposed that JG could use the patients shared taxi service from Havant bus station which is available to those registered at Bosmere Medical Centre (and it is also available as a car share scheme in Hayling Island).
(For more information on any of the Taxi share and Car shares in Hampshire please call the Hampshire County Council’s Community Transport Team on 01962 846785.)
NB was grateful for the comments and will look into the problems discussed. He recommended that the group should email, or write down any issues and give to CR who can forward them onto him. CR invited NB to a (fortnightly) drop in session 10 am -12pm so he can update the group on actions taken.
There is a link on the Havant Borough Council Access Group Web page for the monthly updated Action Plan, http://www.havant.gov.uk/havant-3557.
VH updated the group on the Christmas lunch she has been organising. The meal has now been reduced to £6.95. VH also informed the group that a refund was received for the cancelled Portsmouth Show, (but not from the organisers). It was also noted that the HBCDA Group had a stand Weacock Carnival Oct 08. This will be reflected in the next action plan update. M Le M produced a HBCDAG promotional board (that was praised) for the carnival and suggested that it could be used for future events.
VH informed the group that Stuart Pinkney (Emergency Safety Officer at HBC) had expressed an interest in getting the group involved in an audit of Cowplain Activity Centre. He also informed VH that he is currently putting together a risk assessment pack for groups that organise and take part in events. This pack will include information and instructions that must be carried out. Examples include: informing emergency services of the event, or ensuring rubbish is disposed of correctly etc.
VH also reported that licences for music in open spaces is being paid for by the council (e.g. if you hired a field and had a sound system for an event you will no longer need your own licence for the music). CR queried if the Council was therefore liable. RS clarified that there would be a requirement that the event organisers have public liability insurance for the licence to be valid.
The group queried if things could move forward with access auditing shops and businesses (to increase funds).
CR explained that she does not have the capacity to fulfil the officer side of the shopability scheme. (Members of the group visiting businesses and giving informal advice for a fee). CR expressed concerns with charging for advice and liability. Something could go wrong, so she will be consulting the Council’s solicitor regarding it. RS stated that he had been advised that if you give advice as a “user access auditor” rather than an official auditor, the group could charge and get reimbursed for legitimate travel claims. RS also mentioned other restrictions that may arise – CR to seek advice from legal.
The proposal to close the cash desk was discussed amongst the group. Strong opinions against the closure were expressed, with Councillor Hart in agreement.
CR updated the group on various actions in the action plan (version 1.8). CR informed the group that the new car stickers were on track for completion (December 2008). M Le M and CR have been working on this and have already established the HBCDAG logo. Discussions had taken place as to what details to include, (a telephone number, names and roles, a website etc.). It has been decided that a website should be put on it and M Le M is currently creating a specific website that will be linked to Havant Borough Council’s.
CR commented that no work had been done to develop an accessible guide of the Borough (visitibility) – to be completed for March 2010. CR suggested that work should commence in January 2009 and that the group could use HBC’s tourist guide, (by auditing the hotels etc. that are in it).
It was confirmed that the group will still be aiming to play a kurling game 3 – 4 times a year. VH explained that November’s game has not taken place due to time constraints (close to Christmas).
Access audits were discussed. CR confirmed that an audit of Cowplain activity Centre has been organised for March 2009. Marc suggested the Waterlooville Leisure Centre (Horizon Trust) for the final audit for the financial year.
CR to investigate whether the audit on Staunton School was this or last financial year, (it is not included in the current action plan). If it was this financial year, only one more audit would need to be completed, (excluding the Cowplain Activity Centre audit organised).
CR asked the Chair and group for an update on the partnership work with HCODP. VH explained that their contact had left the organisation and have had no communication since they were told by Amanda that she was leaving. It was agreed that the group will try and contact HCODP after the Christmas season.
CR discussed the issue of HBC Radar Key charges and distribution at HBC. At the moment the charge is £4.20 this will be brought down and be made cost neutral for the next 3 years. CR emailed Radar, querying how they felt about councils selling Radar keys without asking for proof of purchase, to this date they have yet to respond. CR carried out some benchmarking research (looked into how and if other Councils requested proof of disability), it was found that no other councils that were investigated seemed to be doing so.
CR went on to report that she had also had discussions with customer services here at HBC. They were not keen to have a policy in place that asked for proof; it was found that a large % of keys sold are sent out by phone ordering. It is therefore felt that we would be creating barriers if proof was asked for. Councillor Hart agreed and mentioned that you may not be registered as disabled but could still have lost some ability or could be infirmed (elderly). M Le M also added that some key holders may be carers. M Le M suggested that maybe customer services could ask for a reason. CR agreed that this could be a good approach but queried on how long the list could be and if customer services would refuse a reason.
Cllr Hart commented on the action point the Safeguarding Adults User Forum by confirming that this is now a part of the adult services team.
CR confirmed that a draft letter had been produced protesting against the Shared Spaces Concept without consultations with the Access Group officers and members.
CR also mentioned that the HBC communications team will be updating ‘Serving You’ and will be attending the HBCDAG drop in session on the 8th December to get the groups views and comments.
CR clarified that the Disability awareness section in the action plan is a behind the scenes look, mainly at staff training. The Visual Impairment training taking place this month will be added to the section.
PM introduced himself to the group and proceeded with a slideshow presentation he had prepared.
PM discussed various issues that had to be considered including the Trees that have TPO’S (Tree Preservation Orders). PM explained that these trees and others will provide barriers from sound and for privacy and also to enhance the area aesthetically.
Noise from the busy roads had to be taken into account as to the layout of the building. Consequently the wards (with single ensuite rooms) are to the south of the site.
He went on to explain that the entrance’s position and visibility was carefully thought out, considering how the hospital will be accessed, (by foot, car, bus etc.)
PM showed slides of the design for the main entrance. The glass sliding door was an original idea; however it was considered that it is not strongly identifiable as an entrance. The solution was to include a canopy and also a walled area for mobility scooters.
The entrance leads to lobby which includes a central waiting area. PM informed the group that this was done to reduce the distances users had to walk and decrease the chance of users being isolated in small, low ceiling waiting rooms.
He went on to explain the changes that were implemented because of the feedback given by the group (last time he met with them). Initially the car park was going to be a shared surface (with pavements and roads). The group criticised this, as it would be difficult for partially sighted and blind people to navigate safely. This idea has since been moved away from.
Originally the disabled parking had a road between it and the path/entrance. Since comments from the group it has changed and been moved to pavement area which has direct access to entrance and all is the same level.
PM commented that the drop off point has changed as well. It will be level access and only 10 meters away from the entrance.
Paul encouraged comments and questions from the group. The group asked the following:
● Will there be communal rest areas near the wards so that patients are
not isolated?
PM - Yes: there will be day spaces and separate television lounges.
● Will there be signs from the car park area to the reception?
PM – There will be limited signs as the entrance should be clear
● Will there be contrasting colours and materials used for horizontal and
vertical surfaces? (e.g. the skirting boards)
PM – Different materials such as different tiles will be used
● Will there be a (loud) tannoy?
PM – There is no intention at this stage as the plan is for someone to call
the patients name. If it is required Nightingale Associates will work with
the Hampshire Primary Care Trust to develop a system, (such as an LED
sign showing peoples names).
● Similar to St Mary’s Hospital, will there be colour codes for each ward
(that you can follow using a coloured path on the floor)?
PM – They have been trying to get away from that idea for way finding.
The community hospital is not at the same scale as St Mary’s and also
when the floor tiles get worn and replaced the colours often don’t match
etc. Hoping for clear signs and graphics at the hospital
● Will the mobility scooter area have wheelchair space and access?
PM – Management at PCT will be dealing with this but imagines that the
user of the scooter would have to go into reception first to ask.
CR suggested an intercom and PM agreed that this could be a
possibility.
● Is there scope for future expansion? Possibly another floor?
PM – Another floor would not be possible as it would be expensive, as
the foundations would have to be laid before hand to allow for another
level. The plan for the hospital deals with any future capacity, (that the
Hampshire PCT can tell) for the next 15 years.
● Is that what the extra land to the south of the development is for (future
capacity)?
PM – No plans have been made for this, the PCT want to remain flexible.
● Will there be hand rails?
PM - Yes
● How wide will the pavements be?
PM – They will be over 2 metres (wide enough for wheelchairs)
● Will the drop off point be wide enough for two cars to pass?
PM – Yes, it will be wide enough for community buses, service vehicles
etc to go around other vehicles.
● Will the new regulations for the width of steps affect the plans for the
hospital?
PM – No they will not. However the current regulation requires the steps
to be 250 millimetres and they have designed the hospital’s as 300.
● How many beds will the wards be?
PM – In total 49 beds
● Will there be a children’s ward?
PM – No
● Will there be operations?
PM – No, no general anaesthetics will be used
● When is the planned opening?
PM – December 2010
Councillor Hart used this opportunity to thank PM for including the group (again) in the plans for the Oak Park Hospital.
12 February 2009 – 2pm
21 May 2009 – 2pm