Health Scrutiny Panel – 25 September 2012

PRESENT:  Councillor Mrs Bromby in the chair.

Councillors Barker (Vice-Chair), Bainbridge, Eckhardt and Ogg.

Councillors Kataria and Whiteley attended the meeting in accordance with the provisions of Procedure Rule 1.36 (b).

The panel met at the Civic Centre, Scunthorpe.

40  DECLARATIONS OF DISCLOSABLE PECUNIARY INTERESTS AND PERSONAL OR PERSONAL AND PREJUDICIAL INTERESTS AND DECLARATIONS OF WHIPPING ARRANGEMENTS (IF ANY) – There were no declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests and personal or personal and prejudicial interests –

No whip was declared.

41  PUBLIC REQUESTS TO SPEAK – There were no requests received.

42  (1)  THE STRATEGIC RESPONSE TO HEALTH INEQUALITIES – The panel received a draft report updating a previous piece of work by the same name, completed by the former Healthier Communities and Older People Scrutiny Panel in March 2011.  Members discussed the draft and were informed that an informal meeting with the public health facilitators was scheduled for the following week to discuss how inequalities were being addressed in local communities.

Resolved – That the draft be considered further following the meeting with the public health facilitators.

43  (2)  A REVIEW OF NORTHERN LINCOLNSHIRE & GOOLE HOSPITALS NHSFT MORTALITY OUTCOME PERFORMANCE – The Director of Policy and Resources introduced a recently published report by Transforming Health Ltd. And associated action plan which reviewed Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHSFT’s higher than average Summary Hospital-level Mortality Index (SHMI) and associated issues.  The report highlighted a number of areas of good practice but also some issues of concern, before making a series of 40 recommendations to local NHS organisations.

Resolved – That the panel invite senior representatives from local NHS organisations to a future public meeting of the panel to discuss the issue in further detail before taking any necessary action as deemed by members.

44  SITE VISIT TO GREAT OAKS – The Chairman reported back to the panel about a site visit to Great Oaks on 20 September.  She reported that a useful tour and discussion with senior figures from the Trust was held.

Resolved – That representatives from Rotherham, Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation trust be invited to attend a meeting of the panel later in the municipal year to discuss relevant issues.

45  CONTINENCE SERVICES – The panel was advised that representatives from the service provider and commissioner would be in attendance at their next scheduled meeting to discuss the service in more detail.

46  SCRUTINY DEVELOPMENT AREA – The Director of Policy and Resources updated the panel on work underway as part of the panel’s successful bid to become a Scrutiny Development Area.  A draft protocol between the panel and the shadow Clinical Commissioning Group was currently out for consultation.

Resolved – That the situation be noted.

47  DEVELOPMENTS IN HEALTH – Members received a short, verbal update on developing issues relevant to the panel’s terms of reference.  These included the ongoing situation regarding the review of children’s congenital heart surgery.

48  ADDED ITEM – There was no added item for consideration at the meeting.