Health Scrutiny Panel – 3 July 2012
PRESENT:- Councillor Bromby in the chair.
Councillors Barker (Vice-Chair), Bainbridge, Eckhardt and Ogg.
Councillor Whiteley attended the meeting in accordance with the provisions of Procedure Rule 1.36 (b).
The panel met at the Civic Centre, Scunthorpe.
17 DECLARATIONS OF DISCLOSABLE PECUNIARY INTERESTS AND PERSONAL OR PERSONAL AND PREJUDICIAL INTERESTS AND DECLARATIONS OF WHIPPING ARRANGEMENTS (IF ANY) – Cllrs Barker, Bromby, Eckhardt and Ogg all declared personal interests as they had relatives employed by the NHS.
No whip was declared.
18 PUBLIC REQUESTS TO SPEAK– There were no requests received.
19 THE STRATEGIC RESPONSE TO HEALTH INEQUALITIES IN NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE – Members discussed the report by the former Healthier Communities and Older People Scrutiny Panel with Frances Cunning, the Director of Public Health. Frances updated the panel on progress to address health inequalities, including a scheme to deliver care via integrated teams in five geographic locations. Members asked a number of questions, including on subjects such as health trainers, steps to increase the rate of breast feeding, the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment and funding. Members then considered the panel’s next steps.
Resolved – (a) That the report be updated to take into account recent local work and the changed legislative requirements, and (b) that this be submitted to a future meeting of the panel for further discussion and, if agreed, resubmission to cabinet.
20 EAST MIDLANDS AMBULANCE SERVICE NHS TRUST -Members discussed a draft response to the Trust’s recent application to become a Foundation Trust. The draft included members’ views on subjects such as Governor membership, constituency size, and local representation.
Resolved – That the response be agreed and returned to East Midlands Ambulance Service.
21 FEEDBACK FROM A MEETING WITH THE SHADOW CLINICAL COMMISSIONING GROUP’S ‘ENGINE ROOM’ – The Chairman updated members on recent discussions with GPs sitting on the Shadow Clinical Commissioning Group. Given the requirement for a close working relationship between the scrutiny panel and the Clinical Commissioning Group in future years, the Chairman stated that this had been a very useful meeting.
Resolved – That the Health Scrutiny Panel work with the Shadow Clinical Commissioning Group to agree a response to the forthcoming consultation on future scrutiny regulations, to agree a protocol for future work arrangements, and to share priorities in order to prevent duplication.
22 SITE VISITS AND FUTURE DIARY DATES – The Director Policy and Resources updated members on arrangements for future site visits to Shelford House, Scunthorpe General Hospital and the Ironstone Centre. Attention was also drawn to a forthcoming event at the Baths Hall to discuss the Troubled Families Initiative.
Resolved – That the arrangements and the future event be noted.
23 CONSIDERATION OF WORK PROGRAMME AND FUTURE PRIORITIES – Members considered their future priorities and work that they wished to undertake in the short term.
Resolved – That relevant officers and partners update the scrutiny panel on work to establish integrated health and social care teams in the five localities across North Lincolnshire.
24 DEVELOPMENTS IN HEALTH – Members received a short, verbal update on developing issues relevant to the panel’s terms of reference.
25 ADDED ITEM – There was no added item for consideration at the meeting.