northlincs.gov.uk

PRESENT:  Councillor Mrs Bromby in the chair. 

Councillors Barker (Vice-Chair), Carlile, Evison, Godfrey, Robinson and Wells.

Statutory Co-opted Members: Mrs A Dunkerley (Parent Governor Representative) and Mr W Egan and Mrs W Witter (Church Representatives).

The panel met at Pittwood House, Scunthorpe.

1.  DECLARATIONS OF PERSONAL OR PERSONAL AND PREJUDICIAL INTERESTS AND DECLARATIONS OF WHIPPING ARRANGEMENTS (IF ANY) – Cllr Wells declared a personal interest in item 7 as he had a relative currently receiving residential care. Mrs W Witter also declared a personal interest in item 7 as the church often provides diocesan support to a range of people. 

No whip was declared. 

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

3.  OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY PROCEDURE RULES – Members were briefed on the changes to the constitution related to the operation of overview and scrutiny that were agreed by the council at its annual meeting on 25 May 2011. 

4.  TERMS OF REFEENCE – The panel received three presentations from senior officers from NHS partner agencies and from within the council on the key services that fall within the panel’s terms of reference.

Firstly, the chairman welcomed Caroline Briggs, Director of Strategy and Joint Commissioning, Helen Varey, chairman of NHS North Lincolnshire, and Louise Ludgrove, Director of Human Resources and Organisational Development, Northern Lincolnshire & Goole Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to the meeting. Caroline, Helen and Louise gave a joint verbal presentation on the local health economy, the likely local impact of planned changes to the NHS, and how some fundamental challenges might be met in the future. Members asked questions throughout. Mike Briggs, Director of Adult Social Care then gave an oversight of his area, again highlighting future challenges and policy developments. Finally, Denise Hyde, Director for Children & Young People, discussed similar issues within her service area, answering members’ questions throughout.

Resolved – (a) That all of the witnesses listed above be thanked for their attendance and input, (b) that some key issues that arose during these discussions, including services for adults receiving local authority care, be considered for inclusion on the panel’s future work programme (minute 7 refers), and (c) that the position be noted.

5.  MEETINGS OF THE SCRUTINY PANEL – The panel received dates of future scheduled meetings from the Director of Corporate and Community Services. The chairman explained that it was envisaged that informal meetings or sub-groups would meet in-between formal dates, reporting back to the full panel.

Resolved – That the report be noted.

6.  DEVELOPMENTS IN HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE – UPDATE FOR MEMBERS – The panel was updated on a number of key developments in the health, social care and children and young people’s field, locally, regionally and nationally. This included an update on the work of the Future Forum ‘listening exercise’ and the ongoing consultation on children’s congenital cardiac services.

Resolved – (a) That the position be noted, and regular updates to the panel be continued, and (b) that a sub-group of the panel be established to consider a response to the cardiac services consultation, reporting back to the panel’s next scheduled meeting.

7.  CONSIDERATION OF WORK PROGRAMME – Members discussed their future work programme and priorities for the 2011/12 municipal year.  Several ideas were put forward, including stroke care, safeguarding, Sex and Relationship Education (SRE) and support for the elderly and those who receive support in their own homes.

Resolved – (a) That, in addition to the sub-group’s work detailed in minute 6, some initial scoping on a possible review into the care that is provided to those in residential homes and in their own homes be completed, and (b) that members agree a full work programme at their next scheduled meeting.

8.  CONSIDERATION OF TRAINING REQUIREMENTS – Members were reminded of an internal training session on overview and scrutiny, due to be held on 24 June 2011. All members, including co-opted members, were welcome to attend.