Health Scrutiny Panel – 22 May 2012
Councillors Bainbridge, Davison, Eckhardt and Ogg.The panel met at the Civic Centre, Scunthorpe.
1 DECLARATIONS OF PERSONAL OR PERSONAL AND PREJUDICIAL INTERESTS AND DECLARATIONS OF WHIPPING ARRANGEMENTS (IF ANY) – There were no declarations of personal or personal and prejudicial interests.
No whip was declared.
2 PUBLIC REQUESTS TO SPEAK – There were no requests received.
3 THE FUTURE STRUCTURES OF THE NHS – Members received a short presentation on the future structures of the NHS, both nationally and locally, from the Director of Policy and Resources. The Chairman then led a discussion on the possible implications and possible opportunities to ensure local accountability and transparency.
4 OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY PROCEDURE RULES– Copies of the Overview and Scrutiny Procedure Rules were circulated and a short briefing was provided which set out the changes to the Procedure Rules that were agreed at the council’s Annual General Meeting on 15 May 2012.
5 TERMS OF REFERENCE AND MEMBERSHIP OF THE HEALTH SCRUTINY PANEL – Members received the revised terms of reference for the Health Scrutiny Panel, plus a list setting out the panel’s membership.
6 FUTURE DATES OF THE HEALTH SCRUTINY PANEL – Members received a list of future dates of the Health Scrutiny Panel. It was acknowledged that there was scope for additional meetings, site visits or for dates to be rescheduled.
7 CONSIDERATION OF WORK PROGRAMME AND FUTURE PRIORITIES – The Chairman initiated a discussion amongst the panel on their work programme and priorities for the municipal year. Members agreed to improve their knowledge of the local health economy and to visit a number of key sites across North Lincolnshire. It was also agreed to conduct a short review into progress on a report by the former Healthier Communities and Older People Scrutiny Panel on the Strategic Response to Health Inequalities.
Resolved – (a) That site visits to Great Oaks, Shelford House, the Ironstone Centre and Scunthorpe General Hospital be arranged, (b) that discussions be held with key partners to arrange briefing sessions for members on key policies, workstreams and priorities, and (c) that the Director of Public Health be invited to a future meeting to discuss health inequalities across North Lincolnshire.
8 CONSIDERATION OF TRAINING REQUIREMENTS – Members were asked to consider their training requirements for the forthcoming year to support them in their work, feeding back to the Director, Policy and Resources.
9 DEVELOPMENTS IN HEALTH – Members received a short, verbal update on developing issues relevant to the panel’s terms of reference.