Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 4 October 2011

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 4 October 2011 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

No declarations of interest were made.

There were no call-in items to consider.

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) summarising the discussions of the Health Scrutiny Committee at its extraordinary meeting held on 29 November 2011 at which was discussed the future role of health scrutiny in light of on-going reform of the NHS, and inviting the Co-ordination Committee to consider the implications of this reform on the health scrutiny functions of the Council.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         Both members and stakeholders recognised the value the Committee had made and could continue to make as an independent critical friend, particularly during a time of significant change in the NHS.

·         The Committee continued to engage in constructive dialogue with health service partners and other stakeholders and supported service and policy development.

·         Concern was expressed that the positive model of health scrutiny in Stockport was dependent on the good will and approach of individuals involved, rather than for procedural reasons. There was little reference to overview and scrutiny in the Health & Social Bill but members recognised the need to maintain the momentum and culture of dialogue already established in Stockport.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report and comments of the Health Scrutiny Committee in respect of its role in light of NHS reform be noted.

(2) That the Democratic Services Manager, in conjunction with the Service Directors (Strategy & Performance) and (Adult Social Care), be requested to prepare a statement on behalf of the Committee on the importance of the model of Health Scrutiny in Stockport, to be agreed by the Chair and the Chair of the Health Scrutiny Committee, for consideration by the Executive Councillor (Adults & Health).