Statutory health scrutiny responsibilities
The Authority has a statutory responsibility to review and scrutinise matters relating to the planning, provision and operation of health services as provided for by the Health and Social Care Act 2012. In doing this, local authorities have a responsibility to not only look at themselves, but also at all health service providers and any other factors that affect people’s health.
In fulfilling this responsibility, the Audit and Governance Committee will review and scrutinise and make reports with recommendations to Full Council (and / or Finance and Corporate Affairs Committee or other Policy Committee where appropriate), a ‘responsible person’ (that being relevant NHS body or health service provider) and other relevant agencies about possible improvements in service in the following areas:
- i) health issues identified by, or of concern to,
- ii) the local population; proposed substantial development or variation in the provision of health services in the Authority’s area (except where a decision has been taken as a result of a risk to safety or welfare of patients or staff);
- iii) the impact of interventions on the health of local inhabitants;
- iv) an overview of delivery against key national and local targets, particularly those which improve the public’s health;
- v) the development of integrated strategies for health improvement; and (vi) the accessibility of services that impact on the health of local people to all parts of the local community.
Additional Responsibilities:
- i) to recommend to Full Council that a referral be made to the Secretary of State where there are concerns over insufficient consultation on major changes to services. Further details of this provision are outlined in the regulations that support the Health and Social Care Act 2012.