Use this page to learn about Health Scrutiny, which monitors the activities of health organisations and holds decision-makers accountable.
Our statutory health scrutiny function is carried out by the Children, Adults, Health and Wellbeing Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel.
Councillors on this Panel examine the running and planning of local health services and call NHS managers to give information about decisions they make. The Councillors’ role, as representatives of the public, is to hold to account the local health organisations when they are making big decisions about the future of health care provision in Bath & North East Somerset.
The Panel provide strategic rather than detailed involvement in local health issues. It is not a first point of call for individual, group or neighbourhood issues. Healthwatch is more suitable for this function and can refer issues to the Panel if necessary.
The functions of Health Scrutiny
The work of the Panel can cover a broad range of issues. Some work is reactive, such as reviewing possible changes, and some is proactive - such as reviewing how and why services are commissioned, and looking at access to services. The Panel also looks at health and fitness promotion (e.g. tackling issues such as obesity or smoking).
The Panel can:
- Hold local health services to account
- Hold the Cabinet to account by reviewing Council policies and decisions that may relate to or impact on the health of the local community
- Undertake policy development on behalf of the Cabinet or Council
- Work with communities to promote and investigate issues of concern
- NHS organisations may be invited to meetings of the Panel to give presentations on their areas.
The Panel is kept updated about current policy, performance and informed of any proposed changes. The Panel may also invite health organisations to respond to specific requests for information about issues arising.
Health issues affecting more than one Council area
Some health issues, like the performance of large hospitals or regional health services, extend beyond local Council boundaries. In such cases, where substantial change is decided, the Panel is obliged to undertake joint working with the relevant Council’s Health Overview and Scrutiny Panels.