The Oxfordshire Joint Health Overview & Scrutiny Committee met on Thursday 11 June 2026 to discuss a range of health-related matters. Key topics included the appointment of a co-opted member, an interim update from the Primary Care Access and Estates Working Group, and responses to previous committee recommendations concerning maternity services and the Oxfordshire Learning Disability Plan. The committee also received updates from the Chair, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust on their Quality Account, Dentistry Services in Oxfordshire, Healthwatch Oxfordshire, South Central Ambulance Service on their CQC Improvement Journey, and Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust's Quality Account. Finally, the committee reviewed its forward work plan and actions tracker.

JHOSC Cooptee Appointment

The committee was asked to agree to the appointment of Dr Alan Cohen as a co-opted member of the Oxfordshire Joint Health Overview Scrutiny Committee (JHOSC). This followed the identification of a vacant co-opted post and a recruitment exercise undertaken by the Health Scrutiny Officer. Dr Cohen was recommended for appointment due to his extensive experience in primary care, mental health services, and national health policy, as well as his previous service on the JHOSC between 2017 and 2022.

Interim Update Report from the JHOSC Primary Care Access and Estates Working Group

An interim update was provided on the work of the JHOSC Primary Care Access and Estates Working Group. This group was established to scrutinise primary care access and the condition, capacity, and suitability of the primary care estate across Oxfordshire. The report detailed key themes emerging from the group's work, including issues related to access routes, patient experience, and the constraints and opportunities associated with the primary care estate. The committee was asked to receive and note this interim report and to agree to extend the working group's timescale to allow for planned site visits to GP practices and further sessions with representatives of the Thames Valley Integrated Care Board (ICB) on the use of digital tools in primary care services.

Response to HOSC Recommendations

The committee received acceptances and responses to recommendations previously made regarding Maternity Services in Oxfordshire and the Oxfordshire Learning Disability Plan. The committee was asked to note these responses.

Chair's Update

The Chair was scheduled to provide a verbal update on relevant issues since the last meeting. This update included information on recommendations made by the JHOSC concerning Adult and Older Adult Mental Health Services, the All-Age Autism Strategy, and the Director of Public Health Annual Report. A letter had also been sent on behalf of the committee to the Chief Executive of the Thames Valley ICB regarding delayed payments to adult social care providers for Continuing Health Care services.

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Quality Account

The committee was invited to provide feedback on the draft Quality Account for Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust for the year 2025-2026. The committee was asked to agree to finalise the wording of this feedback outside of the meeting for submission to the Trust prior to the Quality Account's publication date at the end of June 2026.

Dentistry Services in Oxfordshire

Julie Dandridge, Strategic Lead for Primary Care across Oxfordshire for the Thames Valley Integrated Care Board, was invited to present an update on Dentistry Services in Oxfordshire. The committee was asked to consider the report, raise questions, and agree any recommendations.

Healthwatch Oxfordshire Update

Veronica Barry, Executive Director of Healthwatch Oxfordshire, was invited to present an update on their work. The committee was asked to consider this update and note any questions arising.

South Central Ambulance Service CQC Improvement Journey Update

Paul Jefferies, Divisional Director for Thames Valley at South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, and Andrew Battye, Head of Operations for Oxfordshire, were invited to present a report providing an update on the SCAS Care Quality Commission Improvement Journey. The committee was asked to consider the report, raise questions, and agree any recommendations.

Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust Quality Account

The committee was invited to provide feedback on the draft Quality Account for Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust for the year 2025-2026. Similar to the OUH Quality Account, the committee was asked to agree to finalise the wording of this feedback outside of the meeting for submission to the Trust prior to its publication date at the end of June 2026.

Forward Work Plan

The committee was recommended to agree the proposed work programme for its upcoming meetings.

Actions and Recommendations Tracker

The committee was recommended to note the progress made against agreed actions and recommendations, and to raise any questions.

Declarations of Interest

Attendees were reminded of their duty to declare any disclosable pecuniary interests and other registrable interests when the agenda item 'Declarations of Interest' was reached, or as soon as it became apparent. Guidance notes on declaring interests were provided.

Speaking to or Petitioning the Committee

Members of the public wishing to speak on an agenda item or present a petition were required to submit requests by specific deadlines. Virtual participation was also an option, with provisions for submitting written statements.

The meeting was scheduled to begin with the election of a Chair and Deputy Chair for the 2026/27 Council Year, followed by apologies for absence and temporary appointments.