The Scrutiny of Health Committee of North Yorkshire Council discussed several significant topics, including the Director of Public Health's Annual Report, the progress of the new Airedale Hospital, updates on neonatal services at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, and the draft Autism Strategy. The committee also reviewed its work programme for the upcoming year.

Director of Public Health's Annual Report

The committee considered the Director of Public Health's Annual Report, which was presented for information. The Director of Public Health, Louise Wallace, will attend the next meeting on 14 June to answer any questions and discuss the report in more detail.

Airedale New Hospital Update

Eleanor Rossiter from Airedale NHS Foundation Trust provided an update on the new hospital at Airedale. The current hospital will be replaced by 2030, with the project currently in Phase 1: Planning and Preparation. The committee discussed various aspects, including the RAAC programme for structural supports, the phased construction plan, public engagement, and the feasibility of free staff parking and improved public transport. The committee was assured that the project is on target and will be delivered on time.

Neonatal Services at Airedale

Matthew Babirecki, Consultant Paediatrician at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, and Sarah Halstead, Head of Specialised Commissioning Yorkshire and Humber at NHS England, presented an update on neonatal services. The presentation highlighted the need for higher activity levels to ensure better outcomes for babies, as recommended by the Neonatal Critical Care Transformation Review. The committee supported the proposed changes to ensure the highest quality of care for premature babies and requested a further update at a future date.

Autism Strategy

The committee received an update on the draft Autism Strategy from Naomi Smith, Head of Health and Adult Services Planning at North Yorkshire Council, and Kirsty Kitching, Assistant Director for the North Yorkshire Mental Health, Learning Disabilities and Autism Partnership at Humber & North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board. The presentation covered the strategy's aims, consultation process, and participation rates. The committee discussed various aspects, including the need for inclusive communities, the increasing diagnosis rate, and the importance of public education. The committee expressed confidence in the strategy and the consultation process.

Committee Work Programme

The committee reviewed its work programme and suggested several areas for inclusion in the upcoming year, including updates on maternity services, Yorkshire Ambulance Service, NHS waiting list data, health inequalities, and the implementation of electronic records. These items will be added to the workplan for the forthcoming year.

Other Business

A motion from Councillor Andy Brown regarding the reduction of the budget for mowing and spraying and the cessation of purchases of products containing glyphosate or neonicotinoids was referred to the committee. This motion will be discussed at the next meeting in June, where Councillor Brown will be invited to propose his motion.