The Health Scrutiny Committee of Derbyshire Council met on Tuesday 1 September 2026 to discuss the annual report of the Child Death Overview Panel, the implementation of the Joint Derbyshire and Derby Dementia Strategy, and initiatives to encourage healthy lifestyles. The committee also reviewed its work programme for the upcoming year.

Annual Report of the Child Death Overview Panel

The committee was scheduled to consider the Annual Report of the Derby and Derbyshire Child Death Overview Panel (CDOP) for 2024-2025. The report details the role of the CDOP in identifying learning from child deaths to prevent future fatalities. It was intended to highlight key learning themes, including palliative care provision and invasive Group A Streptococcus infections. The report indicated that while child mortality and infant mortality rates in Derbyshire were not statistically different from national averages, modifiable factors were identified in 86% of the deaths reviewed. Specific concerns were raised regarding the provision of 24/7 palliative care for children wishing to die at home, with a recommendation for urgent improvements to ensure access to appropriately skilled medical and nursing professionals and medications. The report also detailed findings from an audit into deaths from Group A Streptococcus, offering key messages for health professionals on sepsis recognition and management.

Derbyshire Dementia Strategy Implementation

An update was scheduled on the implementation of the Joint Derbyshire and Derby Dementia Strategy 2025-2030. The report indicated that the Dementia and Delirium Programme had made progress in Year 2, maintaining dementia diagnosis rates above the national ambition, reducing waiting times for Memory Assessment Services, and expanding pathways to diagnosis. Achievements included increased uptake of annual dementia reviews, strengthening co-production with people living with dementia and their carers, and progress in workforce development and delirium awareness. The strategy also aimed to reduce health inequalities through targeted initiatives and was developing an evaluation framework to assess its impact.

Active Partners Trust

The committee was scheduled to receive an overview of the work undertaken by Active Partners Trust to encourage healthy lifestyle options across Derbyshire. This included information on initiatives such as the Making our Move plan for movement and physical activity, the Walk Derbyshire vision to make walking a daily norm, and the Derbyshire Physical Activity Collaborative, which supports people with long-term health conditions to be more active. The report highlighted significant attendances across various programmes, including exercise on referral, led walks, and Jog Derbyshire groups, demonstrating a focus on prevention and supporting individuals to manage long-term conditions closer to home.

Work Programme 2026/27

The committee was set to consider its work programme for the 2026/27 period. Items proposed for inclusion were Mental Health Crisis, Long COVID, and Wheelchair provision. The agenda also indicated potential future discussions on topics such as the transfer of immunisations and vaccines to the Integrated Care Board (ICB), mental health crisis support, and the implementation of a Food Plan for Derbyshire.