The Health and Wellbeing Overview and Scrutiny Committee (OSC) met to discuss the NCC Telecare Service, receive the Healthwatch Northumberland Annual Report, and receive an update on Berwick Hospital. The committee also considered the Forward Plan and its own work programme.

Primary Care Applications Working Group

The committee was scheduled to confirm the membership and terms of reference for the Primary Care Applications Working Group. This group is intended to scrutinise and comment on applications for variations to primary care services on behalf of the Health and Wellbeing OSC. The working group will consist of four members of the OSC, including the Chair and Vice-Chair, plus two other members. It will act as a consultee for applications referred by the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB), NHS England, Northumbria Healthcare, Northumberland County Councillors, or members of the public.

NCC Telecare Service

A draft report on the NCC Telecare Service was presented for the committee's comments before it was submitted to Cabinet. The report outlined proposals for the future delivery of the service, aiming for it to be delivered at no cost to the council. This follows a review that identified an inconsistent charging structure, with some residents receiving the service free of charge. The current income from charges does not cover the cost of delivery, with a significant annual shortfall. The review also highlighted a lack of equity in the service provided due to legacy arrangements.

The consultation sought views on introducing service charges to recover the cost of delivery and proposed ceasing the Mobile Warden Response Service in the former Blyth Valley locality, offering a monitoring-only service county-wide. Proposals also included implementing an installation charge for equipment fitted by the Warden Team and encouraging self-installation. The report noted that Telecare is not a statutory service under the Care Act 2014.

Healthwatch Northumberland Annual Report 2025/26

The committee was scheduled to receive the Healthwatch Northumberland Annual Report for 2025/26. Healthwatch Northumberland acts as a local health and social care champion, ensuring that the voices of NHS leaders and decision-makers are heard and that feedback is used to improve care. The report details the organisation's work over the year, including reaching out to various communities, gathering feedback on services, and working with partners to influence improvements. Key areas of focus for the year included audiology services, urgent dental treatment, and the experiences of unpaid carers. The report also highlighted the organisation's commitment to maintaining independence from the NHS and council, which is seen as crucial for building trust with those who share their experiences.

Berwick Hospital Update

A discussion was scheduled regarding the current Berwick hospital site.

Reports of the Scrutiny Officer

Forward Plan

The committee was to note the latest Forward Plan of key decisions. This plan outlines upcoming decisions that will be made by the Cabinet. Any further changes to the Forward Plan were to be reported at the meeting.

Health and Wellbeing OSC Work Programme

The committee was to consider the work programme and monitoring report for the Health and Wellbeing OSC for 2026/27. This report outlines the committee's planned activities and areas of scrutiny for the upcoming year. The GP Access Task & Finish Group was noted as awaiting a date to visit a GP practice. The possibility of establishing a task and finish group to examine patient transport was also suggested.