The Oxfordshire Joint Health Overview & Scrutiny Committee met on 10 September 2026 to discuss a range of critical health service issues affecting residents across the county. Key topics included the future of independent patient voice arrangements, urgent and emergency care pressures, and an update on services at the Horton General Hospital. The committee also received a significant report from its Primary Care Access & Estates Working Group, detailing concerns about GP services and infrastructure.

Response to HOSC Recommendations

The committee was scheduled to receive updates regarding recommendations previously made concerning the Director of Public Health's Annual Report, the All-Age Autism Strategy, and Adult/Older Adult Mental Health Services. The report pack indicated that the committee was recommended to note these responses.

Chair's Update

Councillor Jane Hanna OBE, Chair of the committee, was due to provide a verbal update on relevant issues. This update was expected to include reports on Dentistry Services in Oxfordshire and the South Central Ambulance Service's CQC Improvement Journey. A letter submitted on behalf of the committee to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, requesting a reconsideration of the proposed abolition of Healthwatch, was also to be discussed, alongside a response received from the Department of Health and Social Care. Additionally, an update was anticipated regarding delayed payments to Adult Social Care Providers from the Thames Valley Integrated Care Board (ICB).

Report of the Primary Care Access & Estates Working Group

A significant item on the agenda was the final report from the Oxfordshire Joint Health Overview Scrutiny Committee's Primary Care Access & Estates Working Group. The committee was recommended to receive and endorse this report, and to consider issuing its recommendations to the Thames Valley ICB. The report was also to be shared with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care and the Oxfordshire Health and Wellbeing Board. The working group's formal closure was also noted.

Urgent Emergency Care/System Pressures

Lily O'Connor, Programme Director for Urgent & Emergency Care in Oxfordshire, was invited to present a report on urgent emergency care and system pressures. Two reports were attached to this item: a general update for the committee and Oxfordshire's Urgent Emergency Care Winter Plan. The committee was invited to consider these reports and agree any resulting recommendations.

Independent Patient Voice Update

Ansaf Azhar, Director of Public Health for Oxfordshire County Council, and Carole Stow, Engagement & Consultation Manager, were scheduled to present an update on the ongoing work to explore the future of Independent Patient and Resident Voice in Oxfordshire. This discussion was prompted by government plans to abolish the Healthwatch function. The committee was to receive an update on engagement work commissioned by the Health and Wellbeing Board's Patient Voice Working Group.

Healthwatch Oxfordshire Update

Veronica Barry, Executive Director of Healthwatch Oxfordshire, was invited to present the Healthwatch Oxfordshire Update Report. The committee was invited to consider this update and note it, having raised any questions.

Horton General Hospital Update

Olivia Clymer, Director of Strategy & Partnerships at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, was scheduled to present a report providing an update on the Horton General Hospital. This item was the first of two public meeting items dedicated to the Horton General Hospital, focusing on its strategic role, current services, access to care, patient flows, estate and infrastructure, and quality, safety, and regulatory assurance.

Forward Work Plan

The committee was recommended to agree to 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.