The Health and Adult Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee was scheduled to consider a range of important issues, including an update on maternity services at North Devon District Hospital, the performance of the South West Ambulance Service Foundation Trust, and the Director of Public Health's annual report on mental health and wellbeing. The committee was also scheduled to receive updates on the Integrated Care Board cluster and the South West Peninsula Board's performance.

Update on Maternity Services at North Devon District Hospital

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the temporary suspension of birth services at North Devon District Hospital (NDDH). This decision was taken by the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust on 27 July 2026 due to insufficient consultant and obstetric medical staffing to safely operate a 24-hour obstetric service. Despite extensive mitigation measures, including locum recruitment and rota redesign, continuing vacancies and absences meant that the Trust could not guarantee the necessary senior medical cover. The suspension affects births only, with antenatal and community midwifery services continuing locally. Women requiring birth services were being supported to access alternative maternity units, and work was underway to restore services as soon as it was safe to do so. The report indicated that reopening criteria included a full consultant and Tier 2 doctor rota, with at least 75% substantive staffing for both, alongside completed induction and competency assessments. Councillor Nicky Chopak was noted as regularly attending meetings of the stakeholder group overseeing this issue.

Director of Public Health Annual Report 2026: Mental Health and Wellbeing

The committee was scheduled to consider the Director of Public Health's Annual Report for 2026, which focused on mental health and wellbeing. The report highlighted the growing demand for mental health support across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, alongside persistently high rates of suicide and increasing need among children, young people, and working-age adults. A key conclusion was that improving population mental health requires a whole-system approach prioritising prevention, addressing the building blocks of health, strengthening communities, and intervening earlier. The report called for a rebalancing of investment towards prevention, community support, and action on the wider determinants of health, such as housing, employment, and social connection. The committee was to consider the findings of this report to inform future policy development and partnership working.

South West Ambulance Service Foundation Trust Update

The committee was scheduled to receive an update from the South Western Ambulance Service Foundation Trust (SWASFT) on its recent activity. SWASFT is responsible for ambulance services across a large geographical area, serving a population of over 5.5 million, with a significant influx of visitors. The Trust's 2026/27 plan focused on patient safety, quality, and supporting its people. Key projects included the implementation of a new Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system, Cleric, and the introduction of electric vehicles on the Isles of Scilly. For Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly specifically, SWASFT was to provide an update on changes to its leadership model, efforts to improve flexible working and predictable working patterns for crews, and positive attrition levels. The Trust was also to report on its Hear and Treat rates, which aim to resolve incidents without ambulance dispatch, and its work with partners to shape pathways to meet patient needs. The report highlighted the significant contribution of volunteers, including Community First Responders, and efforts to increase under-25 volunteering.

Integrated Care Board (ICB) Cluster Update

An update was scheduled on the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly and NHS Devon Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) working as a cluster, ahead of a proposed merger in April 2027. The report noted progress in maturing cluster working, including implementing a new staff structure and recruiting for a permanent cluster chief executive. A joint executive team had been appointed, bringing together experience from both organisations. The report also detailed the NHS England consultation on footprints for merged ICBs, noting that engagement had taken place with local authorities and MPs. While stakeholders in Devon generally supported the strategic rationale for a merged ICB, concerns were raised about maintaining local influence. Cornwall Council, its Health and Adult Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee, and local MPs had expressed opposition to the merger, preferring to retain a sovereign Cornwall and Isles of Scilly ICB. The report stated that remaining as a cluster without merging was not an option due to national requirements for ICB running costs and population thresholds.

South West Peninsula Board - Performance Exception Report

The committee was scheduled to review a performance exception report for both NHS Devon and NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Boards. The report highlighted significant challenges in delivering operational planning standards during June and July 2026, particularly concerning 4-hour Emergency Department (ED) performance and 12-hour waits at the Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust (RCHT) and Torbay and South Devon FT (TSD). Ambulance handover delays remained a concern at RCHT and University Hospitals Plymouth Trust (UHP). Elective Referral to Treatment (RTT) performance was close to plan, but the number of people waiting over 52 weeks remained high for several trusts. Cancer delivery was variable, with the 62-day target being particularly challenged. Diagnostic waiting times over six weeks were off plan across all organisations. In terms of quality, the CQC inspection of RCHT West Cornwall Hospital resulted in an improved rating of Good, but the temporary maternity unit closure at North Devon District Hospital due to staffing pressures was noted. Additional risks were identified in maternity services, mental health settings, and urgent and emergency care.

Adult Social Care Performance, Outcomes and Continuous Improvement Update

The committee was scheduled to scrutinise the performance, outcomes, and continuous improvement position of Adult Social Care. This report was structured around the five themes of the Adult Social Care Continuous Improvement Framework: Timely, Proportionate and Equitable Access to Support; Consistent Quality and Learning in Safeguarding Practice; Strength-Based Preventative Support that Reduces Escalation; Workforce Capability, Confidence and Sustainability; and Governance, Assurance and Always-Ready Discipline. Evidence was drawn from the Adult Social Care Outcomes Framework (ASCOF), local performance information, quality assurance activity, and lived experience. The report indicated generally strong performance against personalisation measures, with improvements in carers' Direct Payments, though uptake of new monthly Direct Payments remained below ambition. Safeguarding arrangements were recognised as strong by the CQC, with opportunities to strengthen learning. Admissions to residential and nursing care remained below targets, and emergency hospital admissions for those aged 65 and over compared favourably with national positions. Workforce turnover was reported as improved, though the proportion of providers rated Good or Outstanding was below national averages.

Speaking up for better care: Healthwatch Cornwall Annual Report 2025-26

The committee was scheduled to review the Healthwatch Cornwall Annual Report for 2025-26. Healthwatch Cornwall, as the independent champion for people using health and social care services, gathered feedback from over 3,200 residents during the year. This insight informed major investigations into GP access, NHS dentistry, mental health services, and pressures affecting the adult social care workforce. The organisation expanded its community engagement through Listening Hubs, Enter & View visits, and Partnership Boards, ensuring the experiences of local people, including those from rural and seldom-heard communities, informed service planning and decision-making. The report highlighted the impact of Healthwatch Cornwall's information, advice, and signposting service, which assisted nearly 300 people in navigating services and accessing support. Key priorities for the coming year included reducing health inequalities, exploring the impact of wider determinants of health, and expanding the Listening Hub network.

Questions from Members to Cabinet Member(s) on their updates

The committee was scheduled to receive updates from Cabinet Members on their work programmes. Councillor Jim McKenna, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health Partnerships, was expected to provide updates relevant to upcoming scrutiny items, feedback on committee recommendations to Cabinet, and raise awareness of potential items for the committee's work programme. His areas of focus included Extra Care site disposals, grant thresholds, call-offs, the Independent Advocacy Contract, and the CQC Local Authority Inspection Report. Councillor Thalia Marrington, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Public Health, was scheduled to provide updates on the Director of Public Health Annual Report 2026, focusing on mental health and wellbeing, and ongoing work related to dentistry and oral health. She was also to raise potential items for the committee's work programme, including mental health and wellbeing prevention, neighbourhood health, and health inequalities.