The Health and Adult Services Scrutiny Committee of Lancashire County Council met on Wednesday 24 September 2025 to discuss the outcome of a Care Quality Commission (CQC) assessment of adult social care services, and to consider the proposed reconfiguration of NHS vascular services. The committee resolved to consider establishing a task group to scrutinise the CQC action plan and agreed that the vascular service reconfiguration requires formal public consultation.

CQC Local Authority Assessment Update

The committee received an update on the Care Quality Commission's (CQC) assessment of Lancashire County Council's adult social care services, which resulted in an overall rating of Requires Improvement. Despite the disappointing rating, the CQC acknowledged the council's committed workforce, effective safeguarding systems, and strong advocacy services. Areas of good practice included strengths-based service delivery and timely access to support. However, the assessment identified areas for improvement, such as ensuring equitable service delivery across all localities, strengthening partnerships with the NHS and voluntary sectors, improving workforce sustainability, and reducing waiting times for assessments.

In response to the CQC report, Lancashire County Council has established an independent Adults Improvement Board and is developing a draft improvement plan. Since the February assessment, significant progress has been made, including a 50% reduction in assessment delays under the Care Act 2014, a 48% reduction in waiting lists for older people and those with physical disabilities, and an 8% increase in completed annual reviews. Recruitment of social workers and occupational therapists has also seen marked improvement.

The committee resolved to consider establishing a task group to provide further oversight and scrutiny of the CQC action plan and its implementation. They also requested that more in-depth population health data be presented at future meetings to support scrutiny and service planning.

NHS Vascular Services Clinical Reconfiguration

Dr Andy Curran, Associate Medical Director for the NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria ICB, Dr Steve Canty, Divisional Medical Director for Surgery at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and Beth Goodman, Associate Director of Planned Care for the NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria ICB, presented a proposal for the reconfiguration of NHS vascular services. The proposal involves centralising inpatient arterial services at Royal Preston Hospital, with the aim of improving clinical outcomes, workforce sustainability, and aligning with national standards. This change is expected to affect approximately 670 patients annually and will provide better access to specialist support and rehabilitation services. Royal Preston Hospital was chosen due to its integration with major trauma services and its ability to meet the population thresholds required for specialist vascular care.

The committee raised concerns regarding transport difficulties for residents in more rural areas, the consideration of personal risks associated with travel, and the need for clear public communication. It was confirmed that emergency transport would be coordinated with the North West Ambulance Service (NWAS), and that staff consultations were ongoing.

The committee resolved that the proposed reconfiguration of vascular services constitutes a substantial service variation and therefore requires formal public consultation. They also requested a report detailing the outcomes and impacts of the previous service relocation of Blackpool vascular services to Royal Preston Hospital in 2013, including pre- and post-move data and patient experience.

Report of the Health Scrutiny Steering Group

County Councillor Hamish Mills presented a report on the Health Scrutiny Steering Group meeting held on 9 July 2025. The report included an overview of the Steering Group's Terms of Reference and a summary of Health and Care Updates across Lancashire. A key point raised was the need for improved consistency and quality of information from individual NHS Trusts, with a request for Trusts to be invited to future Steering Group meetings. The Steering Group also requested a report on the NHS 10-year plan to understand long-term strategic priorities. The committee received this report.

Health and Adult Services Scrutiny Committee and Steering Group Work Programmes 2025/26

County Councillor Hamish Mills presented the draft work programme for the Health and Adult Services Scrutiny Committee and Steering Group for 2025/26. The report outlined key areas of focus for the upcoming year, including winter planning, transforming adult care, and health and prevention plans. The committee noted the work programme.

Constitution, Membership and Terms of Reference

The committee noted a report providing information on the membership, Chair, Deputy Chair, and Terms of Reference of the Health and Adult Services Scrutiny Committee for the municipal year 2025/26.