The Rotherham Health Select Commission met on 2 October 2025, at Rotherham Town Hall. The commission discussed physical activity initiatives, received the Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust (TRFT) annual report, and reviewed the Safeguarding Adults Board Strategic Plan. The commission also reviewed its work programme and received updates on the South Yorkshire, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee (JHOSC), Adult Social Care Local Account, and the Health and Wellbeing Strategy.

Physical Activity for Health

The commission discussed a report on physical activity for health, focusing on how the Moving Rotherham Partnership is using a Sport England Place Expansion Programme development grant to improve health through physical activity. The report detailed the Moving Rotherham Partnership Action Plan 2025-26, outlining five strategic aims:

• Strategy and co-ordination
• Increase physical activity across the borough
• Decrease inactivity and identify barriers to engagement
• Tackle inequality and identify areas for development
• Provide positive physical opportunities for children and young people across the borough

The commission was asked to note the programme and consider championing the Moving Rotherham ambition within their wards and communities.

The action plan included initiatives such as training front-line workers to promote physical activity, mapping existing opportunities, and community consultations in areas with lower physical activity levels such as Masbrough and Bradgate, Greasbrough and Wingfield, East Dene and Herringthorpe, and Rawmarsh. The plan also included the development of an Inclusive Activity Network to improve physical activity options for people with disabilities or long-term health conditions.

Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust Annual Report

The commission received the TRFT Annual Report, along with a presentation highlighting key areas. The report noted that the Trust had over 5,000 staff and served over 270,000 people across South Yorkshire. It also noted the Trust's strategic partnership with Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. Key performance areas included:

• Emergency Access: Despite rising demand, performance against the 4-hour target improved.
• Elective Care and Referral to Treatment (RTT): The Trust reduced the overall waiting list and improved RTT performance.
• Cancer Waiting Times: The Trust exceeded national expectations for cancer performance.
• Diagnostics: The Trust consistently delivered the constitutional DM01 standard¹ throughout 2024/25.
• Community Services: Community teams continued to deliver high-quality services, and the virtual ward expanded its role.

The report also highlighted digital advancements, cybersecurity measures, and efforts to address health inequalities.

Safeguarding Adults Board Strategic Plan 2025-2028

The commission received a report on the Rotherham Safeguarding Adults Board Strategic Plan 2025-2028. The plan outlines how the board aims to protect adults at risk of abuse or neglect, in accordance with the Care Act 2014. The plan was developed in consultation with board members, Rotherham Healthwatch, and local voluntary organisations. The strategic priorities are:

• Communication, Engagement and Voice
• Prevention and Early Intervention
• Leadership and Partnership
• Making Safeguarding Personal
• Learning and Development

The commission was asked to note the development of the plan and accept the refreshed strategic objectives.

Health Select Commission Work Programme 2024/25

The commission considered its work programme for 2024/25. Councillor Eve Rose Keenan, Chair of Health Select Commission noted that Councillor Taiba Yasseen, Vice Chair of Health Select Commission had raised concerns about the death of a young child at the local hospital trust, and it was agreed that Councillor Taiba Yasseen would provide relevant background information to the Chair and Governance Advisor to consider whether further scrutiny was warranted. Councillor Nigel Harper queried the absence of an item on nitrous oxide abuse, and the Governance Advisor explained that it was agreed that the Rotherham Safer Together Partnership was a more appropriate vehicle to address the issue.

South Yorkshire, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee

The commission received and considered the minutes and recommendations of the South Yorkshire, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee (JHOSC). Members were reminded to submit comments or questions for forthcoming JHOSC agenda items. The Chair drew attention to discussions at JHOSC regarding IVF treatment and gluten-free prescribing, and encouraged members to share information about consultations within their communities.

Adult Social Care Local Account 'How Did We Do?'

The commission was asked to note the contents of the Adult Social Care Local Account 'How Did We Do?'. The local account summarised the achievements of adult social care and outlined priorities for the coming year. It emphasised a doing with approach, focusing on enabling individuals to achieve their desired outcomes through a person-centred approach.

Health and Wellbeing Strategy

The commission was asked to note the Health and Wellbeing Strategy. The strategy set out the aims to enable people to live in good and improving health, and to enable effective partnership working to commission and deliver services to realise these aims. The aims covered children and young people, physical health, mental health, and the wider determinants of health.