The Health and Adult Services Scrutiny Committee of Lancashire County Council was scheduled to discuss the Neighbourhood Health Development Plan for Lancashire and the collaboration between health, adult social care, and the community sector. The committee was also set to review its work programmes for 2025/26.

Neighbourhood Health Development Plan and Winter Collaboration

A key item on the agenda was the Neighbourhood Health Development Plan for Lancashire, which aims to establish a coordinated approach across communities to improve outcomes and manage demand more effectively, particularly within health and social care services. The plan seeks to integrate prevention and ensure value for money across health, social care, and community partnerships. The report outlined that this initiative is in its early stages and will facilitate local service integration and reinforce place-based approaches, empowering residents to maintain their health and independence.

The committee was also scheduled to consider the approach taken by health, social care, and the community sector in implementing the Winter Plan for 2025/26. This plan involved collaboration between the NHS, Adult Social Care, and the Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector to support NHS Trusts in ensuring timely patient discharges. The report highlighted that several NHS Acute Trusts had escalated to the highest level of operational pressure (OPEL 4) over the winter period, and the joint winter plan aimed to enable the NHS and social care system to recover quickly while maintaining patient safety. The report noted that various measures were implemented, including social workers in emergency departments, refreshed care navigation, and strengthened VCSE support for non-complex discharges.

The committee was asked to discuss the approach and next steps for the Neighbourhood Health Development Plan, consider the implementation of the Winter Plan 2025/26, and agree to receive a report in October 2026 detailing lessons learned from the Winter Plan and outlining the NHS and Adult Social Care joint Winter Plan for 2026/27. Further committee engagement as the Neighbourhood Health Development Plan progresses was also proposed, along with identifying any recommendations for Cabinet members. The report referenced the legal framework supporting these initiatives, including the Care Act 2014, the NHS Act 2006, and the Health and Care Act 2022.

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

The committee was also scheduled to review its work programmes for both the Health and Adult Services Scrutiny Committee and the Steering Group for 2025/26, along with an overview of recommendation progress. A plan of work for 2025/26 was drafted following an informal meeting on 25 June 2025. The report indicated that any options or proposals associated with the reports identified on the work programmes would be considered individually as each report is presented. The work programme was developed in consultation with relevant portfolio holders and senior managers.

The Health and Adult Services Scrutiny Committee's responsibilities include reviewing and scrutinising matters relating to the planning, provision, and operation of health services in the area, as well as county council Adult Services and Public Health. It also has statutory responsibility for scrutinising NHS proposals for substantial development or variation. The work programme detailed planned activities, including reports on CQC inspections, transforming adult care and health, policy development on digital and AI, prevention plans, and updates on NHS services such as vascular and orthodontic services. The work of the Health Scrutiny Steering Group was also outlined, including its focus on winter planning, NHS Quality Accounts, and various service updates.

The report also included a section on the progress of recommendations made by the Health and Adult Services Scrutiny Committee. These included recommendations regarding the oversight of the CQC action plan, the provision of population health data, the consultation process for vascular and orthodontic services, and the continued engagement with the development of the prevention strategy. Progress on recommendations related to provider services redesign, the use of enabling digital technologies, and the 10-year health plan was also detailed.

The committee was asked to review the work programmes and recommendation responses. The report noted that any legal, financial, equality and diversity, or risk management implications associated with the reports on the work programmes would be considered individually. Appendices A and B, containing the respective work programmes, were referenced.