The Health Scrutiny Committee met to review its work programme for the upcoming year, discussing key areas such as GP access, palliative care, and the use of artificial intelligence in healthcare. Significant concerns were raised regarding digital exclusion in accessing GP services, long waiting times for phlebotomy, and the need for improved communication and coordination of palliative care services across Hertfordshire.

Review of Health Scrutiny Work Programme

The committee reviewed its work programme for 2026-27, with a particular focus on several key areas. GP access and digital exclusion were highlighted as major concerns, with councillors detailing instances where residents, particularly older and vulnerable individuals, struggled to access services due to reliance on online portals. The provision of phlebotomy services also generated considerable discussion, with reports of unacceptably long waiting times and a perceived lack of accessible local services, with a call for a return to GPs offering these services.

Palliative and end-of-life care was identified as a critical area requiring in-depth scrutiny. Attendees emphasised the need to involve a wide range of stakeholders, including community health providers, adult social care, the Integrated Care Board (ICB), and hospices, in any future review. Concerns were raised about the fragility of hospice funding, the need for better out-of-hours provision, and the impact on carers and families. The importance of clear communication and support for families navigating end-of-life care was also stressed.

The committee also discussed the development of new GP surgeries in light of new housing developments. Councillors noted inconsistencies in how developers and the NHS approached the provision of new facilities, with concerns about Section 106 monies being used effectively and the ongoing operational costs of new surgeries. The complexity of planning and health service integration was highlighted, with a proposal for further information gathering before a full scrutiny review.

The use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in Hertfordshire NHS trusts was also on the agenda. Discussions focused on the potential benefits and risks of AI in areas like note-taking and diagnostics, with particular attention paid to agentic AI and ambient AI systems. Concerns were raised about the fallibility of AI, the potential for errors, and the mental health impacts on users. The security of data was also noted as a key consideration.

A scrutiny proposal on neighbourhood health was presented, highlighting it as a timely opportunity to influence the development of new NHS structures. The committee agreed to explore this further, with a focus on understanding whether neighbourhood health is primarily about service location or an approach to care and joint working.

Updates were also noted on the reconfiguration of male learning disability secure beds and the closure of the urgent care centre at Mount Vernon Hospital, with the latter being removed from the work programme as an update had been received. The committee also received an update on gambling harms scrutiny, with a proposal for a bulletin to address outstanding questions, moving the issue to a business-as-usual item.

Finally, the committee discussed type two diabetes provision and effectiveness, noting concerns about a shortage of endocrinologists and long waiting times. It was proposed that a written update be sought to understand variations across Hertfordshire.

The committee agreed to note the scrutiny work programme for 2026-27, with amendments and additions as discussed, and noted comments on prioritisation and methods for future scrutiny activities. The next meeting was scheduled for 17 July 2026.