The Health Scrutiny Committee of Hertfordshire Council met on Friday 15 May 2026 to review its work programme for the upcoming year, discussing a wide range of health-related issues affecting residents. Key topics included concerns over GP and phlebotomy service access, the provision of palliative care, and the integration of artificial intelligence within NHS trusts. The committee noted the work programme for 2026-27 and discussed potential amendments and additions.

Review of Health Scrutiny Work Programme

The committee reviewed the work programme for 2026-27, noting it for consideration of amendments and additions. Discussions focused on several key areas for potential scrutiny. Significant discussion centred on improving access to GP and phlebotomy services, with councillors highlighting concerns over waiting times and difficulties in booking appointments, particularly for those without digital literacy. The committee also discussed the provision of palliative and end-of-life care, noting the fragility of hospice funding and the need for better coordination of services. The development of new GP surgeries and the use of Section 106 monies were also highlighted as areas requiring attention, with councillors expressing frustration over delays and a perceived mismatch between developer contributions and NHS capacity.

The committee also discussed examining the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) systems within Hertfordshire NHS trusts, with a focus on agentic AI and ambient AI technologies. Concerns were raised about the potential for AI to be fallible and its mental health impacts. Updates were also requested on the reconfiguration of male learning disability secure beds and the continued scrutiny of maternity services.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the proposed scrutiny of the Neighbourhood Health framework. The committee considered whether neighbourhood health is primarily about the location of services or an approach to care and joint working.

Other items discussed for the work programme included type II diabetes provision and effectiveness, with a request for a written update and key questions to be supplied by members. The provision of phlebotomy services was also discussed, with a recognition that this issue has been ongoing for some time and requires further investigation into variations across GP surgeries and community hospitals. The closure of the urgent care centre at Mount Vernon Cancer Centre was noted as having occurred, with alternative provision now in place. An update on gambling harms was also discussed, with a proposal to receive a bulletin and for the matter to become a routine item for the Health and Community Safety Cabinet Panel.

The committee also discussed considering mental health provision for children and young people, with a particular focus on long waiting lists for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). Social prescribing and community navigation services were also identified as areas for potential scrutiny, with a suggestion to prioritise them as medium rather than high due to workload constraints.

Key Discussions and Noted Items

• Work Programme Noted: The Health Scrutiny Committee noted the work programme for 2026-27, with agreement to consider amendments and additions based on the discussions.
• GP and Phlebotomy Access: The committee highlighted significant concerns regarding access to GP surgeries and phlebotomy services, noting long waiting times and the impact of digital-only access.
• Palliative and End-of-Life Care: The committee discussed palliative and end-of-life care, acknowledging the challenges faced by hospices, the need for better out-of-hours provision, and the impact of financial insecurity on those nearing the end of life.
• Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare: The use of generative AI in NHS trusts was discussed as a potential area for scrutiny, with a focus on its practical applications, risks, and patient experience.
• Neighbourhood Health Framework: The committee considered a potential scrutiny review of the developing Neighbourhood Health framework, aiming to clarify its scope and ensure it addresses residents' concerns.
• Mental Health Services: The committee acknowledged the need to address long waiting lists for CAMHS and the importance of social prescribing.

The next meeting of the Health Scrutiny Committee was scheduled for 17 July 2026.