Meeting documents

            Meeting: Health Scrutiny Sub-Committee (County Hall, Durham - Committee Room 2 - 03/10/2005 10:00:00 AM)

                  Item: A8 Scrutiny Projects and Work Programme

Purpose of Report

1. To up-date the work programme for the Sub-Committee.

Background

2. Trying to provide a manageable work programme for the Sub-Committee is challenging. The Sub-Committee will have control over the subjects it chooses. Advice suggests that, from a capacity point of view, and to seek to ensure that achievements are secured rather than information simply noted, a small number of projects should be undertaken.

3. In addition to projects chosen by the Sub-Committee, there will be significant issues which will need to be dealt with by the Sub-Committee as statutory consultee. These consultation issues by their nature cannot be anticipated well in advance and will need to be accommodated into the Sub-Committee’s work programme.

4. The project to consider coronary heart disease and stroke services has now started. The first visit will take place on the afternoon of the 3 ^rd October to the University Hospital North Durham. Some basic statistics and definitions have been provided by the North East Public Health Observatory. Also, Louise Robson, Director of Nursing at the University Hospital North Durham has explained in more detail how heart and stroke services are delivered. In due course, discussions are planned with support organisations which assist patients and relatives.

5. A presentation from the North East Ambulance Service has completed the fact-finding exercise in relation to transport and health.

6. A training session for Members took place on the 29^th September facilitated by Feisal Jassat from Kirklees MBC. A further training session is planned for the 24 ^th November at 1.00 p.m. This will consider the sources of information available to the Health Scrutiny Committee.

7. Following the investigation into child health in County Durham which identified the importance of breast feeding to assist in improved health for children, Darlington Borough Council have agreed to provide information about their recent initiative to make Darlington more “breastfeeding-friendly”.

8. An invitation has been extended to attend the Darlington Health Scrutiny Committee on 26 ^th October when they are reviewing this issue. The Primary Care Trusts in Durham are seeking to produce documentation to assist the public and private sector in promoting breastfeeding. This information should be available later in the year. The Health Scrutiny Committee might be able to assist in encouraging public sector organisations to set an example. A regional media campaign to promote breastfeeding will run from 26 ^th September to 30^th October via Tyne Tees Television

Recommendation

9. You are recommended to note the work programme.

Attachments

 Work Programme - 3rd Octoberpdf.pdf