Agenda item

The Principal Overview and Scrutiny Officer provided the Committee with a presentation of the following press articles relating to the remit of the Adults Wellbeing and Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee;

·         Waiting lists 'guarantee' over Shotley Bridge hospital changes – Northern Echo 21 February 2019

·         Ambulance service launches campaign to mend broken hearts as it seeks more defibrillators – Evening Chronicle 14 February 2019

·         Could patients become their own doctors? – BBC Website 12 February 2019

The Principal Overview and Scrutiny Officer reminded Members that there was a review being undertaken with regards to GP Service Provision in County Durham.

Councillor Crute requested information on the NEAS campaign to be sent to all Members as they often used their neighbourhood budget to purchase such equipment.  With regards to the impact on GP services, Councillor Crute confirmed that it was important to ensure that vulnerable people were able to access services.

The Business Development Manager from County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service advised that the service were trading defibrillators which were military tested and cost effective as they did not require servicing.  Councillor Kay welcomed the initiative and confirmed that it he had been raised by a paramedic in his own division so he was considering purchasing.