Agenda item

The Cabinet considered a report of the Corporate Director of Resources which  presented the Adults Wellbeing and Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee’s review report focusing on GP Services in County Durham (for copy see file of minutes).

The Chair welcomed Councillor John Robinson, Chair of the Adults, Wellbeing and Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee who presented the review report and thanked colleagues for their contribution to the cross-party report.  He explained the review was undertaken in response to concerns over the cumulative impact of a number of applications to either review, merge or close GP surgeries across County Durham. He outlined the terms of reference and provided details of the agencies engaged to provide evidence to inform the review, and, described the nine review recommendations. 

Councillor Robinson placed on record the Adults, Wellbeing and Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee’s thanks to GP and primary care services for the role they have played during the COVID-19 pandemic.  He also thanked the Principal Overview and Scrutiny Officer, Stephen Gwillym, for his advice and support to the Committee, and, he thanked all members, officers and partners for their valuable contribution.

Councillor Hovvels thanked the Committee for undertaking such a broad review which included investigating difficulties caused by transport issues, with the recommendation that an integrated transport solution be developed, to address the challenges faced by patients.  

Councillor Gunn remarked on the timeliness of the report and commented on the value placed by communities on GP surgeries, which has been observed through many representations received from residents, when proposals to review services are considered.

Resolved:

That the recommendations in the report be approved.