Purpose
The purpose of health scrutiny is to:
- Act as a lever to improve the health of local people.
- Continuously improve the health services and other services which affect health.
- Actively involve service users - patients and the public.
What does health scrutiny do?
Health scrutiny committees have certain powers under the Health and Social Care Act 2001. Committees can review and scrutinise health service matters and make reports and recommendations to National Health Service (NHS) bodies.
Health scrutiny committees have the power to:
- summon officers of health trusts to committee meetings.
- require information from NHS bodies on the planning and provision of health services.
- initiate their own reviews of any topic that affects the health and well-being of local residents.
- refer contested NHS proposals to the Secretary of State on the grounds of either process or merit.
- delegate their powers and undertake joint work with committees from adjacent local areas, promoting joint-policy integration and development of local health strategies.
Note - health scrutiny committees do not have rights of access to NHS premises.
What can health scrutiny committees expect?
- NHS bodies are under a duty to respond to committee reports and recommendations (but are not bound to accept recommendations).
- Health trusts must consult health scrutiny committees about 'substantial' changes to services.
What health scrutiny is not
- Health scrutiny is not a separate inspection of the NHS
- It is not a process intended to criticise
- It does not act as a separate complaints procedure
If you have any concerns or complaints about health services, you can contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS), which can:
- Provide you with information about the NHS and help you with any other health-related enquiry
- Help resolve concerns or problems when you are using the NHS
- Provide information about the NHS complaints procedure and how to get independent help if you decide you may want to make a complaint
- Provide you with information and help introduce you to agencies and support groups outside the NHS
- Inform you about how you can get more involved in your own healthcare and the NHS locally
- Improve the NHS by listening to your concerns, suggestions and experiences and ensuring that people who design and manage services are aware of the issues you raise
For more information about PALS, see the PALS website or contact your local service:
- Bury NHS Primary Care Trust,
Telephone 0800 328 3166.
- Fairfield General Hospital,
Telephone 0161 778 2455.
- North Manchester Hospital,
Telephone 0161 720 2707.
- The Royal Oldham Hospital,
Telephone 0161 627 8678.
- Rochdale Infirmary,
Telephone 0161 627 8678.
- Pennine Care Trust (which provides mental health services),
Telephone 0161 778 3991.
For further information contact:
Alice Rea, Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Officer - Pennine Acute (Monday to Wednesday noon),
Telephone: 0161 253 6728.
Julie Edwards, Joint Health Overview & Scrutiny Officer - Pennine Care (Wednesday noon - Friday),
Telephone: 0161 253 6728.
Comments and suggestions for the development and improvement of scrutiny of health services are welcome. Please e-mail scrutinise.it@bury.gov.uk.
