NORTH YORKSHIRE COUNCIL

15 JULY 2026

STATEMENT OF CHAIR OF SCRUTINY OF HEALTH COMMITTEE

The Scrutiny of Health Committee reviews matters relating to the planning, provision and operation of health services within the county, including Ambulance Trusts and the policies of the Health and Care Partnerships.  A key part of that responsibility is requiring NHS bodies to consult health scrutiny on proposals for substantial developments or variations to local health service provision.  The committee contributes to annual reports by providing feedback to the Integrated Care Boards and the NHS Trusts serving North Yorkshire on their performance and the experiences that the committee has had with them.

Since the last Council meeting in May 2026, the committee met once on 3 July, to consider the following items:

University Hospitals Tees – Case for Change and Strategy

The Committee received a presentation on University Hospitals Tees' emerging strategy for future healthcare delivery across Teesside, East Durham and parts of North Yorkshire.  The Trust outlined the challenges arising from increasing demand, an ageing population, workforce pressures, financial constraints and ageing estate infrastructure, together with proposals to provide more care in community settings and develop consolidated specialist services on fewer sites.

Members examined the implications of the proposals for staff engagement, Hospital at Home services, parking capacity, public engagement and access to services.  Particular attention was given to the impact of rurality, transport links and patient travel, as well as the future role of the Friarage Hospital.  Members requested regular updates as the strategy develops.

Relocation of Harewood Medical Practice and ICB Updates

The Committee considered proposals for the relocation of Harewood Medical Practice from Catterick Garrison Health Centre to the new Catterick Integrated Care Centre.  Members were advised that the move would involve a change of premises only, with existing services and clinical teams remaining unchanged.

Members also received an update on arrangements at Reeth Medical Centre following the expiration of the previous contract and negotiation of new services from the site.  The Committee was advised that primary care services continue to operate from the site through a branch surgery model and discussed ongoing operational challenges and service developments.  A written update was requested for the next meeting.

The Committee also considered wider issues relating to primary care estates and infrastructure across North Yorkshire.  Discussion focused on ageing GP premises, the challenges of accommodating modern models of care, funding constraints, healthcare provision to support housing growth, and opportunities to secure developer contributions through planning processes.  Members also considered parking, dispensary provision and service accessibility in rural communities.

Yorkshire Ambulance Service Update

The Committee received an update on Yorkshire Ambulance Service performance and service developments.  Members were informed of improvements in ambulance response times, reductions in hospital handover delays, and the development of alternative pathways aimed at reducing unnecessary hospital attendance.  Updates were also provided on NHS 111 services, patient transport services, workforce recruitment and investment in ambulance facilities.

Members considered the introduction of stroke video triage, recruitment of paramedics, patient journeys between hospital sites and the operation of the Non-Emergency Patient Transport Service.  Particular attention was given to the impact of transport eligibility criteria on residents in rural areas and the support available to patients who may face difficulties accessing healthcare appointments.

Healthwatch Report: Women, Alcohol, and Support in North Yorkshire

The Committee received a presentation on Healthwatch North Yorkshire's research into alcohol use and support services for women aged 40 to 60.  The report highlighted links between alcohol consumption and factors such as menopause, caring responsibilities, work pressures and wider wellbeing issues, together with low awareness of available support services.  Members considered the report's findings and recommendations, including the need for earlier intervention, improved awareness of support services and greater focus on underlying wellbeing issues.  The Committee discussed how the findings could be used to support prevention activity and agreed that the report should be shared with the Director of Public Health for comment.

COUNCILLOR ANDREW LEE