Agenda and minutes

Apologies were noted from Councillor Clive Pearson, with Councillor Yvonne Peacock substituting, and Councillor John Mann.

To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 4 July 2025 as an accurate record, and for the Chair to sign them.

Resolved:  That the minutes of the meeting held on 4 July 2025, having been printed and circulated, be taken as read and be confirmed and signed by the Chair as a correct record.

All Members are invited to declare at this point any interests they have in items appearing on this agenda, including the nature of those interests.

Councillor Mike Jordan declared a non-registerable interest in relation to Item 6, as a member of Sherburn Group Practice Patient Participation Group.

Councillor Liz Colling declared a non-registerable interest in relation to Items 6 and 8, as a member of the Council of Governors of York and Scarborough Hospital Trust, appointed by North Yorkshire Council.

Councillor Nick Brown declared a non-registerable interest in relation to Item 9, as a Stakeholder Governor to the Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust.

Report of the Senior Democratic Services Officer, updating the committee on progress made against matters arising at the previous meeting.

The Committee considered the report of the Senior Democratic Services Officer, updating on progress on issues and actions raised at the last committee meeting.

Resolved:  That the report be noted.

Members of the public may ask questions or make statements at this meeting if they have given notice to Edward Maxwell of Democratic Services (edward.maxwell@northyorks.gov.uk) by midday on Tuesday 30 September 2025, three working days before the day of the meeting. Each speaker should limit themselves to 3 minutes on any item.  Members of the public who have given notice will be invited to speak:

·         at this point in the meeting if their questions/statements relate to matters which are not otherwise on the Agenda (subject to an overall time limit of 30 minutes);

·         when the relevant Agenda item is being considered if they wish to speak on a matter which is on the Agenda for this meeting.

If you are exercising your right to speak at this meeting, but do not wish to be recorded, please inform the Chair who will instruct anyone who may be taking a recording to cease while you speak.

A statement was received from Rachel Prest, which was read to the committee ahead of the consideration of Item 8:

In your written response to my question posed at the meeting of 4^th July about the provision of kidney dialysis in Ryedale especially holiday dialysis you stated that you were exploring whether a self-care facility for dialysis could be established at Malton Hospital.  Please could you offer an update on this and if established would it be available to holiday patients. Thank you.

An answer was provided at the start of that item by Eleanor King, Senior Operational Manager:

Thank you for raising this important question and highlighting the significance of dialysis away from base and holiday dialysis for patients.  These services are vital for maintaining family connections, enabling travel, supporting employment, and ensuring quality of life.  We fully recognise their importance.  In terms of progress, colleagues at Hull have recently been in discussions with Fresenius, who operate the Scarborough Renal Unit.  Modifications are underway to create two additional dialysis spaces, which may offer some short-term flexibility. Fresenius will assess whether they have the capacity to offer additional sessions.

At Malton Hospital, we are exploring the use of available space for a home therapies and self-care dialysis unit, similar to the facility in Selby.  In parallel, we are progressing a project at Easingwold, where the current renal unit requires replacement.  This may also provide opportunities to expand services and accommodate similar functions.  Our lead renal technician is overseeing the Malton project, working with estates colleagues and seeking design input. Funding will be required for the scheme, and while a solution is not yet in place, we are actively working on it and remain mindful of the need.

Annual report of the Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board.

Lisa Pope presented the annual report and accounts for the Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) for 2024-25, noting a year of progress amid ongoing uncertainty.  Key improvements were reported in urgent and emergency care metrics, elective waiting lists, and the expansion of cancer and diagnostic services.  Highlights included the development of the Catterick Integrated Care Centre, the establishment of diagnostic hubs in Ripon and Scarborough, and the signing of the Armed Forces Covenant.  Members were informed of pending government direction regarding a proposed 50% reduction in ICBs, and that the implications for local services remain unclear.

Members discussed the rollout of triage systems in primary care, including the use of healthcare navigators to prioritise cases based on clinical need.  Concerns were raised about missed return calls and the impact on patient access.  It was confirmed that practices implement these systems in varied formats, including forms, phone calls, and online consultations.  The planned Scarborough Diagnostic Centre was discussed, with members noting its location in Eastfield and associated transport challenges.  The ICB is working with bus providers to improve access, including the provision of a bus stop.  The absence of a CDC in Harrogate was noted, with members expressing concern over capacity and equity.  A peripatetic CDC model for North Yorkshire is under consideration.  Members welcomed the success of integrated working and neighbourhood health initiatives, including co-location with council colleagues and the development of health and wellbeing hubs in Ripon, Whitby, and Selby.

Members recognised improvements across services and confirmed that the ten priority indicators are assessed annually.  Concerns were raised regarding access to NHS dentistry, particularly for military families, with a business case in development to expand provision at the Catterick Integrated Care Campus.  The importance of recognising early onset dementia was emphasised, with a request to strengthen planning and data collection in collaboration with public health teams.  Members reflected on the proposed abolition of public governors, expressing support for continued stakeholder engagement.  The role of non-medical interventions was discussed, with reference to leisure services and voluntary sector referrals via healthcare navigators.  A trial to reduce delayed hospital discharges was highlighted, with significant progress made through improved coordination and market engagement.

Resolved:  That the report be noted.

Report of the Tees, Esk, and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust.

An update was provided by Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust (TEWV) on progress following recent Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspections.  The report outlined actions taken to address identified concerns, including improvements to inpatient care, governance structures, and patient safety protocols.  Members were informed of ongoing work to embed changes across services, with oversight from NHS England and the CQC.  The Trust reaffirmed its commitment to co-production, transparency, and continuous improvement, with further updates anticipated as part of the Trust’s five-year transformation programme.

Members acknowledged the progress made by the Trust, particularly in reducing out-of-area placements and completing works at Roseberry House.  Concerns were raised about delays in accessing care, especially for young people, with ADHD assessments noted as having a one-year wait.  The Trust confirmed ongoing work with the ICB to streamline pathways, with an update expected within two months.  Questions were raised about appraisal completion rates, with clarification that medical staff had achieved 100% compliance, while administrative delays affected other groups.  Members also queried the location and number of planned mental health hubs, with Scarborough and Ryedale confirmed and a third site under consideration.

Resolved:  That the report be noted.

Report of York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Eleanor King, Dr San Balasubramanian, and Lucy Brown delivered a presentation on Renal Services in the Trust area.  The presentation outlined current service delivery models, including in-centre and home dialysis, transplant follow-up care, and conservative management options.  It highlighted the geographic spread of services, collaborative working with partner trusts, and the increasing demand for renal replacement therapies.  Data from the Renal Registry was shared, showing demographic trends and service pressures.  The Trust emphasised the need for sustainable planning to meet future demand and improve patient outcomes through integrated, patient-centred care.

Members welcomed the presentation and raised concerns about geographic coverage and patient travel times, particularly in areas such as Northallerton and the Moors.  It was suggested that reports from neighbouring trusts be reviewed by the Committee at a future meeting, to identify potential service gaps.  The Trust confirmed that some patients travel over an hour for dialysis, with coverage extending from Thirsk to Selby.  Questions were raised about public awareness of chronic kidney disease and the role of public health in prevention, with the Trust confirming collaboration with primary care partners.  Members discussed transplant services, noting that most procedures are carried out in Leeds, with some more specialised operations taking place in Manchester.  Concerns were expressed about future planning and capacity forecasting, with the Trust acknowledging limitations in long-term projections.  The benefits of home dialysis and patient-led care were highlighted, alongside the importance of patient choice and independence.

Resolved:  That the report be noted.

For the committee to consider its recommendation to Council following a review of the matter referred to Scrutiny of Health Committee in February 2024 as follows:

“This Council, recognising that prostate cancer can develop without obvious symptoms, will write to the Secretary of State for health and social care Wes Streeting, seeking a reassurance that a national testing scheme will be made available to men aged 40+ and those men with a family history of breast, ovarian and prostate cancer as a priority supporting Prostate cancer UK’s “Faster Fairer Better campaign”.

This Council will promote an awareness campaign by publishing the risk to certain groups and to promote awareness by siting posters in male toilets and the council-owned estate such as council offices, depots, and leisure centres encouraging men over 40 and those most at risk to ask their doctor for a PSA blood test to detect more cases early in the progress of the disease”.

Report presented by Democratic Services and Public Health.

Edward Maxwell (Senior Democratic Services Officer) and Vic Turner (Public Health Consultant) presented a report, summarising a Notice of Motion brought to Council on 16 July 2025, and referred to Scrutiny of Health for a recommendation ahead of its reconsideration at Council on 12 November.  The supporting evidence outlined that while prostate cancer is a significant health concern, current screening methods,  particularly PSA testing, do not meet national criteria for a population-wide programme due to risks of overdiagnosis and false results.  The report highlighted that North Yorkshire Council already promotes awareness through campaigns and resources.

Members broadly acknowledged the complexity of prostate cancer screening, noting that PSA testing is an initial but imperfect tool that can lead to false positives and unnecessary interventions.  While some expressed concern about overdiagnosis and the limits of current screening methods, others emphasised the importance of early detection and public awareness.  There was consensus that any recommendation should align with expert advice from the National Screening Committee and Prostate Cancer UK, with support expressed for targeted awareness and a timely review of screening evidence.

Resolved:  That the committee:

a)    note the report,

b)    agree the following amended Notice of Motion:

                      i.        This Council will write to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Wes Streeting, asking that the National Screening Committee undertake its evidence review, which was scheduled for 2023/24, in as timely manner as possible.

                     ii.        This Council will continue to promote awareness of prostate cancer symptoms through its existing Public Health initiatives, and that Public Health investigate displaying material across council-operated buildings.

c)    refer the amended Notice of Motion to the meeting of Council on 12 November 2025 for a decision.

Report of the Senior Democratic Services Officer, updating the Committee on current performance data.

Edward Maxwell (Senior Democratic Services Officer) presented a report summarising key public health indicators and service outcomes.  Highlights included strong results in adult weight management, smoking cessation, NHS health checks, child development reviews, and drug and alcohol services.  Members were invited to note the data and consider potential lines of enquiry for future activity for Scrutiny of Health.

Resolved:  That the report be noted.

The committee’s outline programme of work for 2025/26 was considered.

Resolved:  That the committee approves the proposed programme of work.

Monday 8 December 2025 at 10:00, in the Grand Meeting Room at County Hall, Northallerton.

Monday 8 December 2025, at 10:00, in the Grand Meeting Room, County Hall, Northallerton, DL7 8AD.