The Chair introduced her report that provided an update regarding progress made since the last Committee meeting held on 27 November 2018. The report informed that the current work programme was made up of a combination of scrutiny reviews, workshops, standing items and requested officer reports. The update report provided the Committee with an opportunity to plan, review and evaluate its work across the municipal year. The work programme for the Adult Care and Health Overview ad Scrutiny Committee for the 2018/19 municipal year was attached as Appendix 1 to the report.

The Chair informed that a request had been made for a follow up meeting of the Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee (Wirral and Cheshire West and Chester Councils) that had been established to consider cross-boundary issues arising from the recent consultation on Urgent Care Treatment proposals.

Dr Sue Wells, Chair Wirral CCG informed that a significant amount of data had been collected and required analysis before the CCG could take the next step in the process. Work continued, and it might be inadvisable for the matter to be considered during Purdah, given that both Local Authorities were holding elections in May. The Chair suggested that a June meeting might be an appropriate time to re-convene the Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

Members questioned Dr Wells with regard to funding available for the provision of additional GP appointments and nursing vacancies.

The Chair reminded Members that a number of Councillors had not completed Healthwatch training, and highlighted that this would need to done before reality check visits could be undertaken.

Resolved – That the report be noted.