This committee deals with the scrutiny of health matters. Its main focus is external to the council as it has a formal role as a consultee in respect of NHS proposals for substantial variations or development of health services in Warrington.

Composition - 11 elected members.

Corporate ambition: Healthy and active.

This OSC will:

(a) fulfill the health scrutiny duties falling on the council by virtue of the Health and Social Care Act 2001

(b) liaise with NHS bodies on any matter relating to the planning, provision and operation of health services in Warrington, including commenting on the annual "health check" of performance

(c) respond to any formal consultations undertaken by NHS bodies on any substantial development or variation in service

(d) if necessary, report to the Secretary for Health or monitor where the committee is concerned that consultation on substantial developments or variations in service has been in adequate and where the committee considers that the proposal is not in the interests of the health service or the people of Warrington

(e) participate with other relevant local authorities external to Warrington in joint scrutiny arrangements of NHS Trusts providing cross-border services to Warrington residents

(f) commission scrutiny reviews, in particular through the Warrington LSP Healthier Communities Group, to ensure that all sections of Warrington’s local communities have equal access to health services and have an equal chance of a successful outcome from those services

(g) oversee local health scrutiny arrangements in Warrington, commissioning work and receiving reports and recommendations as appropriate

(h) provide a programme of training and development for all members and co-opted members involved in health scrutiny

(i) deal with any matter referred by the Department of Health, a patients' forum or by another scrutiny select committee.