Local authorities' role in relation to the health of their citizens has changed considerably over time. Recently, the emphasis has been on working in partnership with local health organisations to deliver seamless care. While this remains a key role, the Health and Social Care Act 2001 gives those English authorities with responsibility for social services a new power.
Beginning in 2002/03, local authority overview and scrutiny committees (OSCs) will be able to make reports and recommendations on matters relating to the local health service, and to require local NHS representatives to attend meetings to answer questions. NHS bodies will have a duty to provide information to OSCs, and to consult them on proposals for major reconfigurations.
This paper has been written to help local authorities to develop and implement health scrutiny in their areas. It also aims to inform local NHS bodies about the new role, and to encourage them to become involved in how it works locally.
Drawing on experiences of scrutiny to date, the paper highlights options and suggests good practice to ensure that scrutiny delivers meaningful improvements in local health. It also makes recommendations to the Department of Health concerning the content of regulations and guidance to be issued under the provisions of the Health and Social Care Act 2001.
Included in this management paper:
- critical questions for the health scrutiny role
- developing health scrutiny locally
- recommendations