Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Cllr Paul-Austin Sargent, and District Cllr Val Shaw.

Barbara Shaw declared that she was the chair of Healthwatch, and a patient safety

partner.

Sylvia Buckingham declared that she was a patient safety partner with Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (OUH), and a Trustee for Healthwatch Oxfordshire.

Cllr Emma Garnett declared that they were employed by the Department of Primary

Healthcare at the University of Oxford.

Cllr Jane Hanna declared an interest as an employee of SUDEP Action.

To APPROVE the minutes of the meeting held on 11 September 2025 and to receive information arising from them.

The Committee APPROVED the minutes of the meeting held on 11 September 2025, as a true and accurate record subject to the following amendment:

• to emphasise the Committee’s unanimous decision for a letter to be sent on their behalf to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care in regards to the role of Independent Service Providers in NHS Ophthalmology.

Members of the public who wish to speak on an item on the agenda at this meeting, or present a petition, can attend the meeting in person or ‘virtually’ through an online connection.

Requests to present a petition must be submitted no later than 9am ten working days before the meeting, i.e. 06 November 2025

Requests to speak must be submitted no later than 9am three working days before the meeting, i.e. 17 November 2025

Requests should be submitted to the Scrutiny Officer at omid.nouri@oxfordshire.gov.uk AND scrutiny@oxfordshire.gov.uk.

If you are speaking ‘virtually’, you may submit a written statement of your presentation to ensure that if the technology fails, then your views can still be taken into account. A written copy of your statement can be provided no later than 9am on the day of the meeting. Written submissions should be no longer than 1 A4 sheet.

Roseanne Edwards (reporter for the Banbury Guardian) addressed the Committee, expressing concern over insufficient scrutiny and representation for the Horton General Hospital catchment, particularly in maternity services. She stated that the downgrading of the Horton’s obstetric unit resulted in overstretched care at the John Radcliffe, negatively impacting Banbury residents. Roseanne called for proper local representation and a dedicated meeting to ensure Banbury’s growing population receives adequate hospital services tailored to its needs.

The Committee received a response to its Recommendation on retaining the independent patient voice in Oxfordshire.

The Committee is asked to NOTE this response.

The Committee NOTED the response to its recommendation on retaining the independent patient voice in Oxfordshire.

The purpose of this item is for the Committee to formally AGREE to the establishment, scope and timescales of a Primary Care Access and Estates Working Group. This Working Group will specifically focus on General Practice Services in Oxfordshire.

The Committee is RECOMMENDED to:

1.    CONFIRM its support for the establishment of a Primary Care working group.

2.    AGREE to the proposed membership of the working group (Cllr Jane Hanna, City Cllr Louise Upton, Cllr Gareth Epps, Cllr Paul-Austin Sargent, Cllr Ron Batstone, District Cllr Katharine Keats-Rohan).

3.    AGREE to the scope and Methodology of the working group’s planned activities.

4.    AGREE to receive an update on the working group’s activities and findings and recommendations in June 2026.

The Committee reviewed a paper outlining the scope, membership, methodology, and timeline for a new Primary Care Access and Estates Working Group.

The Committee AGREED to formally set up the group, confirming its proposed membership (Cllr Jane Hanna, City Cllr Louise Upton, Cllr Gareth Epps, Cllr Paul-Austin Sargent, Cllr Ron Batstone, District Cllr Katharine Keats-Rohan) and its planned activities.

It was also AGREED that updates and recommendations would be presented at the Committee’s June 2026 public meeting. Concerns were raised about future population growth and planning pressures, and it was agreed these would be considered within the scope of the working group’s work.

The Chair will provide a verbal update on relevant issues since the last meeting.

A report was submitted to the ICB on behalf of the Committee with recommendations on General Practice Services in Oxfordshire, this is attached in the agenda papers for this item.

A report was submitted to Oxfordshire system partners on behalf of the Committee with recommendations on retaining the Independent Patient Voice Function in Oxfordshire. This can also be found in the agenda papers for this item.

Another report was also submitted on behalf of the Committee with recommendations on Eyecare Services in Oxfordshire. This is also attached in the agenda papers for this item.

The Committee is asked to NOTE the attached letter sent the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, on behalf of the Committee, on 29^th September 2025, to request a national review of independent service providers in NHS ophthalmology.

The Committee is asked to NOTE the attached letter that was also sent to all of Oxfordshire’s MPs, on behalf of the Committee, on the 7^th October 2025, to brief the MPs and seek their support for retaining the Independent patient voice in Oxfordshire.

The Committee is recommended to Note the Chair’s update having raised any relevant questions.

The Chair reported that a meeting had taken place with the Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board (ICB) to address concerns about the rising population in Didcot Great Western Park and delays in communication regarding GP services. An update from the ICB was expected in early 2026. The Committee had also submitted an interim report to the ICB with recommendations on general practice services, ahead of the new working group’s activities. Another report was sent to Oxfordshire System Partners with a recommendation to preserve the independent patient voice function in Oxfordshire. A report was also submitted to the NHS with recommendations on Ophthalmology services.

A letter was sent to all Oxfordshire MPs seeking support for retaining the independent patient voice in Oxfordshire.

A letter was sent to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care on behalf of the Committee, expressing concerns about the role of Independent Service Providers in NHS Ophthalmology.

The Chair highlighted that a public meeting was convened by the Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, and West Berkshire Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee (BOB HOSC), which discussed NHS reforms and provider collaboratives. The Chair (Cllr Jane Hanna) was elected to Chair the BOB HOSC, which would now be hosted by Oxfordshire County Council. It was NOTED that a new constitution for the ICB would be required due to national changes, extending the ICB’s footprint into parts of East Berkshire. The Chair expressed disappointment that there would be no engagement or consultation on the new ICB constitution, as it would be directed nationally.

Further updates included mention of a paper that was submitted to BOB HOSC in its October meeting on provider collaboratives across the BOB geography, which showed progress and savings from providers working together. It was explained that the new ICB boundaries would likely require changes to the BOB HOSC’S membership and terms of reference. The Chair concluded by noting the significant ongoing changes and reforms to the NHS on a national scale.

Caroline Kelly has been invited to present two reports on the topic of Children’s Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health.

PLEASE NOTE: There are two reports attached to this item:

1.    A report providing an update on the Children’s Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health Strategy and CAMHS Services.

2.    A report providing an update on School Health Nurses in Oxfordshire.

The Committee is invited to consider these reports, raise any questions and AGREE any recommendations arising it may wish to make.

Oxfordshire County Council Officers and NHS partners were invited to present two reports on the topic of Children’s Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health; one on the Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health Strategy and CAMHS, and another on school Health Nurses. The following were invited to present the reports to the Committee and answer the Committee’s questions:

• Cllr Sean Gaul, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People
• Ansaf Azhar, Director of Public Health & Communities
• Lisa Lyons, Director of Children’s Services
• Caroline Kelly, Head of Integrated Commissioning - Start Well
• Dan Leveson, BOB ICB Director of Place and Communities
• Jannette Smith, Public Health Principal
• Mark Chambers, Head of Children’s Community Services
• Mattew Tait, BOB ICB Chief Delivery Officer
• Dr Rob Bale, Interim Chief Operating Officer for Mental Health and Learning Disability
• Sue Butt, Oxford Health NHSFT Transformation Director
• Vicky Norman, Head of Oxfordshire Children & Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)

The Committee received a presentation on Children’s Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health. The Head of Children’s Community Services outlined recent developments, including the expansion of school health nursing to all secondary schools and colleges, with a particular focus on mental health support. The TellMi app had been successfully launched, showing strong uptake among LGBTQ+ youth. Family learning and support programmes were under review, and a new service for primary schools was due to launch. Progress was being monitored through data dashboards.

The Head of Oxfordshire CAMHS described several initiatives: the supportive steps model for parents, the SHaRoN online support platform, and increased neurodevelopmental assessments via external providers. AI tools were being used to triage referrals, and the Andy Clinic provided support for anxiety and depression. The Thames Valley Link programme engaged hard-to-reach young people. Work continued on transitions to adult services and collaborative projects with children’s social care.

The Cabinet Member was asked about the priority given to children’s mental health and the requirements for effective, sustainable delivery of the emotional wellbeing and mental health strategy. He confirmed that children’s mental health remained a top priority, though sustainable funding was challenging due to ongoing pressures. He reaffirmed his commitment to the strategy, pledged to act on the Committee recommendations, and highlighted opportunities for better service integration through family hubs and neighbourhood working.

Questions were raised regarding the tracking of progress against the strategy, the main challenges in implementation, and the factors behind rising mental health concerns. Officers explained that progress was monitored bimonthly via board meetings, action plans, and highlight reports, using both quantitative and qualitative data, including feedback from children and families. Challenges included increased demand and resource limitations.

Concerns were expressed by the Committee about the lack of lived experiences of young people in the report and the involvement and resilience of the voluntary sector. Officers responded that lived experience was increasingly being integrated through youth forums, peer support workers, and co-production with young people and parents, though better coordination was needed. The voluntary sector’s role was recognised as vital, especially in early support and outreach, with ongoing work to strengthen  ...  view the full minutes text for item 64/25

Dr Michelle Brennan and Dan Leveson have been invited to present a report providing an update on the ongoing work to develop a Neighbourhood Health Plan for Oxfordshire.

The Committee is invited to consider the report, raise any questions and AGREE any recommendations arising it may wish to make before this plan is presented to the Oxfordshire Health and Wellbeing Board for approval on 4 December 2025.

With the agreement of the Committee, the Chair varied the agenda and took item 10 before item 9.

Oxfordshire’s system partners were invited to present a report providing an update on the ongoing work to develop a Neighbourhood Health Plan for Oxfordshire. The Committee invited the following Officers to answer questions:

• Ansaf Azhar, Director of Public Health & Communities
• Chris wright, Associate Director of Place – Oxfordshire BOB ICB
• Ian Bottomley, Deputy Director, Integrated Commissioning – HESC
• Kate Holburn, Deputy Director of Public Health
• Lily O’Connor, Programme Director Urgent and Emergency Care for Oxfordshire BOB ICB
• Dr Michelle Brennan, Chair Oxfordshire GP Leadership Group
• Sue Butt, Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust Transformation Director
• Victoria Baran, Deputy Director of Adult Social Care

The Committee received an update on the development of Oxfordshire’s neighbourhood health plan. The deadline for submitting the final plan had been extended beyond December 2025, allowing more time for partners to refine the plan. The Chair emphasised that this extension would help avoid a rushed process and enable a more robust outcome. The meeting provided an opportunity for scrutiny and recommendations.

Discussion began with concerns about implementing strategic changes, such as shifting care from hospitals to the community, prioritising prevention, and increasing digitalisation, without additional funding. The Head of Joint Commissioning -Age Well explained that aligning the neighbourhood health plan with the Better Care Fund (BCF) would be essential, as many services supported by the BCF would underpin the neighbourhood agenda. Despite financial challenges, partners were expected to coordinate creatively and maximise the impact of existing resources.

Efficient use of the BCF was identified as a key lever for cross-sector collaboration and resource allocation. The adoption of population health management approaches was also emphasised, enabling collective use of data for targeted prevention and addressing unmet needs. Integrating services at the neighbourhood level and building strong relationships were considered vital. The Committee expressed confidence that partnership working and resource alignment could drive the required changes.

The value of community projects and lessons from co-production and voluntary sector involvement were discussed, with the Wantage Community Hospital project cited as an example of transformation from a hospital-based to a community-focused initiative. The importance of engaging the voluntary sector and leveraging local assets was highlighted, alongside the need to map community activity and integrate voluntary sector knowledge. Co-production and voluntary sector engagement were deemed essential for effective prevention and holistic neighbourhood planning.

The governance structure for the neighbourhood health plan was examined, particularly regarding the involvement of voluntary, community, faith, and social enterprise sectors. A dedicated stakeholder event had been held to discuss engagement methods, with approaches tailored to suit different organisations’ capacities. Ongoing collaboration with infrastructure organisations, regular meetings with the voluntary sector, and offers for representation on key boards were noted, aiming for both information sharing and genuine influence over decision-making.

The role of overarching organisations in representing the voluntary sector within the plan’s governance was considered. While organisations such as Healthwatch sat on the Place-Based Partnership Board, it was acknowledged  ...  view the full minutes text for item 65/25

Veronica Barry (Executive Director of Healthwatch Oxfordshire) has been invited to present the Healthwatch Oxfordshire Update Report.

The Committee is invited to consider the Healthwatch Oxfordshire update and NOTE it having raised any questions arising.

Veronica Barry, the Executive Director of Healthwatch Oxfordshire, provided an update on recent outreach and research activities. She reported that Healthwatch had published a study on the NHS app, gathering feedback from over 800 people through surveys and street outreach in areas such as Cowley Centre, Banbury, and Charlbury. The findings highlighted concerns about digital exclusion, particularly in rural areas with poor connectivity, and among groups such as those with dyslexia or English as a second language. Many respondents expressed a preference for face-to-face contact and worried that digital services might replace human interaction. Recommendations were made to the ICB to improve support and communication about the app’s changes, and to the County Council regarding digital infrastructure.

The Executive Director also summarised a report on trans and non-binary people’s experiences with GP services, noting mixed feedback and a postcode lottery for access to gender-affirming therapies. The ICB committed to more staff training and better guidance for GPs, as well as ongoing engagement with this community.

The Executive Director also announced a new survey on end-of-life care, developed with the palliative care network, aiming to understand people’s aspirations and planning needs, with outreach to community groups and street interviews. The Committee were also informed of ongoing community research with groups such as Oxford Community Action, the Chinese community, and Sunrise Cultural Centre; focusing on issues like housing, cancer awareness, and families in temporary accommodation.

The Committee NOTED the Healthwatch Oxfordshire Update and thanked the organisation for its ongoing work in upholding an independent patient voice in Oxfordshire.

The Committee is recommended to AGREE to the proposed work programme for its upcoming meetings.

The Committee AGREED to the proposed work programme for its upcoming meetings.

The Committee NOTED that the work plan for the January meeting included the Director of Public Health annual report (noting it would be in a different format than previous years), the Oxfordshire Learning Disability Plan (moved forward from April), and Maternity Services. The Health Visitors update was rescheduled to a later date.

The Committee is recommended to NOTE the progress made against agreed actions and recommendations having raised any questions.

The Committee NOTED the progress outlined in the actions and recommendations tracker.