Supporting Health Scrutiny
“The Centre has done a really good job in terms of helping to build capacity for effective health scrutiny across the country. However, I recognise that they could not have achieved this without the enthusiastic support of OSCs and other stakeholders. The nature of patient and public involvement will change in 2008 as Local Involvement Networks are established. The support from CfPS has positioned OSCs to provide stability at this time, making sure that commissioners and providers are influenced by the voices of local people.”
Rosie Winterton, former Minister for Health Services
Since 2004, the Centre for Public Scrutiny has been running a Department of Health funded support programme for the 150 health overview and scrutiny committees of social services authorities as they developed their power to promote the well-being of local communities through effective scrutiny of health and healthcare issues. The programme finished in June 2007 and had the following key elements:
- practical advice and guidance
- action learning programme
- expert advisory team - getting ready for LINks
- measuring the impact of health scrutiny
If you are a Chair or member of a health scrutiny committee, an Officer supporting health scrutiny, a non-executive director in the NHS, a Public Governor in a Foundation Trust or a colleague working in patient and public involvement, health and social care or public health you can register to receive a monthly bulletin about health, care and well-being topics, policy and consultation paper updates and news from around the country.
