Health Scrutiny Panel

One function of the Health Panel is to monitor healthcare locally. In 2008/09 the Panel came to consider the provision of school nurses and speech therapists in the district’s schools.

The Panel heard evidence from representatives of the Eastern and Coastal Kent NHS Community Services and St Alphege Church of England School in Whitstable. The meeting offered the opportunity to hear about the current and future development of the school nurse service, discuss issues of mutual interest, voice any concerns and ask questions.

The Panel also discussed with heath professionals about plans for the urology clinic at Kent and Canterbury Hospital. The Panel learnt about improvements being made to the clinic with the aim of creating a better environment for patients using the service.

Finally the Panel responded to the Department of Health’s consultation on the use of 084 telephone numbers in the NHS. The Panel were concerned that the 084 numbers that some General Practices use, can cost patients far more than a local rate call, particularly if the call is made from a mobile phone. This formed the basis of the Panel’s response to the consultation.

Related Links: Health Scrutiny background | Health Scrutiny future work