Issue - meetings

Assembly received and noted the Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report presented by the Divisional Director of Legal and Democratic Services.

The Lead Member for the Health and Adult Services Select Committee, Councillor Twomey, advised Assembly that the last year had been challenging but ultimately successful for the Committee and that in the forthcoming year it would continue to:

·  scrutinise health services

·  consult with local residents

·  fight for the East Dagenham Community Hospital

·  monitor progress of the Barking Birthing Centre

·  fight any reduction in GPs' out of hours services

·  oppose the closure of the Broad Street Walk-in Centre

·  challenge proposed A&E cuts

Councillor Twomey would report back to the Assembly following the report of the Independent Re-Configuration Panel to the Secretary of State for Health, which was expected on 22 July 2011.

The Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care thanked the Committee for the work it had done.  She further thanked the Committee and the Assembly for their continued commitment to fight the cuts proposed by NHS management.