The Health Scrutiny Committee of Bury Council met on Wednesday 24 June 2026 to discuss a range of health and care-related issues. Key topics included an update on the Healthwatch Bury Annual Report, the outcome of the Local Authority SEND Monitoring Inspection, and the results of the Adult Social Care CQC Assessment. The committee also reviewed the Adult Social Care Performance Report for Quarter Four 2025/26 and received updates on urgent care and national policy for neighbourhood working.

Healthwatch Bury Annual Report

The committee received an overview of the Healthwatch Bury Annual Report from Andrew Griffiths, Chief Operating Officer of Healthwatch Bury. The report highlighted Healthwatch's work in gathering residents' experiences of health and care services, strengthening the patient voice, and influencing service improvement. Members noted the uncertainty surrounding future national arrangements for Healthwatch and the ongoing work across Greater Manchester to consider future delivery models. Councillor Debra Green raised the potential for better integration between Healthwatch and the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) to avoid silo working and improve the use of shared intelligence. Councillor Michael Rubinstein welcomed the report and sought reassurance regarding the organisation's future, requesting that any significant developments be reported to the committee. Councillor Tariq, Cabinet Member for Adult Care, Health and Public Service Reform, provided an update on discussions within Greater Manchester, emphasising a strong position in support of maintaining an independent patient voice function. It was agreed that the committee would receive further updates on the future of Healthwatch and that Healthwatch Bury would provide clarification on a waiting time statistic and further information on pharmacy-related matters.

Bury's Local Area SEND Monitoring Inspection

Councillor Tom Pilkington, Deputy Cabinet Member for Health and Care, introduced the report on Bury's Local Area SEND Monitoring Inspection. He highlighted the collaborative approach taken and acknowledged that while the positive inspection outcome was a significant milestone, it represented a snapshot in time, and further improvements were still required. Councillor Shadman Zaman sought clarification on how the actions taken addressed the six priority areas identified in previous inspections. Jeanette Richards explained that the monitoring inspection assessed progress made and the effectiveness of actions taken. Councillor Ciaron Boles questioned how the proposed write-off of the High Needs Block deficit would contribute to improving outcomes. Jeanette Richards noted the ongoing national uncertainty around SEND funding and future demand, and the development of a three-year SEND Reform Strategic Plan. Councillor Martin raised concerns about lengthy assessment waiting times, and Ian Trafford explained the improvements made to adult assessment pathways and the establishment of a Neurodevelopmental Hub. It was agreed that officers would provide members with accurate waiting time figures, details of the assessment pathway and improvement programme, and a briefing paper on forthcoming SEND reforms.

Outcome of CQC Local Authority Assessment of Adult Social Care

Councillor Tariq presented the report on the outcome of Bury's Local Authority Adult Social Care CQC Assessment, which resulted in an overall judgement of 'Good'. The assessment recognised strengths including strong integration with NHS partners, effective co-production, a positive organisational culture, and timely support for carers. Councillor FitzGerald acknowledged the transparency of Adrian Crook, Director of Community Commissioning, regarding areas for improvement. Councillor Martin inquired about improving awareness of out-of-hours support services, and Councillor Tariq emphasised the importance of partnership working. Adrian Crook added that feedback included comments on responsive and personalised support. Councillor Southworth suggested more should be done to communicate the positive support available and asked about access to digital services. Councillor Green asked about support for unpaid carers, and Councillor Tariq explained the co-production emphasis and future commissioning arrangements. Councillor Zaman enquired about measures for assessing respite provision, and officers advised that a review was underway. Councillor Boles asked about staff feedback, and Councillor Tariq confirmed that staff engagement had been a key part of the process. It was agreed that members would receive further information on carers' commissioning arrangements and respite provision, along with comparative Greater Manchester CQC assessment outcome data.

Adult Social Care Performance Report for Quarter Four, 2025/26

The committee considered the Adult Social Care Performance Report for Quarter Four, 2025/26. Adrian Crook highlighted that this had been a positive period, though assessment completion rates had reduced, and further improvement was required. Councillor Martin raised concerns about a specific case with a waiting time of over 500 days for an occupational therapy assessment, and Adrian Crook advised that the target was to reduce waiting times to below 50 days. Councillor Zaman queried whether the data reflected unmet need or demand management. Members discussed the impact of extended waits for occupational therapy assessments and requested that future reports include information on available support. Councillor Simpson raised concerns about social worker caseloads, and Adrian Crook confirmed that caseloads were monitored closely, alongside staff wellbeing, recruitment, and retention. The committee also received an update on engagement work with older residents and discussed survey results showing that the proportion of people reporting a positive experience remained below 50%. It was agreed that future reports would include further commentary on long waiting times for occupational therapy assessments, continue to monitor social worker caseloads, and provide updates on engagement work with the Bury Older People's Network.

Health and Care Update

Will Blandamer, Executive Director for Health and Adult Care, provided an update on the health and care system. The presentation covered the Bury Integrated Care Partnership's priorities, including population health management, prevention, transforming community care, and optimising care in institutional settings. It outlined ten programmes of work, including urgent care, major conditions, mental health, and adult social care transformation. The committee was informed about the Bury Whole System plan for Neighbourhood Working, which aims to create integrated neighbourhood teams and leadership teams to improve local service delivery. The presentation also detailed national policy for neighbourhood working, emphasising a left shift towards prevention, community, and digital care. An update on urgent care was provided, detailing performance at Fairfield General Hospital, including 4-hour and 12-hour wait times, ambulance handovers, and corridor care. The report also covered the outcome of the IMC CQC Inspection, which rated Killalea as 'Outstanding' and Falcon and Griffin services as 'Good'.

Chair's Standing Item

The Chair provided an update on the Northern Care Alliance (NCA) Scrutiny Committee meeting and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) Health Scrutiny Committee meeting. The NCA meeting reviewed operational and financial performance, agreeing actions on budget challenges, sickness absence, referral to treatment performance, and waiting list management. The GMCA Health Scrutiny Committee discussed the Integrated Care Partnership's Anti-Racism Programme, expressing concern regarding reported racism and hate crime. The committee also considered the NHS Greater Manchester VCSE Engagement Grant Funding Model. It was resolved that future performance reports would include Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) data for Fairfield General Hospital.