The Health and Wellbeing Overview and Scrutiny Committee (OSC) was scheduled to consider a range of important public health matters, including an update on Berwick Hospital, the Northumberland Gambling Strategy, and a Public Health Peer Review. The committee was also scheduled to review its own monitoring report and forward plan.

Berwick Hospital

The committee was scheduled to receive a verbal update on the ongoing situation at Berwick Hospital. It was also scheduled to consider a proposal to establish a Task and Finish Group to further discuss the hospital's situation.

Public Health and LGA Peer Review

A report was scheduled to be presented to the committee regarding the upcoming Local Government Association (LGA) Public Health Peer Review, which was scheduled to take place in February 2027. This review is part of a Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) funded programme designed to support councils in delivering their public health duties and outcome priorities. The report was scheduled to detail why the review was taking place and what could be expected before, during, and after the review. The review itself was described as a voluntary undertaking where a team of peers would spend three days on-site to identify strengths and areas for improvement, acting as critical friends and trusted advisers.

Northumberland Gambling Strategy

The committee was scheduled to consider a summary of the Northumberland Gambling Strategy. This strategy aims to address the harmful impact of gambling on communities and adopt a preventative approach to its underlying causes. The strategy was developed in partnership with local organisations, stakeholders, services, and residents, and sets out a vision and framework for action. Key priorities identified within the strategy include:

• Maximising Assets: Strengthening early identification of gambling harms through existing services and partners, and ensuring timely, accessible support.
• Education: Building workforce capacity and capability, and increasing public awareness of gambling risks.
• Collaboration: Mobilising communities, fostering effective partnership working, and promoting the voices of those with lived experience.
• Systemwide Approach: Promoting evidence-based practice and identifying opportunities related to regulation and advertising.

The report highlighted that Northumberland has a higher rate of gambling participation than the England average, although the rate of gambling harm is comparable to the North East average and slightly lower than the national average. The strategy aims to reduce health and social inequalities by targeting prevention and support towards those most at risk.

Health and Wellbeing OSC Monitoring Report

The committee was scheduled to consider its monitoring report for the 2026/27 period. This report would provide an overview of the committee's activities and progress against its work programme.

Health and Wellbeing Board Minutes

The minutes of the Health and Wellbeing Board meeting held on 13 August 2026 were scheduled to be presented for scrutiny.

Forward Plan

The committee was scheduled to note the latest Forward Plan of key decisions. Any further changes to the Forward Plan were to be reported at the meeting.

Urgent Business

The committee was scheduled to consider any urgent business that, in the opinion of the Chair, should be considered due to special circumstances.