The Health and Adult Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on 7 January 2026 to discuss a range of important health and social care issues affecting Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Key topics included the annual report of the Safeguarding Adults Board, progress on research initiatives, and plans for sexual and reproductive health commissioning. The committee also addressed public questions regarding hospital capacity, patient consultations, and the use of technology in healthcare.

Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Safeguarding Adults Board Annual Report 2024-2025

The committee received the annual report from the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Safeguarding Adults Board (CIOS SAB) for 2024-2025. The report detailed the board's activities in preventing and responding to abuse and neglect of adults with care and support needs. It highlighted an increase in safeguarding concerns and enquiries, attributed to improved internal processes rather than a rise in risk. The report also detailed learning from three Safeguarding Adult Reviews (SARs) and the establishment of a SAR Implementation Panel to ensure learning from these reviews leads to tangible improvements. Partners, including Cornwall Council, NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board (ICB), Devon and Cornwall Police, and The Cornwall College Group, provided updates on their contributions to safeguarding. The report noted a continued focus on informal carers, neglect and self-neglect, mental health and wellbeing, and the transition of vulnerable young people into adulthood.

Research in Cornwall and Isles of Scilly and the Commercial Research Delivery Centre

An update was provided on the progress of research initiatives in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, with a particular focus on the newly awarded NIHR Commercial Research Delivery Centre (CRDC). Led by Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust (RCHT), the CRDC aims to attract and deliver high-quality commercial research across the region, linking secondary, primary, and community care settings. The committee heard about the expansion of this initiative into primary care with the CRDC-PC and the innovative use of a Mobile Research Unit (MRU) to improve access to research for rural and coastal populations. The report detailed collaborative models with Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (CFT) and the development of a system-led approach through Cornwall One Research (CORe) and the Peninsula Research and Innovation Partnership (PRIP). The committee was informed about the CRDC's expertise across various specialties and its commitment to public, patient, and involvement and engagement (PPIE).

Sexual and Reproductive Health Commissioning

The committee was presented with the commissioning intentions for local Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) services, which are due to be recommissioned as current contracts expire in November 2026. Public Health is responsible for providing these confidential, open-access services, which include STI testing and treatment, contraception, sexual health promotion, and HIV prevention. The recommissioning plans aim to update services to align with the 10-year SRH Strategy, ensuring inclusive and equitable services. The proposed approach involves splitting the procurement into four lots: clinical services, digital/online services, young people's support and education, and community-based prevention and outreach. The report highlighted the importance of these services in addressing rising teenage conceptions and STI diagnoses in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. The committee was asked to support the continuation of these plans.

Public Questions

Several questions were raised by members of the public:

• Ms J Williams asked about current and future contracts with Palantir, particularly concerning the Federated Data Platform (FDP). Councillor Chopak, Chairman of the committee, provided factual information from RCHT officers, explaining that the FDP is a key component of NHS plans for managing health information, with NHS England awarding the contract to a consortium led by Palantir. Trusts and ICBs do not have a direct contractual relationship with Palantir but access the FDP through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly ICB and RCHT have signed the MoU and are exploring its adoption. Ms Williams raised concerns about patient consent and potential withdrawal from the system, and Councillor Chopak assured that patients have the right to opt out and that privacy protections are in place. The committee agreed to discuss this further in future work programme discussions.
• Mrs T Skinner inquired about retaining Polruan's surgery and dispensary. The Integrated Care Board (ICB) acknowledged the importance of local GP and dispensary services in rural areas. Fowey River Practice is currently undertaking a 12-week consultation with patients and the community regarding the future of the Polruan branch surgery. The ICB will carefully review any formal proposals, considering the impact on patients, an Equality Impact Assessment, and the adequacy of consultation. The committee was informed that this consultation would be discussed further as part of the meeting's agenda. In response to a supplementary question about Neighbourhood Teams and rural communities, Alison Bulman, Strategic Director for Safe and Caring Communities, committed to discussing this with ICB colleagues.
• Mr N Morson asked about RCHT's plans for bed capacity and the use of corridor care or extra space when wards are full. Councillor Chopak stated that the committee would be undertaking a site visit to RCHT A&E to understand the situation better. RCHT officers provided information on their Clinical Vision of Flow improvement programme and the use of risk-assessed additional spaces, which are subject to a Standard Operating Procedure. RCHT has a commitment to eradicate corridor care and is finalising an action plan to address this, which will be reported to the Quality Assurance Committee and the RCHT Board. Mr Morson shared his personal experience of being on a trolley at Treliske for an extended period, highlighting the need for effective action plans. The committee agreed to confirm the date of a site visit and provide a briefing note on its outcomes.

Questions from Members to Cabinet Members on their Updates

Updates were presented by Cabinet members. A Member queried the timeline for the publication of a Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection report, noting potential delays due to the national pre-election period. Officers confirmed that action planning would still be informed by the final report.

Clustering Arrangements for the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board (CIOS ICB)

The committee received a report on national clustering requirements affecting the CIOS ICB. It was noted that clustering is nationally directed, with the ICB retaining sovereignty until a proposed merger in 2027. Members were informed of a required 33% workforce reduction locally, with voluntary redundancy processes being used. Concerns were raised about service equity between Cornwall and neighbouring areas, with clarification that separate operational plans and budgets would continue. A three-year operational and financial plan has been developed and will be shared with the committee. The committee agreed to maintain regular oversight and receive further reports from the ICB, including the three-year plan and performance reports, and welcomed the ICB's commitment to transparency.

Progress by Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC) Cornwall

An update was provided on the progress of the Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC) Cornwall, which is funded nationally to strengthen evidence-based practice and reduce health inequalities. Partnerships with universities and the voluntary sector have contributed to new research activity and training. A draft three-year strategy has been produced, incorporating community engagement insights. The committee recognised the progress made and agreed to contribute to the development of the strategy, which will be shared with them upon finalisation.

Personalisation and Co-production Future Plans

The committee received an update on embedding personalisation and co-production in Adult Social Care. It was noted that co-production has evolved from consultation to shared decision-making, with a Seven Keys of Citizenship framework adopted widely. This approach has reportedly improved relationships, strengthened voice and influence, and enhanced individual autonomy. The committee endorsed the direction of travel to embed co-production across council services, supporting governance and transparency in how lived-experience input informs decision-making. They also welcomed the intention to prioritise personalisation and self-directed support.

Access to Primary Care and Delivery for Housebound Patients

An update was presented on access to general practice, pharmacy, and dentistry, and support for housebound patients. Performance trends were outlined, noting areas of improvement and ongoing challenges. Members requested data on housebound patient identification to understand gaps and vulnerability. Recruitment initiatives across primary care roles were also discussed. The committee noted the overarching improvements in access while recognising the need for further enhancements and supported the Primary Care Team's commitment to providing further updates. They also requested that the ICB investigate accessibility issues across all General Practice locations.

Polruan Patient Consultation

An update was provided on the ongoing consultation regarding Polruan Surgery. The practice is running a twelve-week consultation, after which any proposal will be formally submitted to the ICB. The building's accessibility and operational challenges were noted as influencing long-term sustainability. Members raised concerns about rurality, deprivation, transport barriers, and the impact on vulnerable residents. Officers confirmed that district nurse and frailty teams would continue to support local residents regardless of the consultation outcome. The committee noted the process for consideration during and after the consultation and requested that the Primary Care Team provide updates as they become available.

The meeting concluded with the committee agreeing to continue to receive regular updates on the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board's clustering arrangements and to investigate accessibility issues across General Practice locations. They also noted the ongoing consultation regarding Polruan Surgery and requested further updates.