The Health Overview & Scrutiny Committee of Gloucestershire Council met on Tuesday 26 May 2026 to discuss updates on maternity services, the performance of the Gloucestershire Integrated Care System, and the NHS Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board. The committee also reviewed its work plan for the upcoming year.

Maternity Services Update

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the delivery of maternity services in Gloucestershire. This included an overview of the outcomes from the Maternity Health Needs Assessment and the local 'Case for Change'. Discussions were also planned regarding the progress of the national Maternity and Neonatal investigation, as well as current issues concerning the NHS Home Birth Service, the Aveta Birth Centre, and Cheltenham and Stroud Maternity Hospital. The report pack indicated that the Maternity Health Needs Assessment and Case for Change were intended to inform the future of maternity services in the county, aiming to provide safe, equitable, and personalised care while reducing inequalities.

Gloucestershire Integrated Care System (GICS) Performance Report

An update on the performance of the Gloucestershire Integrated Care System (GICS) against NHS constitutional and other agreed standards was scheduled for discussion. The report pack highlighted key achievements such as strong primary care access, robust vaccination delivery, and improved cancer 62-day performance. However, areas of focus included ongoing pressures in urgent and emergency care, diagnostics capacity, and mental health services. The report also noted that community pharmacy sustainability remained uncertain due to funding instability.

NHS Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board (ICB) Report

The committee was set to receive an update on health and care services delivered by the NHS Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board (ICB). This report detailed organisational changes, including the formation of a joint cluster with NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire ICB. It outlined strategic shifts towards neighbourhood-level population outcomes and away from transactional commissioning. The report also highlighted the ICB's commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, and provided updates on a new Dental School and Treatment Hub in Gloucester, successful COVID-19 and flu vaccination rates, and the Blackbridge Community and Sports Hub in Podsmead aimed at tackling health inequalities. Additionally, a mobile lung screening project visiting the Forest of Dean was mentioned. Provider updates from Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (GHT), Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust (GHC), and South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWAST) were also included. GHT reported progress in reducing waiting times for planned treatments and improving urgent and emergency care performance, alongside developments in maternity services and the new Gloucestershire Cancer Centre. GHC noted the reopening of the Princess Anne Unit at Stroud General Hospital after refurbishment and highlighted awards received. SWAST presented its strategy, The Next Chapter 2026-28, focusing on evolving service delivery to meet rising demand and new NHS priorities.

Work Plan Review

The committee was scheduled to conduct an annual review of its work plan for 2025-26. This involved reviewing the committee's work over the past year, noting any outstanding actions, and suggesting items for future inclusion on the committee's agenda. The dates of future meetings were also to be noted.