Agenda item

For the Committee to review and update its 2022-23 work programme.

The Committee discussed its work programme. Paul Spencer reported that the next task and finish review would focus on Menopause Services. The Committee was asked to consider the size of the group, the terms of reference for the review, indicating any areas which should be included within the scope and to appoint a chair for this review. Members wishing to be involved in the TFG were asked to contact Democratic Services. He added that the Council did provide a lot of information and support for its staff, which could be a useful resource for background information.

Discussion took place on the following areas:

• The Chair gave a personal reflection and spoke of the absence of commissioned menopause services within Warwickshire. She would not take an active role in this review as chair of the commissioning scrutiny committee. The Chair reminded of the briefing provided by the Director of Public Health. She suggested the scope include research of the services provided in neighbouring geographic areas including Coventry and also in councils of similar size/demography. This benchmarking would provide useful evidence.
• Councillor Holland suggested that group leaders be invited to make nominations to the TFG.
• Councillor O’Donnell thanked the Chair for taking forward this much needed piece of work, speaking about the health gender inequality aspects and she looked forward to the findings from the TFG.
• Councillor Humphries used an example to show the impacts from menopause causing fatigue and the need for holistic social worker support to be provided in that case connected to an adoption process.
• The Chair added that the focus of the review should be on the services available to Warwickshire residents from both the Council and the NHS. People were presenting with symptoms that were menopause related, linked to hormonal imbalance, including stress, anxiety or being tearful, which may be diagnosed as other conditions.
• Councillor Drew asked what the council would be able to influence with its findings from this review process. The Chair responded that once established, the TFG would discuss the scope of the review and outcomes it wanted to achieve. The TFG would consider the recommendations to be made and who those recommendations were for. It would not be used as a forum purely for discussion or complaint, but would need to be constructive and give value, with good and demonstrable outcomes, which could be implemented, to effect some change.
• Councillor Bell expected that the ICB, which was responsible for health pathways would be involved in this review and be asked about the pathways for menopause services. The Chair agreed that the ICB should be part of the conversation, firstly to understand what services were provided, to assess if there is a disconnect and options to bridge any gaps.

Paul Spencer provided a summation of the key suggestions made to progress this review. He offered support to any members wishing to learn more about the work of the TFG, then explaining the importance of the scoping of the review, having a tight focus and seeing where this work could add value. The Chair added that the review group was open to members of all genders. 

Resolved

That the Committee notes the work programme as submitted and that the actions identified above be taken forward to commence the task and finish review of menopause services.