The Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee (HOSC) has published its annual report, detailing how it has questioned developments in health and social services.
HOSC is now in its third year of looking at the work of Primary Care Trusts (PCTs), National Health Service Trusts and the Surrey and Sussex Strategic Health Authority. It also looks at the way health services interact with council services.
HOSC can carry out independent checks on any local health services provided and commissioned through the NHS or councils.
District, borough and county councillors come together through the committee along with representatives from the voluntary sector.
"We recognise that the NHS, local government, and voluntary sector are in a state of constant change," says Councillor Bob Lacey, Chairman of HOSC.
"We aim to keep our finger on the pulse of the county's health issues to ensure that the public receive the best possible healthcare and where necessary we will demand answers."
Some of the issues that HOSC has looked at this year include:
Carers Review
This review showed that support for the 51,000 carers in East Sussex is inconsistent and spread unevenly. Recommendations were made, and many of these have been acted upon.
Health Local Delivery Plan
HOSC called for the speed of change and modernisation of health services to accelerate, and called for more rigorous monitoring of the plan.
The future of mental health services
HOSC monitored the consultation around plans for services in Sussex for mental health, learning disabilities and substance misuse.
Notes to editors
For more information or to download a copy of the annual report, see the HOSC website at www.eastsussexhealth.org
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