Agenda and minutes

There were no disclosable pecuniary interests. </AI1><AI2>

The minutes of the meeting held on 25^th February 2026 were agreed and signed as a true record.

Further to Minute 37/25 it was noted that surplus medication/efficient prescribing and Healthwatch’s follow up report on the NHS app tied in with Digital access to health and had been added to the work programme.</AI2>

Briefing Note of the Strategy and Engagement Director, West Midlands Ambulance University NHS Foundation Trust and Group Commander, West Midlands Fire Service.

The Scrutiny Board received a Briefing Note and presentation from representatives of West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS), West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS and West Midlands Police (WMP).

The Scrutiny Board were also shown a video showing a recent exercise where all three services worked together in an emergency simulation, demonstrating partnership working.

The Scrutiny Board were informed that the three emergency services have open and established communications lines with significant collaboration and partnership working. This was underpinned through a number of joint forums, training and planning, including:

• All three services are part of the Local Resilience Forum (LRF’s) which cover Local Authority areas.
• All three services are part of the Local Health resilience partnerships (LHRP) across the West Midlands.
• Positive networking through National Interagency Liaison Officer roles (NILO) which Police, Fire, Military and ambulance services all have designated colleagues for live incidents, risks, planning and preparation.
• Positive networking through JESIP (Joint Emergency Services Interoperability Programme) courses throughout year with commanders from all blue light partners, Cat 2 responders and some high-risk site colleagues
• Senior leader engagement between blue light partners
• Joint working with HART (Hazardous Area Response Teams) and WMFS Technical rescue teams for training on a regular
• Testing and exercising on a regular basis with small scale & large scale exercising along with table exercises.
• There is a tripartite agreement between WMP, WMAS & WMFS where a MOU has been created for supporting a response where forced entry is required and there is a real or immediate threat to life. This MOU is signed by representatives from all three blue light services. This is a response activity that is carried out multiple times daily.

The Scrutiny Board questioned Healthwatch representatives and received responses on the following:

• That the lead organisation on any joint working would be defined by the nature of the incident and would be the most appropriate
• That the Council also contributes to joint planning for emergencies, as does the ICB in terms of receiving patients from WMAS to the most appropriate health setting
• A discussion about community support in emergency situations, including access to and training for use of defibrillators, wider first aid training and whether Council buildings were used for locating defibrillators.

The Scrutiny Board requested the following:

·  Further investigation on community first aid to be added to the work programme.

·  Promote the current consultation with WMFS to all Members

·  Details on the safe and well checks to be shared with all Members

RESOLVED that the Health and Social Care Scrutiny Board (5):

1. Notes the update by Emergency Services Partners regarding to their update on Emergency Services.

2. Recommends that the Council considers placing defibrillators on Council-owned public buildings

Report of the Scrutiny Co-ordinator

The Work Programme 2025/26 was noted.

Any other items of public business which the Chair decides to take as matters of urgency because of the special circumstances involved

There were no other items of public business.