Huntingdonshire councillors are to take part in a workshop to learn more about key issues relating to Hinchingbrooke Hospital and proposed changes to the services that it delivers.

They will be briefed on national issues relating to National Health Service policy – including financial policy – and on specific issues relating to Hinchingbrooke Hospital and the local health economy.  Leading the workshop will be experienced health scrutiny advisers. A senior representative from Hinchingbrooke Hospital will also be invited to attend.

The workshop is part of the councillors’ preparation for discussions by the council’s overview and scrutiny panels later in the year when consultation on future service provision at the hospital.

Councillor Steve Criswell, chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny (Service Delivery) Panel, said: “We wish to ensure that the current and future needs of local people are taken into account in any decisions taken by the health authorities. This workshop will encourage councillors to actively participate in this vitally important issue.”

Councillor Jonathan Gray, chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny (Service Support) Panel, said: “During the course of the consultation we plan to talk with the Strategic Health authority and the Primary Care Trust. This workshop will help us focus on the key issues so that we can put the right questions to both these bodies, and identify a course of action to be taken.”

The workshop takes place on 1 February. It is a private event and will not be open to the public.