Decision details

The Board is asked to note the progress being made by NHS England.

The Chairman welcomed the following guests from NHS England to discuss the report on childhood immunisation rates: Luke Kwamya, Population Health Practitioner Manager; Kenny Gibson, Head of Early Years; and Amanda Goulden, Population Health Practitioner Manager.

The Strategic Director for Communities queried the drop in immunisation rates in tables 1-6 (pp 208-210 Agenda report). Mr Gibson explained that the decline in figures has been due to data management and linkage issues. It was noted that all Barnet practices are now signed up to Quality Medical Solutions (QMS), enabling immunisation data to be electronically uploaded to a central server. Mr Gibson also noted the importance of sharing relevant data with partners as part of an integrated governance framework. 

The Board noted the report on childhood immunisations in Barnet and the processes in place to ensure that new entrants are offered the appropriate vaccination.

The Director of Public Health (Harrow and Barnet) Dr Andrew Howe, informed the Board that since April 2013, screening and immunisations have been the responsibility of NHS England.

Dr Clare Stephens highlighted the usefulness of clinical representation on the London Immunisation Board. Selina Rodrigues, Head of Healthwatch emphasised that assurances would need to be provided that vaccination reminders were being sent to residents and that data should reflect accurate representation of childhood immunisation rates across the Borough.

RESOLVED that:

1. The Board notes the assurance given from NHS England that reported childhood immunisation rates in Barnet are not an accurate reflection of immunisation uptake in the Borough
   
   
2. The Board seeks assurance from NHS England through the Director of Public Health that sufficient action is being taken to address this issue and that alternative surveillance measures are in place whilst childhood immunisation (COVER) data is inaccurate

3. The Board is satisfied that appropriate governance arrangements (as set out in Appendix 1) are in place within NHS England in relation to immunisations to protect the health of people in Barnet
   
   
4. Additional recommendation: The Board requires that an integrated governance framework is in place to allow effective data sharing and to present a more accurate representation of childhood immunisation rates in Barnet
   
   
5. That the Board consults with Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee to enable a referral for remedy to the Department of Health if performance does not improve