Decision details

The Board is asked to note the recommendations of the report

The Chairman welcomed Dr Jeff Lake, Consultant in Public Health. Dr Lake briefed the Board about the performance reports of screening uptake in Barnet. The Board was informed about the three cancer screening programmes (Breast, Cervical and Bowel) commissioned by NHS England.

Members were informed of the 2% increase in Cervical and Breast Screening coverage and an increase of 13% in uptake of Bowel screening. Dr Lake stated however that the improved performance is still below national targets.

Mr Gibson noted that NHS England has established a London Coverage Technical Group to oversee and ensure robust commissioning and implementation of best practice as a response to the low screening uptake in the Borough.

Action: Kenny Gibson and Dr Clare Stephens to produce a draft action plan for patients who have not participated in the cancer screening programme

RESOLVED that:

1. The Board notes that Local Authority Public Health assurance reporting is not yet in place, that the London Screening Board has requested urgent resolution and the need to improve communication with London Directors of Public Health and to agree reporting arrangements with London Health and Well-Being Boards.
   
   
2. The Board notes the July 2014 NHS England screening coverage and uptake report to the London Screening Committee showing that in Barnet Cancer screening programme coverage has been improving but remains short of national targets.
   
   
3. The Board notes that the London Cancer Screening Performance Exception Report for Quarter 4 2013/14 reports that as of June 2014 time to receipt of result letter for women tested on the Cervical screening programme remains in breach of quality assurance standards
   
   
4. The Board requests further updates to the Health & Well-Being Board and that this matter is referred to the Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee to ensure that the issues raised in this report are adequately addressed through the work of the London Screening Board
   
   
5. Additional recommendation- The Board requests that NHS England provide suggested targets for screening uptake that can be included in the refresh of the Health & Well-Being Strategy prior to the next Health & Well-Being Board meeting.