Agenda item

The Chairman introduced the report which sets out the annual progress made towards the delivery of the Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy. She commended the positive achievements made by Partners and highlighted the areas of focus for continued improvement.

The Board received a presentation from Dr Andrew Howe, Director of Public Health. For each theme, Dr Howe noted the achievements made as well as highlighting areas where there are gaps and which remain a priority in 2018.

In reference to the Health Profiles for 2016 and 2017, Dr Howe noted the progress made in reducing the number of TB cases over the last two years and highlighted the ongoing work to further reduce the rates for TB and STI’s. 

Theme: Preparing a Healthy Life

The Chairman commended the improvements in Health Assessments for Looked After Children and thanked everyone involved in their work towards achieving this. The Board highlighted the importance of continuing to improve services in this area.

Mr Chris Munday, Strategic Director of Children & Young People highlighted the progress made in relation to Initial Health Assessments (IHA) for children and noted that all IHA have been made within the timeframe. 

The Chairman referred to the IHA performance for 2017 in February and queried the drop in rates and whether this could be expected for 2018. Mr Munday referred to the setup of the system which occurred in early 2017.

Mr Munday briefed the Board about the development of the Integrated Hubs for Children, Families and Young People. He noted that the first hub has been up and running for a few months and that the initial feedback has been positive.

Theme: Wellbeing in the Community

The Chairman noted the significant progress made on mental health and wellbeing which has been a top priority area in 2016-17. The Board was asked to note the significant progress made and the positive outcomes that are being achieved for residents – in particular, the support services provided by Linkworkers and other Community Providers and the increase in employment.

The Board noted that the improvement of mental health of children and adults will be a continued focus.

The Chairman noted that there is more work to be done, particularly with the IAPT services and on the development and quality improvement of CAMHS.

In respect to Adult Mental Health services, Dr Charlotte Benjamin Barnet CCG, highlighted the progress made in this area by virtue of the joined-up partnership working between the services involved. Dr Benjamin also noted the development in links between the Wellbeing Hub and the Network mental health enablement service.

Ms Julie Pal, CEO CommUnity Barnet welcomed the new way of working to continue to deliver services across the Voluntary and Community sector working alongside partners and to develop relationships with other organisations.

Ms Pal briefed the Board about the launch of the seminar programmes with the aim to promote understanding and access to the services available. The programme will be launched in the new year and includes a variety of courses on offer.

Following a query about promoting the programme, Ms Pal noted that a variety of communication channels will be utilised to cascade information as widely as possible – including through GP newsletters and CommUnity and Healthwatch networks. The Board welcomed the opportunity to support the promotion of the programme.

Mr Kendall highlighted the ongoing work to support working age adults with social care needs into employment. This includes supporting adults towards developing key skills and helping people find employment opportunities.

Theme: Encouraging Healthier Lifestyles

The Chairman referred to the healthy weight programme and welcomed the recommendation that maintaining a healthy weight and reducing excess weight is a key priority for the JHWB Strategy for the coming year. The Board is due to receive a detailed report in 2018 on the matter.

The Chairman welcomed Chimeme Egbutah, Public Health Strategist. Ms Egbutah informed the Board about the positive impact that the Healthy Weight Nurse service and the Alive N Kicking programme has had in respect of behavioural patterns. She also noted the positive impact of the programmes on improving both mental and physical health.

Ms Egbutah spoke about the variety of exercise programmes available. She noted the success of the Mayor’s Golden Kilometre initiative which has been running for 18 months and encourages pupils to undertake physical activity on a daily basis.   

Following a comment from the Board, Ms Egbutah also noted the importance of involvement from secondary schools and their pupils. She stated that a variety of methods are being looked at. This includes taking a family approach and encouraging the use of trackers which record and encourage physical activity. 

Dr Debbie Frost, Chairman of Barnet CCG welcomed the continued focus on screening and noted the continuing work to increase screening uptake. She suggested that detection of hypertension, atrial fibrillation and diabetes should also be reflected as priorities for the year ahead. 

Ms Pal informed the Board about the consultation which will commence around areas of difficulties for cancer screening within communities.

Theme: Care when needed

The Board noted the update on the Burnt Oak pilot scheme of the Care Closer to Home Integrated Networks. Mr Kendall referred to the suggested areas of focus for 2018.

The Chairman thanked the Board for the discussion. It was RESOLVED:

1.    That the Health and Wellbeing Board noted and commented as above on the progress and performance to deliver the Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy (2015-2020).

2.    That the Health and Wellbeing Board noted and commented as above on the analysis of Barnet’s Health profile for 2016 and 2017.

3.    That the Health and Wellbeing Board commented as above and agreed the revised priority areas for the year 2017-2018, as set out in section 1.5 of this report.