Agenda item

The Chairman introduced the report and welcomed Ms Joanne Murfitt, Director of Public Health Commissioning, Health in the Justice System and Military Health, London Region, NHS England to join the meeting.

The Chairman welcomed the additional update on childhood immunisation rates in Barnet following discussions at the previous Health and Wellbeing Board meeting where the Board had expressed serious concerns over continually reported low childhood immunisations rates for Barnet. The Chairman expressed her personal disappointment that, contrary to undertakings given at the last HWBB, the Board had not been provided with an Audit of all of the GP Practices in the Borough and wondered why this had not been done. She felt such an Audit to be essential if the Board was to be satisfied that sufficient action had been taken to address what still appeared to be poor childhood immunisation rates in Barnet - as well as to identify any particular areas of concern regarding low coverage or take up. She also noted that this issue has also been raised by the Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee who had made a formal referral.

The Chairman also asked what is being done in other NCL boroughs in comparison to Barnet.

Ms Murfitt informed the Board that there are still on-going data reporting issues with TTP System One which moving forward will be raised nationally. She briefed the Board that discussions have taken place and that agreement was obtained to focus on QMS data which means that actual month by month immunisation data can be looked at and to focus on particular Practices where help is needed.

In relation to the vaccine schedule, Ms Murfitt also noted that a number of other vaccinations have been added and that as part of a number of work-streams to improve the update, information will be provided to various groups such as parents and young people to raise awareness and increase understanding. 

The Commissioning Director for Children and Young People, Chris Munday welcomed the report. Mr Munday expressed concerns over the low immunisation rates in Barnet and stated that the rates set out in the appendix to the report appear low considering the population of the borough and in comparison to national rates for childhood immunisation.

Mr Munday asked whether there were particular concerns in specific geographical areas or for specific groups in the borough. Ms Murfitt stated that in order to respond to the question, it would be necessary to refer to the action plan on improving the quarterly immunisation report.

Mr Munday noted that there were actions still outstanding in the action plan from 2015 and 2016 based on the information previously presented to the Board. He queried how the outstanding actions were going to be taken forward and expressed specific concerns over risks of measles and immunisation rates. Ms Murfitt stated that the action plan will be revised with a view to address outstanding issues. (Action)

Following a query from the Commissioning Director for Adults and Health, Dawn Wakeling, Ms Murfitt informed the Board that the base data which have informed the figures presented in the appendix are comprehensive.

The Director for Public Health, Dr Andrew Howe highlighted the importance of accurate and reflective data. Dr Howe also stated that it is important for the Board to receive updated information and assurances for the next quarter in relation to the childhood immunisation rates. The Chairman added that the rates would also need to be reflective of the projected growth in population in the borough. She also expressed concern as to the numbers of older young people with incomplete immunisation records who could now be very much at risk of contracting disease while at secondary school or college.

Councillor Sachin Rajput, Chairman of the Adults and Safeguarding Committee also expressed concerns over the low immunisation rates in comparison to the national averages. He queried whether consideration has been given to work with parents to ensure uptake and encouragement towards immunisation of children and young people in particular where this may be an indication of wider safeguarding concerns.

The Vice-Chairman, Dr Debbie Frost suggested that health visitors could also be involved in the discussions with a view of improving uptake and increasing encouragement for immunisation.

Ms Murfitt briefed the Board about the intention to achieve the national average immunisation rates and to get as close as possible to 95% through working together with the Local Authority, CCG, school nursing and local Public Health teams to encourage and continue to remind parents through various communication channels, including social media and website forums.

Ms Wakeling noted the importance of a robust and credible action plan and in depth data analysis to be shared initially in a multi partnership setting prior to being reported to the Board.

The Chairman moved a motion on the basis of the discussion of the Board to alter the wording of the recommendation which was seconded and agreed.

That the Health and Wellbeing Board noted the work done by NHS England since the last meeting in May to assure the Board that sufficient action is being taken to address the poor childhood immunisation rates in Barnet and requested that NHSE provide a further update report in November 2016 containing the detailed refreshed action plan and comprehensive data analysis with sufficient input from local CCG, Council’s Public Health and Immunisation Team and LA’s Children’s Service.

It was therefore RESOLVED that:

1.    The Health and Wellbeing Board noted the work done by NHS England since the last meeting in May and requested that NHSE provide a further update report in November 2016 containing the detailed refreshed action plan and comprehensive data analysis with sufficient input from local CCG, Council’s Public Health and Immunisation Team and LA’s Children’s Service.