Agenda item

The Chairman introduced the report and noted that screening has been a priority area for improvement in  the Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy since its refresh in 2015.

NHS England were not present at this meeting, which the  Chairman regretted as she stated that attendance by NHSE would have been most valuable particularly in light of the ongoing grave concerns around low screening uptake and inconsistent reporting. The Chairman expressed her own deep concern regarding this in the light of effect it could have on the vitally important early cancer diagnosis necessary for successful cancer treatment.

The Chairman indicated the need to escalate the HWBB’s concern over ongoing failures to establish clear reporting arrangements and the need to address low cancer screening uptake.

Dr Lake updated the Board regarding the delay in a screening report returning to the HWBB awaiting an annual report from NHS England. An annual report was produced and shared with the Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee in February but concerns remained both over its format and plans to address areas of poor performance. Dr Lake noted that the Committee has asked for an update to be reported back in six months’ time.

It was noted that in summary, good performance was shown for some areas of screening, particularly diabetic eye screening and screening for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm. However there were ongoing concerns about low uptake for breast, cervical and bowel screening.

To help improve support to NHSE in producing a report to address Local Authority needs, an NCL adult screening assurance group has been set up and is chaired by Dr Lake. Efforts are underway to establish how it can best operate to support NHSE. Ms Julie Pal also expressed interest in joining the group.

Dr Frost noted the importance of closer working between partners and GP’s to help improve uptake and potentially exploring the use of IT technology and mobile apps.

Dr Benjamin welcomed the report and noted that inclusion of partners is key to encourage more screening. In order to identify the groups where uptake was low, Dr Lake noted that further scrutiny of the data would need to be undertaken.

In order to improve screening uptake, Dr Stephens requested that the Board join the national call for lowering the screening age for bowel cancer from 60 to 50. She noted the importance of early screening for bowel cancer particularly for the age group 50-60.

Ms Wakeling welcomed the comments and proposed to move two additional recommendations (numbered 4 and 5) which were seconded and agreed.

4- That the Health and Wellbeing Board asks the Communities Together Network to consider the need for and develop proposals accordingly for increased screening uptake (including amongst BME communities and faith groups in Barnet).

5- That the Health and Wellbeing Board asks Council Officers and CCG colleagues to develop proposals for a local communication campaign with an aim to increase screening uptake in Barnet.

It was therefore RESOLVED:

1.    That the Health and Wellbeing Board noted the NHSE Annual Report on screening programmes that was presented to Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 2nd Feb 2017.

2.    That the Health and Wellbeing Board asked that the Director of Public Health seek assurance from NHSE that a clear reporting cycle is established with a clear implementation date.

3.    That the Health and Wellbeing Board seeks assurance that a recovery plan setting out clear actions and schedule to improve performance against screening uptake targets.

4.    That the Health and Wellbeing Board asked the Communities Together Network to consider the need for and develop proposals accordingly for increased screening uptake (including amongst BME communities and faith groups in Barnet).

5.    That the Health and Wellbeing Board asked Council Officers and CCG colleagues to develop proposals for a local communication campaign with an aim to increase screening uptake in Barnet.