Agenda item

Screening Update

Minutes:

The Chairman introduced the item which had previously been requested by the Board. She emphasised the importance the Board places on screening and the vital role it plays in early detection and prevention of disease.

 

The Board noted the importance of this message being disseminated to all sections of the Barnet community and the necessity to try and ensure far greater take up. To this end, the Chairman welcomed the work currently being done with the Communities Together Network to address take up – particularly in the diverse communities in Barnet.

 

The Chairman referred to her previously expressed concerns regarding the range, availability, accessibility and take up of cancer screening.

 

Bearing in mind the pivotal role that cancer screening plays in identifying the early signs of this devastating disease in otherwise healthy people and the opportunities thereby presented for suitably effective treatment, the Chairman expressed her concerns that approximately one third of eligible patients for breast and cervical screening and over a half of patients eligible for bowel screening are not being screened. The Chairman also noted that the true figures are not known as there is a real lack of clear reporting arrangements.

 

The Board welcomed Dr Jeff Lake, Public Health, Dr Shona Ash, Commissioning Manager Antenatal & New born Screening, NHSE.

 

The Chairman asked Ms Shona Ash, NHSE to outline the actions they are taking to improve take up and the dates those actions will be completed. She also asked Dr Jeff Lake to comment on the actions and set out when the reporting problems will be resolved.

 

The Chairman also asked Dr Lake to comment on childhood and new born screening and whether there were any recommendations as to how these might be taken further.  

 

Ms Shona Ash delivered a presentation to the Board and spoke about the Antenatal & New born (ANNB) KPIs. Ms Ash referred to the processes put into place and noted that there are some challenges within certain groups in Barnet with regards to uptake. She spoke about the work being done to work with various groups in Barnet to improve uptake in screening.

 

The Strategic Director for Children and Young People, Mr Chris Munday referred to the information in the appendix to the report and noted that data refers to the NCL area.

 

It was requested that in the future where possible, data be included for Barnet specifically across all indicators so that comparisons can be made in relation to any improvements and changes in uptake figures. (Action)

 

Dr Lake referred to the previous discussions held by the Board which have emphasised the need for consistent reporting and addressing of low take up figures.

 

The Chairman invited Dr Catherine Heffernan, Principal Advisor for Commissioning Immunisations and Vaccination Services to the table. She noted that data tends to be very high at programme level rather than at borough level.

 

She emphasised that in comparison to other areas, London is good in terms of uptake and coverage but that performance at national level has not been as good. Dr Heffernan spoke about the work done to improve bowel screening uptake and noted the ambition to continue the upward direction of travel. 

 

She informed the Board about the work and focus around cancer screening and the consultation on bowel scope screening.

 

In relation to the Breast Screening Programme, she noted that coverage has been good but improvements are needed. In respect of this programme, she noted the importance of ensuring that facilities are available not just in General Practice, but also in sexual health clinics and family planning clinics.

 

In respect of sending text reminders on screening, Dr Heffernan notified the Board about the hurdles which have been worked through including provisions of the Information Governance rules.

 

It was noted that this service is to be rolled out across London and that currently discussions are held regarding STPs and what can be done collectively.

 

Dr Clare Stephens, Barnet CCG noted currently a review is taking place around the information that is included in letters on cervical cancer screening. The Board requested that the timescale for the letter producing process be shared with the Director of Public Health and the Health and Wellbeing Board. (Action)

 

The Chairman emphasised the need to seek input from Healthwatch and the Health and Wellbeing Board in relation to the information contained in the letter. It was suggested that input be sought from Healthwatch and Community Barnet. (Action)

 

Ms Selina Rodrigues, Barnet Healthwatch welcomed the suggestion to have further discussions with Public Health and the CCG.

 

The Strategic Director for Adults, Health and Communities noted the main challenges around cancer programmes and the need to see what can be done differently at an operational level to improve reporting mechanisms.

 

In respect of the concerns expressed previously by the Board on numerous occasions, Ms Wakeling made a suggestion to include additional recommendations to receive the recovery plan in relation to adult cancer screening targets.

 

The Board agreed to include additional recommendations to read:

·         That the Board receives an item at its July meeting setting out the recovery plan in relation to adult cancer screening, with clear actions and a schedule to improve performance against adult screening target.

·         That NHSE supply Public Health and Barnet CCG with details of availability of sexual health clinics across Barnet and London, with performance and uptake information on cervical cancer screening.

 

It was therefore RESOLVED that:

 

1.    That the Health and Wellbeing Board noted the NHSE Report on screening programmes.

2.    That the Health and Wellbeing Board sought assurance that a clear reporting cycle is established.

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

4.    That the Board receives an item at its July meeting setting out the recovery plan in relation to adult cancer screening, with clear actions and a schedule to improve performance against adult screening target.

5.    That NHSE supply Public Health and Barnet CCG with details of availability of sexual health clinics across Barnet and London, with performance and uptake information on cervical cancer screening.

 

Supporting documents: