To approve as a correct record the minutes of the Health and Wellbeing Board meeting held on 15 June 2015

The minutes of the Health and Wellbeing Board, held on 15^th June 2015, were approved as a correct record.

Public Health Grant 2015/16

At the last meeting, the Board had been made aware that the Council had received notification that the currently ring-fenced Public Health Grant was to be cut nationally by £200m during 15/16.  This equated to a 7.4% cut to the total Grant across England.  If 7.4% was applied to Thurrock’s current Grant, this would result in a reduction of £614k.

Ian Wake, Director of Public Health, updated the Board that he had looked at the current Public Health budget and identified potential savings options which include the restructuring of the core Public Health Team; and reduced spend on breastfeeding and parenting support as the current contract is due to end with NELFT, no bidders have come forward in the retendering process, and there are opportunities with the 0-5 years agenda transferring to Public Health from October 2015.  NHS England has yet to confirm how the reduction in the Grant will be distributed between authorities.  Once this has been confirmed, plans will be finalised.

RESOLVED:

That the update on the Public Health Grant be noted.

Success Regime

Roger Harris, Mandy Ansell and Clare Panniker, Chief Executive, Basildon & Thurrock University Hospitals Foundation Trust, had attended a Stakeholder ‘kick-off’ meeting on July 15^th where the purpose and delivery plan was discussed.

The focus of the Regime is to create the conditions for success in challenged local health and social care economies like Essex.

Roger Harris commented that the concern for the local authority is the enormity of the task which may pose a big distraction from the current transformation programmes already taking place. 

Mandy Ansell commented that the workforce challenge was the greatest issue for Thurrock CCG.

Clare Panniker commented that the intended outcomes of the regime are not clear and would like to see clear objectives on what Health and Social Care will look like in 5 years’ time.

Ian Wake raised concerns about the potential centralising of health structures and services on an Essex-wide basis and that this was not always the best solution.

Board members agreed with Clare’s concerns about the lack of clarify over the process, but felt there could be opportunities as well as threats.

RESOLVED:

That the update on the NHS Success Regime in Essex be noted.

Suicide Prevention

Ian Wake, Director of Public Health updated the board on the Suicide Prevention Strategy stating that Cate Edwynn, the Consultant in Public Health is conducting a Suicide Audit and presented preliminary results to the Adults, Health and Commissioning Directorate Meeting on the 14^th July. Cate is currently in the process of conducting a review with GPs in Thurrock.  Options include broadening the Mental Health Strategy to incorporate suicide prevention – focusing on good mental health, rather than a separate Suicide Prevention Strategy.  Options will be considered as the work progresses.

RESOLVED:

That the update on the development of a Suicide Prevention Strategy be noted.