Issue - meetings

Frances Howie presented this report and highlighted the changes in the new strategy from the previous version. It was pointed out that an easy read version of the strategy had been available as part of the consultation and that the final version would be re-formatted and would include some of the easy read language and style.

The Consultation included asking people their thoughts about the length of the strategy – the last strategy lasted for three years but 4 years would align with other strategies. 77 % agreed with the priorities and it would be ensured that each age group would be considered for each priority.

At the first workshop, criteria were agreed to enable the potential priorities to be ranked.

·         Some respondents felt that Obesity should be included as a priority rather than being active, but it was agreed that being active was a simpler more positive message rather than using the negative message of trying to reduce obesity. 

·         Drugs were not included as a priority along with alcohol as they do not meet the criteria of affecting large numbers of the population.

·         Health inequalities were not included as a priority on their own as they affected each of the other priorities and a programme of work was already in place following the Director of Public Health's report.

·         Other issues such as a focus on carers and Safeguarding Children were already being dealt with via the Carers' Strategy and the Safeguarding Children's Board. It was felt to be important not to confuse the responsibility of the Board.

·         Early help would be picked up in the more detailed action plans and Children and Families would be a thread through all the plans.

In the ensuing discussion the following main points were made;

·         The health and social care system Sustainability and Transformation Plans would run until 2021 so it was suggested that the Health and Well-being Board strategy should match. It was pointed out that this extended length would also allow more time to be able to see the impact of the action plans. The general consensus was that the plan should run for 5 years.

·         There were relatively few responses to the consultation, although there had been an increase on the previous exercise.  It was agreed that  more should be done to  engage the public throughout the life of the strategy,

·         Some members felt that it was unclear how the aims would be achieved. It was clarified that the Health Improvement Group (HIG) would be delegated the task of producing the detailed plans to enable improvements to occur. Each CCG and District Council had representatives on the HIG so could contribute to the action plans. The HIG reported to the HWB on a six monthly basis.

·         When queried why smoking was not included as a priority it was explained that the Tobacco Control plan already reported to the HIG and through them to the HWB. It was also noted that the smoking prevalence rates continue downward and so this would  ...  view the full minutes text for item 350