Issue - meetings

To receive the Health & Wellbeing Strategy Performance Report.

Members received a report from the Insight Manager providing an update on performance against the Health & Wellbeing Strategy priorities. The report was presented as part of the wider Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) update and brought together key performance indicators in a single, consolidated format.

The Board were advised that the report would be developed further, with new data sources, such as GP activity being incorporated at future meetings. It was proposed that the performance report be presented to the Board on a six-monthly basis, allowing for more detailed discussion of updated measures.

Members were informed of several positive trends, including improvements in Year 6 healthy weight and early death rates among individuals with mental health conditions. A decline in self-harm among young people was also noted, alongside an increase in the percentage of cancers diagnosed early. These developments were seen as evidence that targeted work to address inequalities was having a positive impact on overall performance.

Members heard that healthy weight in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and life expectancy remained areas of concern. It was noted that preventative work through TWIPP would be instrumental in addressing these issues.

The Board were advised that smoking prevalence in Telford remained significantly higher than national averages, with the area identified as an outlier. A deep dive into this issue was being undertaken through the Annual Public Health Report, which will be presented to the Board in September. Additional indicators, including those related to opioid use and health checks via Clinical Practice Groups (CPGs), may be included in future reports as required.

During the discussion, Members emphasised the importance of early years support, particularly perinatal and postnatal care, as a key component of prevention. The Board queried the extent to which improvements could be achieved locally, noting that some issues required national-level action. The Director of Public Health acknowledged the complexity of shifting long-term outcomes. She highlighted the comprehensive nature of local plans, which included partnership working and data-driven approaches, but noted that broader cultural and national challenges also needed to be addressed. Regional and national perspectives were being explored to support this work.

RESOLVED – that:

a)    the current position regarding performance against strategy priorities be noted

b)    the use of date to influence delivery of the Health & Wellbeing Strategy, targeting inequalities, and informing development of the Integrated Care Partnership Strategy and Joint Forward Plan be noted.