Agenda and minutes

None.

RESOLVED – that the minutes of the meeting held on 24 November 2022 be confirmed and signed by the Chair.

None.

To receive an update on the Best Start in Life.

The Board received a presentation on the Best Start in Life Programme. The programme had begun the previous summer and included some universal offerings as well as more targeted approaches for children and families who needed additional support.

The Best Start in Life (BSIL) Board was established in July 2022 and agreed the approach would be around the following principles of:

• Intelligence-led
• Community-centred co-production
• Place-based and system wide
• Equitable targeting

The Board has agreed a number of priorities including Start for Life & Family Hubs, Healthy Weight, Social Emotional & Mental Health. The report also covered the SEND and Alternative Provision Strategy.

The national Start for Life and Family Hubs programme was being delivered through the Department of Education Grant. The scheme included the implementation of various programmes, such as establishing a breastfeeding network, expansion of parenting programmes and community baby groups.

A key part of the programme was focused around healthy weight. The Board were shown a video showing staff and pupils at a primary school in the Borough who had received targeted support. A new approach had been trialled, which offered targeted support to certain schools in the Borough; the support was tailored for each school to meet their needs.

The Eatwell Project had supported over 6000 children and offered advice around healthy eating, cooking on a budget and offered cooking sessions to support parents.

Members of the Board discussed the support the programme had given residents of the Borough and the impact this had on many lives. A Member asked a question about the uptake of the cooking programmes, and it was agreed that there had been a good uptake in these.

A Member asked that the ICB bring a specific report about demand and waiting times in the Children & Young People’s BeeU service to the next meeting of the Board.

RESOLVED that the significant work programmes under way on the best start in life priority which aim to improve a broad range of outcomes and narrow inequalities for all children and young people in Telford & Wrekin be acknowledged.

To receive a report on the Integrated Care Strategy and the Development of the Five Year Forward Plan.

The Board received an update from the Director of Partnerships and Place (NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin). The first draft of the Strategy had been written and had been a collaboration from all agencies. The timeframes to produce the first draft had been tight and it was acknowledged that there would be gaps and placeholders.

The Chief Executive Officer (NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin) advised the Board that the strategy pulled together work that was already taking place. The Plan would build on the work taking place and identify gaps.

To receive the update from the Integrated Care Board.

The Chief Executive Officer (NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin) advised that partnership and collaboration was key to the success of the partnership. He thanked health and care staff for all of the hard work they had done but acknowledged that the system could always do more for residents and staff.

To approve the update of the Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA) 2023/24 – 2025/26.

The Board received the Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA) for 2022/23-2025/26. It was a responsibility of the Health and Wellbeing Board to produce a PNA to consider the needs of the population, service provision and any gaps within that provision.

The Board considered that pharmacies were often a forgotten section of primary care. The Board agreed that the services offered by pharmacies should be more widely known. Responsibilities for local pharmacies was moving from NHS England to the ICP, which was considered to be positive.

The Board noted the vital role that pharmacies had taken during the coronavirus pandemic. Members of the Board discussed the role of prescribing pharmacists and how they could be utilised more effectively. 

RESOLVED that the Telford & Wrekin Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment for 2022/23 – 2025/26 be approved for publication and the recommendations of the PNA in terms of ICS strategic planning, commissioning and service improvement be agreed. This included referencing and responding to the PNA in the ICS Joint Forward Plan and the HWB Strategy and ICB and local authority commissioning arrangements.

To receive and endorse the domestic abuse strategy.

The Board received the Domestic Abuse Strategy which had recently be approved by Cabinet. There had recently been new duties placed upon Local Authorities and partners around Domestic Abuse. The requirements within the Act were fairly narrow, so the Council had taken the decision to consider a much broader approach. The strategy had been developed with partners.

Members of the Board asked if an ‘easy-read’ version of the strategy would be produced, to support people to understand the strategy. It was confirmed that this would happen and that a communications strategy was in place to support with the delivery of this.

A discussion took place regarding violence within certain communities and the importance of working with all communities. A discussion took place regarding links with education and training within schools.

RESOLVED that the report be noted.

To receive and make comment on the draft Ageing Well Strategy.

The Board received the report on the Ageing Well Strategy. The report heard from a representative of the Over 50s Forum as a representative of the partnership. The quality of later life was not just determined by the health service or the Local Authority, but by many other factors such as supermarkets, banks, the post office and energy prices. The strategy looked at a range of services which affected older people.

The demographics of the Borough had changed; the population was ageing. A discussion took place regarding dementia provision. One of the partnerships next topics to consider would be digital exclusion and how the Council and other partners could support people to be more digitally aware.

A discussion took place regarding primary care and other models used in different areas. Members discussed the support that pharmacies were able to offer. Members discussed the attendance allowance and noted how many residents found it difficult to apply for this.

RESOLVED – that:

a)    The Ageing Well Strategy consultation in the community and with all partners be supported and championed;

b)   The content of the report which was presented to Cabinet on 17 February 2023 be noted;

c)    The final strategy alongside any update on implementation be received in Autumn 2023.

To receive the Healthwatch Telford & Wrekin Annual Report.

The Board received the Healthwatch Telford and Wrekin Annual Report. The report noted that the Chair of Healthwatch had sent his apologies to the meeting and thanked him for his contribution to the Board over the years.

Members were requested to send any comments or queries on the report directly to Healthwatch.