Agenda item

To receive the ICB Neighbourhood Health Report.

The Director: Adult Social Care presented the report of the Director of System Improvement, ICB, which set out details of a Neighbourhood Health System Architecture which was being developed across the Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, Stoke and Staffordshire cluster.  A strong partnership approach had been established for some years and the recent national policy development has accelerated the work to define a future vision for neighbourhood health.

The report sought to raise awareness and stimulate a discussion around the future model for neighbourhood health which included the development of the neighbourhood health hubs, support for digital infrastructure and the use of population health data to target areas with the greatest need.   Work had already commenced on developing a cluster-wide roadmap to define what this would mean for each neighbourhood. 

This approach would support the shift of services from hospital settings into the community and primary care environments and would enable residents to access services closer to home or wherever was more appropriate.  It would build upon the existing services delivered through the Primary Care Networks including pharmacy, physiotherapy, social prescribing and care co-ordination with the focus being on prevention, early intervention and improved public health outcomes.  Recurrent funding would be available to support the shift in approach but further work was required to determine how funding could be allocated and successful interventions scaled up.  It was important to align data, estates and digital infrastructure to support neighbourhood working.

A phased approach to implementation was proposed, with progression reflecting the local partnership arrangements rather than a fixed timetable and it was recognised that Telford and Wrekin were well places to progress at pace owing to its established partnership working arrangements and successful collaborative working.

During the debate, some Members sought clarification in relation to the governance role of Health and Wellbeing Boards within the emerging neighbourhood health framework.  They highlighted the need to avoid duplication of governance arrangements and particularly noted the strength and maturity of the partnership structures already established such as the Telford and Wrekin Integrated Place Partnership (TWIPP).  Other Members welcomed the report and emphasised the importance of security delegated funding arrangements rather than that of a fixed timetable in order that place-based partnerships could deliver on neighbourhood health priorities effectively.  They considered there was a need for additional investment to support prevention, reduce inequalities and target support.  Assurance was sought that frailty prevention and support would form a key component of neighbourhood health plans and that the work already being undertaken through existing strategies and partnership groups would continue to improve care closer to home and reduce avoidable hospital admissions.

The Director: Adult Social Care explained that the national guidance remailed limited, but it was suggested that Health and Wellbeing Boards would retain their responsibility for setting strategic direction and place-based partnership boards playing a key role in delivering the agreed priorities. She stressed the importance of the role of volunteers and the community sector in supporting the delivery of neighbourhood health and that the sector was well integrated into local partnership arrangements.  Consideration would be required in order to secure a sustainable resourcing and infrastructure to support and fulfil the expanding role within the neighbourhood health model. 

Members of the Board noted the report.