Agenda item

Report of the Interim Director of Public Health

The Interim Director of Public Health submitted a report (previously circulated) updating Members on the health status of the population, with a focus on inequality and updating Members on the Health and Wellbeing Board in the context of the inequality. A presentation (also previously circulated) accompanied the report.

Discussion ensued with School colleagues highlighting that health inequalities are very evident in school settings with a noticeable difference when comparing children attending more and less privileged schools.

Councillor Holroyd recalled a principle employed by Cornwall Council in which the Doughnut Economics model was employed, a decision-making principle, in which all decisions are measured against how they reduce social indicators of deprivation as well as how they reduce negative aspects related to overshoot – with the aim to find a "happy medium" in which all needs are met without causing damage to society / population health or the environment.

The Interim Director of Public Health expressed a desire to push the establishment of a “Health and Wellbeing Network” in which members could freely share work and research to assist in completing priorities in an efficient and direct manner.  This was well received by members with specific expressions that PCC and healthcare colleagues would be willing to contribute and Healthwatch Darlington willing to promote.

J Foggin, Communications Manager, County Durham and Darlington Foundation Trust, informed members of a current programme in which young people are assisted and provided guidance towards careers in health care.

RESOLVED – (a) That the overview of health status in Darlington and the narrative on health inequalities and how they affect outcomes, be noted.

(b) That a review of the Health and Wellbeing Board “way of working” be agreed and the development of a Health and Wellbeing Network be supported.

(c) That a Task and Finish workstream to review and refresh the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment be established.

(d) That a Task Group to review and refresh the current Health and Wellbeing Strategy so it is a “fit for purpose” Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy, be established.

REASONS – (a) It is a statutory duty of the Health and Wellbeing Board to improve the health and wellbeing of their local population and reduce health inequalities and produce a Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy.

(b) The current Health and Wellbeing Plan has expired.

(c) To enable the Health and Wellbeing Board to ensure that the ICB’s forward plan takes proper account of local health inequalities and the Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy.