Agenda item

Report of the Director of Public Health

The Director of Public Health presented this annual report on the health and wellbeing of Darlington. This year’s report provides a snapshot of health across the life course, describing some of the key health issues for Darlington and acknowledging the good work happening across the Borough.  The report is based on the framework used within the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment, highlighting health and wellbeing needs across the life course of Starting Well, Living Well and Ageing Well. The report provides a snapshot of key data across the life course and thematic recommendations.

The report covers the areas of:

1.      Starting Well, considering the importance of a good start in life

2.      Living Well, considering the importance of staying healthy in adulthood

3.      Ageing Well, considering the importance of staying healthy as we age

Discussions were held in which members were encouraged to work jointly with the Director of Public Health should there be any areas for which they believe their expertise could be of use.

Questions were asked which included a member querying that 25% of 5 year olds suffer from tooth decay and stating that no more fast-food outlets should be opened in the town.  Officers responded that schemes are in operation to combat this including the ICB’s Oral Health Strategy, supervised tooth-brushing schemes and Council-led oral health strategies which intend to target the most deprived wards.

It was questioned as to why only 1% of GP patients are listed as suffering from dementia with the response that only those with a full diagnosis are included and this is similar to the national average.

The Chair commended the Director of Public Health for the quality of the report and the depth and breadth of knowledge displayed in all areas covered.

AGREED – The Board members approve the report and the areas covered.  Member organisations will identify any areas for which they can be of assistance in delivery of the recommendations and contact the Director of Public Health for such cases.