Agenda item

Report of the Director of Public Health

The Director of Public Health submitted a report (previously circulated) providing Members with an overview of the impact of long-term conditions (LTC) on Darlington’s population, drawing on key national and local data to highlight current challenges and outlining evidence-based actions to reduce the burden of LTCs through prevention and improved care planning.

It was reported that LTCs were ongoing health issues that could not be cured but effectively managed with the right support, common examples being diabetes, coronary heart disease and that the number of people living in Darlington with these conditions was rising, particularly among older adults.

The submitted report stated that the number of people aged 65 and over in England was projected to rise significantly by 2040, with one in three people being aged 65 or older; that living with multiple long-term conditions was becoming increasingly common with nearly half of those affected managing two or more illnesses at the same time; and that complex health needs were more concentrated in areas of deprivation.

It was reported that deprivation was linked to earlier onset and higher rates of long-term conditions; details were provided of the Index of Multiple Deprivation rankings across Darlington, emergency hospital admissions for COPD and percentage of economically inactive in each ward. Members noted that the prevalence of long-term conditions had steadily increased over the past decade, and that this was likely to continue as the population aged and lifestyle related risks factors remained.

It was reported that a prevention-focused approach to long-term conditions was key to improving health outcomes, reducing inequalities and easing pressure on services; and reference was made to a model of three levels of prevention in public health.

Members entered into a discussion regarding the concentration of LTC’s in more deprived areas and how this could be addressed.

RESOLVED – (a) That the disproportionate burden of long-term conditions in Darlington’s more deprived communities be noted;

b) That the increasing prevalence of LTCs and projected growth, which would place greater strain on local health care systems, be noted;

c) That a system-wide approach focused on early detection, personalised care, and community based support, be endorsed;

b) That efforts to reduce health inequalities and improve outcomes for those most affected be continued to be led by this Committee.