Agenda item

Report of Director of Children and Adults Services

The Director of Children and Adults Services submitted a report (previously circulated) requesting that consideration be given to the Annual Health Protection Report (also previously circulated) published by the Public Health England North East Health Protection Team (HPT), entitled ‘Protecting the population of the North East from communicable disease and other hazards’ (2018/19).

The submitted report stated that the Annual Report summarised the activity of various health protection functions of the HPT; successful health protection required strong working relationships at the North East and local level; and reference was made to the four elements to the work of Public Health England (PHE) in protecting the health of the population i.e. prevention, surveillance, control and communication.

Dr Wilson, in presenting the report, outlined the role of the HPT and the work it undertook.Particular reference was made to the prevalence of flu and norovirus and Members were advised of the key messages to manage norovirus.

Discussion ensued on vaccination rates and the effectiveness of vaccines.

RESOLVED – (a) That the content of the Public Health England North East Health Protection Team (HPT) Annual Report 2018/19 entitled ‘Protecting the population of the North East from communicable disease and other hazards’, as appended to the submitted report, be noted.

(b) That the health protection risks that affect some individuals and communities disproportionately resulting in poorer health, be recognised.

REASON – (a) To inform the Board on the work of the Public Health England North East HPT, to deliver safe and effective health protection services.

(b) The report provides evidence to the Director of Public Health in support of their assurance role.