Agenda item

The Director of Children and Adults Services submitted a report (previously circulated) requesting that consideration be given to the eighth Annual Health Protection Report (also previously circulated) published by the North East Health Protection Team (HPT), Public Health England, entitled ‘Protecting the population of the North East from communicable disease and other hazards’ 2017/18.

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

Dr. Wilson, in presenting the Annual Report and work of the North East HPT, stated that Health Protection was the business of everyone; information was gathered from various sources; outlined a number of key activities for everyone; and outlined the highlights from 2017/18 under the four elements of work of PHE.  Particular reference was also make to the impact that national and international incidents could have on the work of HPT’s.

Discussion ensued on the winter flu vaccine and its effectiveness.

RESOLVED – (a)  That the contents of the North East Health Protection Team (HPT), Public Health England annual report, 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 disproportionally resulting in poorer health, be recognised.

REASONS – (a) To inform the Board on the work of HPT, Public Health England 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.