Agenda item

This report provides the Health and Wellbeing Board with an update on key Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy (JHWS) indicators.

The Health and Wellbeing Board considered an update on key Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy (JHWS) indicators. The Board’s attention was drawn to the indicators set out in section 3.3 of the report.

The following issues were discussed:

·         Childhood obesity – with reference to the life course, a Board Member asked when it was most important to intervene. In response, the Director of Public Health explained that if children remained overweight in their adolescent years, it was more likely that they would be obese in their adult years. As a result, it was considered that there was a narrow window to intervene and there was a need for ‘whole system approach’ to tackling childhood obesity. It was noted that a report would be presented to the Board on this matter at their next meeting on 18 February 2019.

·         Parental response to feedback from the National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP) – with reference to anecdotal evidence, a Board Member explained that parents whose children had been identified as being overweight had reported feeling guilt. It was noted that it was difficult to tell a parent and their child that the child was overweight, particularly as individuals working in the health and care system might also struggle with their own weight. In response, the Director of Public Health referred to the Making Every Contact Count (MECC) approach which aimed to increase confidence and knowledge of professionals in engaging with the public. The Director of Public undertook to provide the Board Member with the data in relation to the uptake of weight management interventions by parents following receipt of a letter indicating that a child was overweight.

·         Increasing workforce confidence - in response to further questions and comments concerning actions organisations could take to increase the confidence of their workforce with regards to weight management, the Director of Public Health recognised that more work was needed in this area. However, it was noted that organisations could sign up to the Medway Workplace Wellbeing Awards which included taking action to encourage healthy eating and healthy weight. A number of GP practices had signed up to the award scheme.

·         Healthy workforce – in response to comments regarding encouraging healthier workplaces, the Director of Public Health explained that work to promote health and wellbeing at Medway Council was ongoing. He noted that health checks had been offered on site and there was a health monitor available for use by all employees. With respect to Medway Foundation Trust, it was explained that the hospital was increasingly providing healthier food alternatives. However, it was recognised that the work patterns of clinical staff made healthy choices less accessible.

·         Wider determinants - it was recognised that environmental factors such as safe walking routes impacted on weight management and that it was important to build patterns of healthy behaviour in children. In response, the Board was advised that the Council had secured funding through the Housing Infrastructure Fund (HIF) bid which might assist, particularly on the Hoo peninsula.

·         Currency of data – recognising that some data was two to three years old, a Member asked whether there was any real time data to demonstrate current achievements. In response, the Director of Public Health explained that the data presented was the latest available validated data. He undertook to review whether more recent data could be provided but noted that this would not be validated.

·         Smoking at Time of Delivery (SATOD) – with reference to the commentary associated with this measure on page 6 of Appendix 1 to the report, a Board Member clarified that the NHS Medway Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) was represented by Medway Council on the task and finish group. The Director of Public Health undertook to amend the comment.

·         Smoking prevalence – with reference to the self-reported smoking prevalence data set out in Appendix 1 to the report, a Board Member sought clarification as to the consistency of methodology applied. The Board was advised that the national methodology was used.

·         Health inequalities – with reference to a particular issue in relation to accessibility at the All Saints Children and Family Hub, the Director of Public Health undertook to liaise with the Board Member and the Head of Partnership Commissioning, Resources and Youth Justice outside of the meeting.

·         Suicide prevention – it was recognised that positive progress had been made to reduce the number of suicides in Medway. Asked what can be done to share positive practice, the Board was advised that the work had recently won the National Positive Practice in Mental Health Award and had been nominated for the Health Service Journal awards. Further investment, communication and collaboration was needed and would be taken forward by a newly appointed consultant in Public Health.

Decision:

The Health and Wellbeing Board considered and commented as set out within the minute on the report.