Issue - meetings

The Board received a report from the Director of Public Health, informing and updating them on the Public Health functions and activities within Halton; and the impact of the reduction in Public Health funding. 

It was reported that since the NHS reforms, Councils had assumed responsibility for the planning and commissioning of public health services within their areas.  A list of these responsibilities was listed in the report.  Local authorities were therefore expected to set their health priorities based on their Health and Wellbeing Strategies, with a robust understanding of local needs set out within a Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) and take into account the indicators within the Public Health Outcomes Framework.

The Board was advised that Halton’s Health and Wellbeing Strategy identified the following priority areas using evidence from the JSNA and extensive consultation with stakeholders and local people:

·       Prevention and early detection of cancer;

·       Improved child development;

·       Reduction in the number of falls in adults;

·       Reduction in the harm from alcohol; and

·       Prevention and early detection of mental health conditions.

Appended to the report was the Public Health Annual Report for 2015-16; an independent report written by the Director of Public Health.  This year’s theme was the development of needs assessments and how we use them.  It included a range of facts and figures from across the life course of the Halton population.

Members queried the drop in numbers of MMR vaccinations at age two.  Officers advised that this had been referred to Public Health England (PHE) and an action plan was being put together for presentation to the Health and Wellbeing Board, so that the situation could be monitored.

On behalf of the Board the Chair thanked the Public Health Director for an excellent Public Health Annual Report.

RESOLVED:  That the Board notes the update and receives the Public Health Annual Report for 2015/16.