Issue - meetings

The Board received an update from the Director of Public Health, on the development of the Halton Public Health Annual Report (PHAR).

It was noted that since 1988 Directors of Public Health (DPH) had been tasked with preparing annual reports – an independent assessment of the health of local populations.  The annual report was the DPH’s professional statement on the health of local communities, based on sound epidemiological evidence and interpreted objectively.  It also allowed the DPH to identify key issues, flag problems, report progress and thereby, serve the local populations.  It was also a key resource to inform local inter-agency action and remained a key means by which the DPH was accountable to the population they served.

The Board was advised that the theme for the PHAR for 2022/23 had focused on health improvement and prevention work to support the Halton community with their health in the different stages of their lives, as well as coping with pressures such as the recent pandemic and rising cost of living.  To do this four key life stages were used as a guide to the issues – Start, Strong, Live and Well. 

A summary was provided of the content of the PHAR relating to these issues and a weblink to the Report was provided, as follows:

HBC Director of Health annual public health reports (halton.gov.uk)

Members welcomed the PHAR and agreed it was informative and interesting to read.  The resources provided with regards to cost of living information and support was highlighted and it was suggested that perhaps future reports could also include DWP information on how to access work information for residents.   Thanks were given to the Health Improvement Team.

RESOLVED:  That the Board note the theme and recommendations within the Director of Public Health’s Annual Report.