Agenda item

To receive the Board’s annual report on the progress of ongoing work to support the delivery of the Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy within the limitations of the Covid-19 impact.

The Director of Adults’ Health and Care introduced the Health and Wellbeing Board’s annual report from the Director of Public Health, with a key focus on inequalities as result of covid but also pre-existing factors.  Each Board Sponsor provided an update on progress, impact of Covid, challenges, key developments and upcoming priorities within their theme.

Strategic Leadership

Members heard that the work of the Board had been taken forward in the last year via virtual meetings with good discussions improved attendance, a survey carried out, and that the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment had been paused but was now being picked up with additional information expected from the current Census.  Inequalities identified through Covid and earlier, are being addressed through various Boards best placed to take action and threaded through all work.  Climate change work has started at the County Council and also further across partnership in relation to health, as well as key areas in planning and local developments to improve health and wellbeing outcomes at the place level.

Starting Well

Members heard that following on from the recent update to the Board, significant investment and activity has taken place in regards to children’s mental health including close working with Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs).  The impact of Covid with children not being at school and additional pressures on families with the effects of lockdown expected to be seen for some time with significant work and interventions put in place to support families and young people across agencies.  A joint commissioning strategy with CCGs has been agreed and will delivering targeted work around domestic abuse and parenting pathways as priorities.

Living Well

Members heard that as a result of the pandemic, inequalities have been highlighted across population and though care has been available, not everyone has been able to access care and for the majority it has not been face to face.  There has been good work focused on health and wellbeing around those shielding and homeless.  Encouraging registering and receiving care have demonstrated examples of agencies working together.  There has been a focus on mental health throughout the year.  While there has been Covid related challenges with the anti-smoking program during pregnancy, the work is continuing and new investment to for weight management and obesity prevention.  Increase in self harm, domestic abuse, and poor mental health have escalated as a result of social isolation.  The focus remains on the underserved and on how to offer health and care and support them in taking up the services.  Digital tools have kept the work moving forwards and coproducing solutions alongside voluntary sector.

Aging Well

Members heard paralleled joint working across Hampshire and particularly noting the contribution of the Voluntary Care Sector (VCS) alongside statutory organizations which have been at the forefront supporting residents in collective response.  The one-year anniversary of the first national lockdown will take place on 23 March and be a national day of reflection to consider what has been endured and those lost.  Colleagues are urged to observe the minute’s silence at noon for a moment of reflection.  Work undertaken in support of older people continues to extend beyond including the welfare helpline and supporting those shielding and vulnerable.  Over a hundred thousand residents identified as clinically vulnerable or otherwise have been contacted and supported.  The Healthy Homes Needs Assessment identifies key issues to be addressed.  Technology and focused use in supporting residents has been a key development with continued use, leaving no one behind as a feature of collective working and shared ambitions.  Fantastic examples of critical work have been taking place across the county and community, bringing good work forwards and maintaining new effective ways of working.  Representation for carers has helped support the extended community to keep people safe and independent.  VCS and faith communities have supported marginalized areas with local response centres and food banks.  Those most vulnerable are prioritized for vaccination and in the transition out of lockdown, there is much catching up to be achieved in terms of services and support.

Dying Well

Members heard this was a timely conversation about the HIOW and Frimley ICS with regards to this particular chapter reflecting work and learning from across both geographies.  The End of Life (EOL) Board established with key representatives and wider community representation.  Bereavement and care after death, rollout of ReSPECT to be implemented in May and the difficulties for providers and hospices over Covid and understanding their significance in the end-of-life pathway.  The SCAS pathway has been critical to patients being transferred to die at home.  Progress against metrics is currently on hold due to Covid impact but the HIOW ethical framework takes into account the fundamental principles such as everyone matters and the harm that could be suffered minimized, based on development work and collaboration of clinicians across the area.  Funding and resources have been secured for ePaCCS rollout in the autumn. 

Healthier Communities

Members heard that at the last physical meeting at healthy homes workshop was limited by the size of the venue but the pandemic has shown new ways of working with increased capacity.  Recovery workshops have identified examples of good practice shared with districts and boroughs.  New policies have been put into place in light of the Covid impact with successful homelessness strategies and local response centres stepping out to the mark with VCS and local authority support.  Issues coming to light with mental and physical challenges and financial hardships have been signposted to new initiatives with partners keen to share knowledge across communities.  

Members thanked all Board Sponsors and noted the positive progress.  It was noted that a deep dive would follow on the ICSs and Boards that fall within and that inequalities will remain the firm focus of the partnership.  

Members requested a visually appealing and engaging summary of the Annual Report be circulated to be shared with colleagues and organizations and it was confirmed this would be taken forward as an action.

RESOLVED: 

That the Health and Wellbeing Board--

·         Note the update, progress, and upcoming priorities of the Board’s work.  

·         Actively share the report with constituent members’ boards and committees to ensure further engagement and development of the plan for 2021/22.