Agenda item

To receive an update on work under the ‘Living Well’ theme of the Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy.

The Board received the report of the Board sponsor for the Living Well theme providing an update on the priorities and progress of the Living Well strand of the Health and Wellbeing Strategy.

The report covered topics including post Covid pandemic updates, actions taken to reduce smoking, self-management of health needs and co-production. The report also outlined the importance of digital tools in delivering care and the focus on early intervention and prevention.

Members discussed the topic of self-management in relation to hypertension patients and empowering individuals to monitor their own health needs. It was noted that Frimley CCG (North East Hampshire) had the highest figures nationally for patients with high blood pressure and was working within the community to increase awareness of the available services.

In response to Members’ questions, it was noted that:

·       It was worth being mindful of the opportunity to promote health services in different settings. In particular, it was anticipated that footfall within libraries would increase through the winter period and that could provide an opportunity to reach out to a different part of the population regarding health and wellbeing.

·       The 2025 ‘switch to digital’ would mean that all analogue devices would be unusable. This national rollout would be a significant campaign and that it would be important to consider the impact on residents and the messaging and communication around this.

·       Whilst the Council’s Children’s Services department and HC3S strongly encouraged healthier meal choices and locally sourced produce, the Board heard that schools were autonomously managed and therefore made their own decisions linked to meal choices and the promotion of healthy lifestyles within their settings.

·       The existing community pantries across the County could provide a valuable opportunity for use as health hubs, enabling conversations and providing some services such as blood pressure testing.

·       When considering planning permissions/town planning (in particular linked to permissions for fast food outlets), District and Borough Authorities did have a duty to consider health and wellbeing in developing healthy places. It was noted, however, that there was only so much that could be achieved by Local Authorities alone and that influencing the way that developers create new places was a more challenging factor.

·         In response to a question regarding public play areas and installing fitness equipment, the Board heard that seeking to influence everyday behaviours to incorporate regular exercise was more valuable and sustainable than creating destinations for exercise alone.

RESOLVED:

That the Health and Wellbeing Board:

i)             note the reduction in the numbers smoking at delivery but the need to keep focus on this area.

ii)            note that although two thirds of people set a smoking quit date after 4 weeks there is always more that could be done and more targeted interventions are being employed.

iii)           support and promote the Healthy Weight strategy within their organisations including working collaboratively through a whole system approach.

iv)           ensure their organisations are sighted on and contribute to the Hampshire Physical Activity Strategy implementation.

v)            note the various self-management tools open to clinicians and the public to support them in their conditions.