Issue - meetings

Matthew Cole presented his Public Health Annual Report, and explained that the Annual Report provided an opportunity to focus on issues of concern and opportunities to improve the health of residents and was both informed by and supported by the recommendation in the LBBD Independent Growth Commission and the Council’s and NHS transformation planning.  As a result the Annual Report had been published a little later that normal to take into consideration the emerging Ambition 2020 Programme and strategic changes in the Council.  Historically austerity has been significant in regards to health and social systems.  It was important to acknowledged the links to income and health and to realise the opportunities to improve the health of residents and future generations through cost-effective preventions and interventions. 

Matthew drew the Board’s attention to the need to have a 20 year plus manifesto of health improvement but this was set against outcomes over five year commissioning periods.  Matthew stressed that health only provision was not going to be sufficient in the long-term and there was a growing need to look at other issues, such as the New Zealand example, where improved health has occurred through better housing and employment opportunities.

Matthew also drew the Board’s attention to reoccurring but easily preventable conditions, like measles, as well as the new emerging global infection threats, like the Zika virus.

The Chair commended the Annual Report to the Partners as being easy to read and full of useful facts and how it could be a tool in the challenge process.

The Board:

(i)  Received the Public Heath Annual Report 2015/16;

(ii)  Noted the comments and observations of the Director of Public Health in his Annual Report.