Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed everybody to the meeting and in particular the recently appointed district and city council representatives.

Apologies were received from Prof. Sir Jonathan Montgomery and Cllr Barry Wood.

Cllr Chapman attended for Cllr Wood.

There were no declarations of interest.

Members of the public who wish to speak at this meeting can attend the meeting in person or ‘virtually’ through an online connection.

Requests to speak must be submitted by no later than 9am four working days before the meeting i.e. 9 am on Friday 25 November 2022. Requests to speak should be sent to simon.wright@oxfordshire.gov.uk  

If you are speaking ‘virtually’, you may submit a written statement of your presentation to ensure that if the technology fails, then your views can still be taken into account. A written copy of your statement can be provided no later than 9 am 2 working days before the meeting. Written submissions should be no longer than one A4 sheet.

There were none.

To approve the Note of Decisions of the meeting held on 6 October 2022 (HBW5) and to receive information arising from them.

It was RESOLVED to APPROVE the notes of the meeting held on 6 October 2022 and to authorise the Chair to sign them as a correct record.

2.05pm

A verbal update on the latest situation from the system partners.

Ansaf Azhar, Director of Public Health & Wellbeing gave a verbal update.

It was reported that a peak in covid cases had been seen 2-3 weeks ago with a rise in hospital admissions in early November. It was emphasised that it was still early in the winter period so trends for covid, flu and respiratory infections were difficult to predict. The importance of prevention and people taking vaccinations that were available was highlighted.

The update was noted.

2.15pm

This briefing summarises data on the impact of the cost of living crisis and sets out work already underway by the council and its partners. It recommends additional actions that might be taken to mitigate the impact of cost of living crisis on those in greatest need.

The Health and Wellbeing Board is RECOMMENDED to:

a)       Review the summary briefing on cost of living impact and response (Annex A).

b)       Consider implications for the priorities of the Health and Wellbeing Strategy.

The Board received a data summary on the impact of the cost of living crisis and setting out work already being undertaken.

The board noted the presentation and thanked all those involved for their hard work. The importance of joint working was highlighted as well as ensuring that there was social inclusion.

Board Members gave updates as to what their individual organisations were doing to address the issue. This included the setting up of local food groups, warm spaces, community hubs, financial help including council tax reductions and linking to strategic aims of organisations.

The Board emphasised the need to be aware of issues such as rural isolation and the ongoing impact for other service such as Mental Health support, homelessness and those with disabilities.

It was considered that this was an important issue that would need to be closely monitored as much of the support such as the energy cap were time limited and therefore alternative approaches would be needed.

After further discussion it was:

Resolved:

Updates on this work be provided to the board members going forward.

2.45pm

To receive an update on the Action Plan

An update report on the Action Plan was presented by Kevin Gordon, Corporate Director for Children’s Services, and Caroline Kelly, Lead Commissioner Start Well.

It was emphasised that the plan was designed for partners to take responsibility for and be proactive in the delivery of priorities. The Board noted the need for effective training to be in place as this was key to the rollout of the plan. The importance of joint working and facilitating societal change were also considered paramount.

It was noted that finance was not yet in place but the Start Well initiative would be a priority for the ICB. The role of schools and curriculum links was stressed and the need for services beyond the age of 18 were highlighted.

The board noted the use of digital technology to engage with young people but that it was important that this be guided by users. It was reported that West Oxfordshire DC had undertaken a youth survey to inform priorities and the role of volunteer organisations to help support young people was important.

In conclusion it was emphasised that this initiative aligned with the Health & Wellbeing Strategy and other organisations priorities so joint working was imperative.

Resolved:

That,  the on-going work to deliver on the Children and Young People’s Emotional Wellbeing Promotion and Mental Ill Health Prevention Strategy Action Plan be noted and a further updates be presented at a future meeting.

3.00pm

To receive updates from Partnership Boards. Reports from –

·       Health Improvement Board; and

·       Children’s Trust

Health Improvement Board (HIB)

Councillor Louise Upton gave an on the recent meeting of the HIB.

The focus on mental wellbeing and examples of city and district case-studies of contribution to health and wellbeing priority areas at the last meeting was noted.

Children’s Trust Board

Councillor Liz Brighouse presented the report of the Children’s Trust Board and updated on work being undertaken in respect of early help.

A request for action for HWB members to champion the approach outlined was highlighted. Members expressed their support.

Cllr Leffman thanked the chairs for the updates.

3.10pm

To receive a presentation from the Director of Public Health in respect of the Annual Report.

Ansaf Azhar gave a presentation of the DPHAR which focused on the aim to support people in Oxfordshire to achieve a healthy weight. The main themes and initiatives to deliver this were outlined. The importance of engaging effectively with people was emphasised and peer support was highlighted.

The Board expressed their support and suggested that active travel and daily activity should be encouraged and engagement with schools and educating parents was paramount.

The presentation was noted.

3.25pm

To receive an update from Dan Leveson as Place Director for Oxfordshire for the Integrated Care Board.

Dan Leveson introduced the report and highlighted the priority groups identified in the document.

The Board emphasised the need for all areas of Oxfordshire to be included as poverty was an issue in rural areas where isolation could be an exacerbating factor and access to services was more difficult.

The update report was noted.

3.40pm

To receive a presentation from Rob Bowen in respect of Developing the Integrated Care Strategy

The Board received a report outlining the proposed Integrated Care Strategy (ICS) and the five main themes of promote and Protect health, start well, live well, age well and improve quality and access to services were highlighted. The links to other strategies were also outlined.

In welcoming the strategy the Board emphasised the need for clear engagement with a wide range of participants. With regard to the public consultation it was emphasised that a wide range of methods be used including non-digital so that hard to access groups could also be involved.

The board, whilst noting that district councils were aware, considered that there should be a workshop should be held with HWB members as the next scheduled meeting of the Board was after the consultation deadline. It was considered that this would give everybody time to familiarise themselves with the strategy and give informed feedback before a decisions was made.

Resolved:

1)    That, the update be noted; and

2)    That, a consultation workshop be arranged for all HWB members to facilitate feedback on the ICS Strategy

3.55pm

To receive an update on latest performance against agreed HWB metrics.

David Munday, Consultant in Public Health, Oxfordshire County Council, highlighted a number of performance indicators under the three life course stages “Start Well”, “Live Well” and “Age Well” from the strategy.

The Board noted the performance report.

4.10pm

The report summarises the work of the Oxfordshire Safeguarding Adults Board (OSAB) and its partners over the course of the year 2021-22. Representatives of the Board will present the Annual Report.

Karen Fuller, Corporate Director of Adults and Housing, introduced the annual report.

A specific recommendation arising from a review was highlighted. Work in respect of homelessness was highlighted and it was noted that partners appeared confident in reporting and escalating concerns. The multi-agency work was proving effective and that staff were working well together.

The HWB thanked the safeguarding board for their work.

Resolved:

1)    That the contents of the report and its conclusions be noted; and

2)    That, a specific issue from a Safeguarding Adults Review regarding a concern about barriers to accessing mental health treatment for people who misuse alcohol or illicit drugs be noted.

4.30pm

The report summarises the work of the Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children’s Board (OSCB) and its partners over the course of the year 2021-22. Representatives of the Board will present the Annual Report.

Derek Benson, Chair of the Board, presented the annual report to the board.

The Board welcomed the report and thanked the safeguarding board for their work.

Resolved:

That the contents of the report and its conclusions be noted

4.50pm

To report on views of health care gathered by Healthwatch Oxfordshire.

The Board considered a report by Healthwatch Oxfordshire setting out its activities since its last report to the Board. Sylvia Buckingham, Chair Healthwatch Oxfordshire, presented the report.

The update report was noted.