Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Councillors: Charlie Best and Jon-Paul Carr.

Councillor Graham Lawman declared a personal interest, as a public governor of Kettering General Hospital.

RESOLVED that: The minutes be approved as an accurate record of the meeting.

The Committee considered the Northamptonshire Safeguarding Adults Board Annual Report 2023-24, which highlighted:

·         An increase in safeguarding referrals compared to the previous year.

·         Achievements in improving multi-agency coordination and training.

·         Challenges related to complex safeguarding cases.

During discussion, the principal points were noted:

·         Members asked what specific measures had been taken to address the increased number of safeguarding referrals.

·         Members raised concerns about communication between agencies, particularly when cases crossed county boundaries.

·         Members queried how outcomes for individuals involved in safeguarding cases were being monitored.

·         Members asked about staffing levels within safeguarding teams.

·         Members asked what steps had been taken to safeguard vulnerable individuals in care homes.

In response, officers clarified that:

·         A multi-agency approach had been adopted, combining enhanced staff training, public awareness campaigns, and data analysis to identify high-risk areas.

·         A regional communication protocol had been piloted to streamline case handovers and improve inter-county cooperation.

·         Outcomes were assessed through case reviews and service-user feedback, with findings used to inform improvements.

·         Officers acknowledged recruitment challenges but noted that a new apprenticeship scheme had been introduced to reduce dependency on agency staff.

·         A targeted inspection program focusing on care homes at risk had been launched, including regular unannounced visits.

RESOLVED that: The Health Scrutiny Committee recommends that officers:

a)    Future Reports: Include a summary of engagement with individuals and carers with lived experience, detailing at least three specific initiatives and their outcomes by the next annual report, which should also include the following:

b)    Inter-Agency Communication: Provide a written update outlining key actions taken to improve communication in complex safeguarding cases, including any relevant (anonymised) case study demonstrating positive outcomes.

c)    Safeguarding Adult Reviews (SARs): Submit a report on SAR processes, including completion rates and timelines, along with a plan to address any identified resource gaps.

d)    Key Metrics Dashboard: Develop a dashboard of safeguarding metrics by tracking trends in safeguarding concerns and response times, with a goal to improve positive outcomes by a certain appropriate percentage in the following year.

e)    Training Initiatives: Provide an update on multi-agency training efforts, including attendance rates and at least one example of how training has improved safeguarding practices.

The Committee considered the Council’s plans for health protection and winter preparedness, including:

·         Vaccination programs for influenza and COVID-19.

·         Coordination with NHS partners to address pressures on emergency services.

·         Contingency staffing plans and community health initiatives.

During discussion, the principal points were noted:

·         Members inquired about the prioritization of high-risk individuals for flu vaccinations.

·         Members raised concerns regarding delays in distributing vaccines to rural areas.

·         Members questioned the capacity of the 111 service to handle increased demand during winter.

·         Members queried plans to address potential staffing shortages in hospitals during peak winter periods.

·         Members asked how the Council was supporting community health initiatives to reduce hospital pressures.

·         Members inquired about ambulance service readiness during severe weather.

In response, officers clarified that:

·         GP practices and community pharmacies had used patient records to identify high-risk groups and ensured early access to vaccines.

·         Additional mobile clinics had been deployed to address accessibility issues.

·         Additional call handlers had been recruited and AI tools were being trialled to support triage processes.

·         Officers highlighted the use of bank and agency staff, as well as redeployment strategies, to ensure coverage in critical areas.

·         Officers outlined efforts, including enhanced support for care-at-home services, increased funding for community nursing teams, and partnerships with voluntary organizations.

·         Additional 4x4 vehicles were on standby and that ambulance crews had received specialized training for operating in adverse conditions.

RESOLVED that: The Health Scrutiny Committee recommends that officers:

a)    Winter Preparedness Update: Provide an overview on the healthcare system's readiness for winter pressures, including key measures for hospital and primary care capacity.

b)    Vaccination Promotion Report: Share insights on strategies to enhance vaccination uptake, particularly in vulnerable populations, along with current vaccination rates in high-risk settings.

Inter-Agency Coordination Update: Efforts to coordinate resources and staffing across health and social care for winter preparedness, including examples of successful collaboration.

The Committee considered The Director of Public Health’s Annual Report 2023-24, which focused on:

·         Persistent health inequalities across North Northamptonshire.

·         Key public health challenges, including mental health, obesity, and smoking cessation.

·         Community-driven health initiatives that had shown success.

During discussion, the principal points were noted:

·         Members asked what measures had been taken to address health inequalities in the region.

·         Members raised concerns about the adequacy of mental health support for young people.

·         Members questioned the effectiveness of smoking cessation programs.

·         Members asked how obesity rates were being tackled locally.

·         Members inquired about public health messaging around vaccinations.

·         Members queried how the success of public health initiatives was being measured.

In response, officers clarified that:

·         Targeted interventions, such as outreach programs and local health hubs, had been deployed in deprived areas.

·         The Director highlighted the expansion of school-based mental health programs and the integration of services within the ‘THRIVE’ model.

·         Officers acknowledged declining participation rates but mentioned a new app-based support service aimed at improving engagement.

·         Officers detailed initiatives such as subsidised fitness programs, healthy eating campaigns in schools, and partnerships with local businesses.

·         The Director confirmed that a multimedia campaign had been launched to combat vaccine misinformation and increase uptake.

·         The Director outlined performance indicators, including health outcomes, service usage statistics, and community feedback.

RESOLVED that: The Health Scrutiny Committee recommends that the Director of Public Health provides an update in six months’ time covering the following areas:

a)    Insights on successful interventions addressing health inequalities in deprived areas, highlighting key lessons learned and ongoing challenges.

b)    Impact of public health campaigns, focusing on mental health, smoking, vaping and alcohol use. Include examples of innovative approaches and collaborations with community partners.

c)    Presents an overview on the progress of place-based approaches to improving health outcomes, including:

                      i.        The role of Local Area Partnerships in promoting health and wellbeing.

                    ii.        Examples of successful community engagement in physical activity programs.

                   iii.        Short-term goals being used to track progress towards long-term health strategies.

RESOLVED that: The Committee notes the Scrutiny Work Plan as it relates to Health Scrutiny.

There being no further business, the Chair thanked the Committee for their attendance and closed the meeting at 10:09pm.