Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Councillor Shacklock.

A personal interest was declared by Councillors Smith-Haynes and Lawal in the general remit of agenda items 5 and 7. Councillor Lawal also noted a potential pecuniary interest in discussions relating to care systems.

To discuss and agree the terms of reference of the Health, Wellbeing and Vulnerable People Executive Advisory Panel

The Executive Director of Adults, Communities & Wellbeing outlined the draft Terms of Reference. Members made an addition to the terms of reference to allow for meetings on site. The right was reserved to hold virtual meetings at the discretion of the panel Chair. It was noted that supported virtual attendance would be permitted where required.

It was RESOLVED that the Terms of Reference for the Health, Wellbeing & Vulnerable People Executive Advisory Panel be approved.

An introduction to the service areas of Public Health, Children’s Services, Adult Services, Communities & Wellbeing.

The Director of Public Health outlined the shared role of her position within the Northamptonshire unitary councils and the CCG. Members received a summary of the service areas which focused on health protection and improvement. Members noted the importance of the business intelligence function in identifying and forecasting needs.

The Executive Director of Adults, Communities & Wellbeing reminded members of the council Blueprint and the services within the remit of the panel. Key partnerships with community care services were highlighted.

In response to questions, the directors in attendance assured members that an ‘Our Adult’s Social Care’ document was in development. Members were directed to the 2021 White Paper, ‘Integration and innovation: Working together to improve health and social care for all’ for additional background reading. A summarised version of the document was circulated to members.

Directors to share views on areas that the panel may wish to consider.

The Director of Public Health indicated that the first few sessions of the panel would involve more information sharing to provide panel members with a wider knowledge of the service areas within its remit. A ‘health in all policies’ approach was endorsed by members as good collaborative practice. Members noted that the data systems within Public Health are cyclical and deep dives could be undertaken to highlight priority and catch-up areas.

The following areas were identified as potential areas of interest:

·         Fall services -  supporting the frail and elderly

·         Supporting independence – tertiary services to improve quality of life

·         Hydration, nutrition and muscle tone

·         Social prescribing

·         Flu season 21/22 – limited data on circulating strains

Locality specific intervention:

·         Smoking cessation – smoking cessation and harm reduction programmes

·         Low level mental health illnesses

·         Smear test uptake

·         Chlamydia detection

·         Obesity

The Executive Director, Adults, Communities and Wellbeing offered the following suggestions of areas with potential interest to the panel:

·         Integrated Care Systems

·         Assistive Technology Strategy

·         Leisure policies

·         Facilities applications

·         Homelessness strategies and performance

·         Integration with health

·         Shaping care markets

·         Care Planning – addressing the opportunity to challenge

Members noted the officer suggestions.

To identify and agree areas for further discussion where there is the possibility the area may be picked up by another EAP

Executive Director, Adults, Communities and Wellbeing identified key areas with the potential to overlap:-

·         Leisure services

·         Community safety

·         Housing

·         Adult learning

·         Libraries

Members were informed that the Chair of the panel would enter into discussion with other panel chairs where items overlap, in order to determine a lead panel. In the event of any disagreement, the Leader of the Council would make the decision as set out in the Terms of Reference.

Members noted the approach as set out in the Terms of Reference.

To develop a work programme for the HWVP Executive Advisory Panel, identifying potential future areas for the panel to be briefed on

Members considered topics to add to the work plan for future meetings of the panel.

The panel recommended a list of items for future consideration:-

·         Integrated care across Northamptonshire

·         Flu prevention

·         Supporting independence

·         Social prescribing

·         Better Care Fund

·         Encouraging an active and healthy lifestyle