Agenda and draft minutes

To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 19 March 2024 as an accurate record.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 19 March 2024 were agreed as an accurate record

Members are invited to declare any disclosable pecuniary interests (DPIs) and other registrable and non-registrable interests they may have in relation to any items(s) of business on today’s agenda.

There were no disclosures at this meeting.

To receive notice of any business not on the agenda which in the opinion of the Chair, by reason of special circumstances, be considered as a matter of urgency.

The Chair was asked to feed into the contribution of South West London NHS Integrated Care Board to the implementation of the Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy. This item is to discuss the reposne with the Board Members.  

There was one item of urgent business, namely the response to the Southwest London Integrated Care Board (ICB) regarding the implementation of the Joint Local Health and Well-being (JLHW) strategy.

The Board was asked to consider the following areas:

1.     How effective has Southwest London ICB worked with the NHS and wider system partners to implement the JLHW strategy?

2.     What steps has Southwest London ICB taken in implementing the JLHW strategy?

3.     What more do you believe Southwest London ICB could do to support implementation of the JLHW strategy?

Board Members provided the following comments:

-          There was a need to explore what the ICB could do to support Croydon’s Health and Well-being strategy and how they could integrate other boroughs’ strategies at the Sub-Regional level. It was stressed that while the ICB integrated responses, it should ensure that hyperlocal preventative responses were properly reflected, and that local people were involved in co-production.

-          It was mentioned that Croydon was very different compared to some neighbouring boroughs and thus had different needs. In response, it was stressed that it was crucial for the Borough to remain focused on its own key areas of health and well-being.

-          It was highlighted that it was essential to ensure all relevant partners were actively involved in the joint strategic needs assessment.

Public Questions should be submitted before 12 noon on the 12 April to democratic.services@croydon.gov.uk. Any questions should relate to items listed on the agenda. 15 minutes will be allocated at the meeting for all Public Questions that are being considered.

The Board received two public questions from residents.

The first question concerned a resident's worries about the podiatry care their family member did not receive. It was agreed that Matthew Kershaw would provide a written response to the resident.

The second question asked about actions taken from 1 January 2024 to support people contracting COVID-19 and those suffering from it, and sought assurance regarding the appropriate use of the Outbreak Management Fund from June 2020 to May 2021. The Chair and officers clarified that this matter was outside the remit of the Board as defined in its terms of reference.

The Annual Report summarises the work undertaken by Healthwatch Croydon between 1st April 2022 and 31st March 2023.  It also sets out the plans for work in 2023-2024 as identified early in the financial year.

For the reasons set out in the report, the Health and Wellbeing Board is recommended:

-        to note Healthwatch Croydon’s Annual Report for the financial year 2022-23, which provides a summary of the work undertaken by the organisation during the year.

The Health and Wellbeing Board reviewed the Healthwatch Croydon Annual Report 2022-23, which summarised the work undertaken by Healthwatch Croydon between 1 April 2022 and 31 March 2023. It also outlined the priorities and plans for 2023-24 as identified at the beginning of the year.

The Board received an overview from Edwina Morris, Healthwatch Croydon Chair, and Gordon Kay, Healthwatch Croydon Manager, who highlighted the following areas:

-          Informing Urgent and Emergency Care Transformation,

-          Improving access for those who do not speak English,

-          Supporting better GP websites,

-          Providing insight for a new dementia strategy,

-          Assessing patient experience of the MyCare patient portal,

-          Raising awareness of asylum seekers' experiences in Croydon,

-          Providing insight for the London Ambulance Service’s strategy,

-          Raising issues about young people's mental health,

-          Ensuring communities were heard in regional decisions,

-          Recognising the work of volunteers supporting Healthwatch Croydon.

The Chair and the Board welcomed the report and recognised the work of Healthwatch Croydon. It was also highlighted that there were areas of synergy between the Council and Healthwatch Croydon, and stressed the importance of collaboration.

In response to queries raised by the Board, Edwina Morris and Gordon Kay clarified the following:

-          Healthwatch Croydon already had working relations with the Patient Engagement Group within the NHS.

-          A new report on asylum seekers was going to be published after the pre-election period.

-          Councillors and other stakeholders could support and raise the profile of Healthwatch Croydon by getting involved in discussions about improvements and current situations in the Borough. Healthwatch Croydon annually facilitated these discussions, with the next meeting scheduled for 14 May.

-          Healthwatch Croydon was constantly trying to raise its profile through various engagements with patients who accessed care in the Borough. In the near future, they aimed to strengthen their work with community hubs, and a new website would be launched soon.

The Board RESOLVED:

-           to note Healthwatch Croydon’s Annual Report for the financial year 2022-23, which provided a summary of the work undertaken by the organisation during the year.

This report summarises the work undertaken by Croydon Health and Wellbeing Board from 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2023 and sets out some priorities for work in 2024.

The report details the statutory duties and functions of the Board alongside the strategic priorities set out in the Health and Wellbeing Strategy.

This report recommends that the Health and Wellbeing Board:

-       Note the contents of this report.

-       Report to Full Council the outcome of the Board’s monitoring of the delivery plans in fulfilment of the Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy as part of its annual report.

The Health and Wellbeing Board reviewed the Health and Wellbeing Annual Report 2022-23, which summarised the work undertaken by the Croydon Health and Wellbeing Board from 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2023 and outlines priorities for 2024. The report detailed the statutory duties and functions of the Board alongside the strategic priorities set out in the Health and Wellbeing Strategy.

The Chair recognised and praised the work of the Board and thanked everyone involved.

In response to queries raised by the Board, Jack Bedeman, Consultant in Public Health, clarified the following:

-          It was noted that future Health and Wellbeing Board Annual Reports should be more explicit about the contributions of voluntary community organisations. Additionally, the Board could seek more structured and regular engagements with community organisations.

-          It was emphasised that the work should involve as many relevant stakeholders as possible to achieve the best outcomes for residents.

The Board RESOLVED:

-          to note the contents of this report.

-          to report to Full Council the outcome of the Board’s monitoring of the delivery plans in fulfilment of the Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy as part of its annual report.

This report updates the Health and Wellbeing Board on the Croydon Health and Wellbeing Survey for school-aged children and young people (2022/23).

For the reasons set out in the report, the Health and Wellbeing Board is recommended:

-       to note the full report of the results from the 2022/23 survey and discuss:

o   priority areas for action among Health and Wellbeing Board partners

o   opportunities to share the report among stakeholders.

-       to note the progress update provided within this report, and endorse the approach being taken.

The Health and Wellbeing Board reviewed a report summarising the work undertaken, results, and findings from the Croydon Health and Wellbeing Survey for School-Age Children and Young People. This report provided a comprehensive picture of the health and wellbeing of Croydon students who participated in the survey.

The Board received an overview from Ahimza Nagasivam, Consultant in Public Health, and Claire Mundle, Principal in Public Health, who highlighted the following points:

-          This was the first of six Health and Wellbeing Surveys for School-Age Children and Young People to be conducted in Croydon every two years. This regular survey would help understand the current mental health and wellbeing of children and young people living in the Borough and identify trends and changing needs. The survey was funded by the Contain Outbreak Management Fund.

-          The results were discussed with various stakeholders who had the opportunity to contribute to the development of the next steps. The survey findings were made available for use by anyone.

-          Key actions arising from the survey included establishing a professional well-being forum and organising a dedicated well-being day.

The Chair thanked the officers and the diverse group of stakeholders involved in this work, recognising the findings and outcomes arising from the survey. The Board also acknowledged the importance of engaging with young people and the significance of conducting the survey in the future to compare data across the years. The comprehensive list of practical activities resulting from the survey was also noted.

Board Members expressed their support and willingness to assist with the survey and associated work in the future. They highlighted the importance of keeping children, young people, and other relevant parties informed about the work being undertaken and actions arising from the surveys, as well as sharing the survey results with relevant stakeholders. The officers responded that this was very important, and they were working on conducting focus groups to reflect on the survey results.

A Board Member suggested that the officers might review the illness-related questions and (i) rephrase them to ‘disability and long-term health conditions’, and (ii) add an additional question about the type of disability. The officers responded that they had discussed this matter and used the term ‘illness’ to ensure good understanding, especially among younger children who might not have a formal diagnosis. However, the officers assured that they would consider this point during the review sessions.

The Board RESOLVED:

-          to note the full report of the results from the 2022/23 survey and discuss:

o   priority areas for action among Health and Wellbeing Board partners

o   opportunities to share the report among stakeholders.

-          to note the progress update provided within this report, and endorse the approach being taken.

The Health and Wellbeing Board have agreed to refresh the current strategy in March 2023, and a six-week public consultation took place between 15 January 2024 and 26 February 2024.

This report summarises the insights and feedback received from the consultation, presents the final draft of the Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy (JLHWS) for sign off, and provides an overview of next steps for delivering the strategy.

The Health and Wellbeing Board is recommended to:

-       Note insights and feedback received from the six-week consultation,

-       Approve the final JLHWS as presented in Appendix 3,

-       Agree on the next steps on delivering the strategy.

The Health and Wellbeing Board reviewed the Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy (JLHWS) reports, which summarised the insights and feedback received from the consultation, presented the final draft of the JLHWS for approval, and provided an overview of the next steps for implementing the strategy.

The Board received an overview from Jack Bedeman, Consultant in Public Health, and Shifa Sarica, Principal in Public Health, who highlighted the following points:

-          The officers acknowledged the engagement of various stakeholders in developing the strategy.

-          The consultation ran from January to February 2024 for six weeks. It involved two types of engagement: an online survey and a series of personal engagement sessions. Feedback from the consultation was incorporated into the draft strategy.

-          The delivery of the strategy between 2024 and 2029 was going to be focused on five strategic priorities identified in the strategy. The officers also emphasised the importance of a partnership and co-production approach to delivering the strategy and provided further details on their plans.

The Chair thanked the officers and recognised the contributions of the wider stakeholder group, noting that the strategy truly reflected the partnership work.

In response to queries raised by the Board, Shifa Sarica, Principle in Public Health, clarified the following:

-          The officers assured that they would utilise existing groups and sub-groups to avoid duplications. It was assured that no new groups would be established without first ensuring they did not already exist.

-          The officers assured that they would continuously monitor activities across the wider Borough and ensure the right people were involved in the sub-groups to promote a joined-up approach.

The Chair emphasised the importance of raising the profile of the work through the Cabinet, embedding pieces of work arising from the strategy in the Council strategies, and aligning them with the Integrated Care System and Integrated Care Board strategies. The Chair also recognised this work as a significant opportunity to harmonise efforts across the Borough.

The Board RESOLVED:

-          to note insights and feedback received from the six-week consultation,

-          to approve the final JLHWS as presented in Appendix 3,

-          to agree on the next steps on delivering the strategy.

To receive a verbal update and discuss the Board’s Forward Plan.

Jack Bedeman, Consultant in Public Health, provided a verbal update on the Health and Wellbeing Board’s Forward Plan. The following areas were highlighted:

-          It was recognised that the forward plan should be brough to the Board on regular basis.

-          The following items were scheduled for the next Health and Wellbeing Board meeting:

o   Joint Strategic Needs Assessment Work Plan,

o   Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment,

o   Director of Public Health Annual Report,

o   Integrated Care System Report,

o   Peer Review Challenge.

-          It was reminded that all board members were able to suggest items for the forward plans at the meeting. Then, these suggestions were discussed at the Executive Group meeting.

-          It was also suggested to organise a Health and Wellbeing Board workshop session in September.

The Board RESOLVED:

-          to receive a verbal update and discuss the Board’s Forward Plan.

To ensure that both national and local governance is completed correctly, the Health and Wellbeing Board is asked to sign off the Better Care Fund Quarter 3 Submission for 23-24 for Croydon to NHS England.

The Health and Wellbeing Board reviewed a report on the Better Care Fund Quarter 3 Submission for 2023-24 for Croydon to NHS England.

Daniele Serdoz, Acting Deputy Director of Primary and Community Care Transformation – Croydon, provided an overview of the report. He explained that each quarter they were required to provide a progress update. He assured the Board that this report was consistent with previous ones and that they were on track to spend the available funds.

The Chair inquired about the integration of the Frontrunner programme with the Better Care Fund work. It was explained that the Frontrunner programme was a significant component of the Better Care Fund work, with a substantial amount of resources allocated to it. It was also mentioned that the monitoring metrics would be slightly different. The Chair suggested that it would be beneficial for the Board to learn more about the impact generated by the Better Care Fund and the Frontrunner programme.

The Board RESOLVED:

-          to sign off the Better Care Fund Quarter 3 Submission for 23-24 for Croydon to NHS England.

The following motion is to be moved and seconded where it is proposed to exclude the press and public from the remainder of a meeting:

“That, under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act, 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information falling within those paragraphs indicated in Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, as amended.”

It was not necessary to exclude the press and public from any portion of this meeting.