A report by the Director of Care and Health introduced the DRAFT Wirral Health and Care Commissioning (WHCC) Single Business Plan for 2021/22,  as set out in appendix 1 of the report, and the key priorities and workstreams that underpin it, and which will contribute towards delivering better outcomes for Wirral Residents.

The report informed that the purpose of the WHCC is to jointly commission all age health and care services for residents in Wirral, which have a positive impact on the life course of an individual. Members were advised that the key to this is the transformation of service delivery which is expected to improve the experience of people and to reduce the need for long term care and hospital care by:

·  Improving the health and wellbeing outcomes for the people of Wirral,

·  Reducing health inequalities; and

·  Delivering sustainable services, both through the workforce and financially.

Members were advised that the Single Business Plan identifies the key focus of work over 2021/22 toward delivering these aims. The report further advised that the work will be structured around the four key themes of Children and Families; Ageing Well; Emotional Health and Wellbeing; Healthy Communities and each of the themes are described in the business plan.

In response to comments from Members, The Director of Health and Care advised that the WHCC Business Plan supports commitments to working in integrated care and that there is work ongoing with air quality groups and the plan is linked into regeneration work.

A comment made by a Member drew attention to a lack of information regarding the impact of environmental factors such as access to green space as a means to improve mental wellbeing. It was asked that this could be included in future reports to Committee on the matter.

In response to a question by a Member it was reported that the impacts of long covid are emerging and there is forward planning through the means of joint working with the Council and NHS. There is funding available to the NHS for provision to treat people with long covid. It was suggested that this information be presented to Committee at a later date.

Resolved – That the report be noted with the request that environmental factors be included within future reports along with the impact of long covid as it emerges.