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The Director of Public Health, and the Assistant Director of Public Health, introduced the report to the committee. The report updated members on the partnership work undertaken to develop a Wirral Health Protection Strategy. The report described how the Wirral Health Protection Board planned to face future challenges using the experience gained throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The report explained the importance of a collaborative approach toward health protection in order to improve health and wellbeing, as well as protecting the local economy and reduce health inequalities. Officers detailed how the strategy will contribute to the aims of the Forward Plan, particularly promoting Active and Healthy Lives.

Officers explained to members that the next step would be to develop a detailed implementation plan and that progress updates would return to committee. Members queried update of the MMR vaccine and were advised that this is a national issue where resposnsibilty for communication is between the NHS and Local Authorities.

Further questions were asked by Members regarding preparedness for future pandemics and were pleased to see a wide ranging focus within the strategy, such as that on Hepatitis B and C, and HIV. Members also queried the financial aspect of the strategy and whether the grant would be ring fenced. Officers were asked to provide baseline information prior to implementation to be able to compare the effects of the strategy.

Officers responded informing members that that requested information would be detailed within the progress report as well as being monitored by the Youth Protection Board, and that all partners were actively engaged with the strategy.

Members felt that 6-monthly monitoring was more appropriate than annually.

On a motion by Councillor Amanda Onwuemene, seconded by Councillor Jason Walsh, it was

Resolved – That the Wirral Health Protection Strategy 2023-2027 and Delivery Plan be approved and the Director of Public Health be requested to report back after six months of implementation and six months prior to completion as well as annually to monitor progress.