To receive a presentation updating the Board on the development of the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment.

The Board considered a presentation from the Director of Public Health updating on developments with the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment during 2013/14 and highlighting key areas for partners to consider in developing their commissioning and delivery plans.

·  Life Expectancy

It was reported that Wirral had the largest inequalities in Disability Free Life Expectancy (years spent free from illness and disease)of all local authorities in Wirral

·  Screening

It was reported that there had been an increase in uptake for screening; breast screening had seen an increase which was higher than the North West average 

·  Children and Young People

In relation to the target relating to breast feeding, this was below the national average, however, an event was recently launched to encourage new mothers to breast feed after birth.

Concern was raised as to the figures reported in relation to children living in poverty; there were big challenges to be faced by Wirral and partners to address this

It was reported that the Looked After Children rate in Wirral was higher than the national average, the Childrens Services Director and the department were looking at ways in which this could be improved.

·  Cancer

In relation to the reported figures, Ms Johnstone indicated that more needed to be done to assist partners to cascade the message and raise awareness.

·  Deprivation

This was a big challenge for Wirral. It was indicated that the Board needed to be satisfied that all partners had the right services and support in the more deprived areas of the Borough.

Mr Anthony Hassall, Director of Strategy and Partnerships, Wirral University Teaching Hospital commented that the reported figures had been shared with the board at a recent meeting, and indicated that in relation to breastfeeding figures reported, the Director of Midwifery would be looking at this.

In response to comments, Ms Johnstone indicated that in order to tackle this, a collaborative approach from all partners was needed. There was also a need to test our vision against our services, to see where the Board and services could add value.

Dr Phil Jennings, Wirral CCG indicated that in relation to the indicators around smoking and alcohol, work being undertaken by health would tick some of the boxes, but suggested that the Local Authority could drive this through its business processes i.e. licensing applications. Progress made to date was mainly down to smoking cessation and diet.

In relation to life expectancy rates, and narrowing the gap in health inequalities, Ms Johnstone indicated that the Board needed to engage and work with the Constituency Committees who would have a huge role to play in tackling this issue.

In response to comments, Ms Johnstone indicated she would be looking at different approaches to increase public awareness and reported that currently the Environmental Health Department were working with schools, take away establishments and parents on a healthy eating initiative; this had received a good response with 200 families already signed up. It was suggested that the Public Services Board could be asked to look at the gap in health inequalities and life expectancy.

RESOLVED:

That the update on the Joint Needs Assessment be noted.