Issue - meetings

Report of the Interim Head of Health and Wellbeing.

Further to Minute No. 83 of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 14 January 2016, the Committee considered the report of the Interim Head of Health and Wellbeing on the 2015 Public Health Annual Report that focused on the measures taken to deal with the impact of austerity on people living in Sefton. The production of an annual report, highlighting the health of the local population, was a legal requirement by the Director of Public Health.

The Annual Report outlined key areas, namely a message from the Cabinet Member – Health and Wellbeing; an explanation of austerity; the impact of austerity on health; how national austerity policies have impacted on Sefton; greater teamwork in working together for better health; local stories in Sefton; taking thoughts and ideas forward to support families and better communities; and maintaining good health in tough times.

Margaret Jones, Interim Head of Health and Wellbeing presented the Public Health Annual Report 2015: Good Health in Tough Times, and indicated that a number of stakeholders had been invited to participate in an event on the matter. Although austerity did impact on health, with mental illness and suicide generally at increased levels, the picture was mixed as conversely, hazardous lifestyle choices such as drinking alcohol and smoking saw a reduction. Welfare systems, not just confined to the U.K., could mitigate some negative impacts, with Iceland being cited as an example. In addition, fiscal control in the U.S.A. had seen health improvement stalled. Austerity in the U.K. had produced problems with individuals unable to pay rent, an increase in fuel poverty and the use of food banks. Particular vulnerable groups were affected with people living in poverty and a publication “The Future of Family Incomes” was referred to. Emphasis was placed on more partnership working and how organisations could work more closely together with less silo working, to help people and communities help themselves. Work was required to identify how to measure austerity and to identify the barriers to making healthier choices.

Fiona Taylor, Chief Officer for NHS South Sefton Clinical Commissioning Group and NHS Southport and Formby Clinical Commissioning Group, welcomed the 2015 Public Health Annual Report and the partnership approach. She also acknowledged Margaret Jones’ role as Interim Director of Public Health / Head of Health and Wellbeing as Margaret had maintained good working relationships with partner organisations throughout her role.

A Member of the Committee referred to the consequences of austerity and the problems of it in health terms, together with the need to face such problems with an apolitical approach.

A Member of the Committee also referred to the initiative for “advice on prescription”, with GPs signposting patients for social advice, and welcomed the joint working approach.

RESOLVED: That

(1)       the content of the annual report of the Director of Public Health be noted; and

(2)       the fact that the Public Health Annual Report will be published be noted.

Report of the Interim Head of Health and Wellbeing

Further to Minute No. 83 of the Cabinet meeting held on 14 January 2016, the Council considered the report of the Interim Head of Health and Wellbeing which incorporated the annual report on key health issues affecting the Sefton population for 2015, with a particular focus on the measures taken to deal with the impact of austerity on people living in Sefton.

It was moved by Councillor Maher, seconded by Councillor Fairclough and

RESOLVED: That

(1)       the annual report be received; and

(2)       it be noted that the report will be published.

Report of the Interim Head of Health and Wellbeing

The Cabinet considered the report of the Interim Head of Health and Wellbeing for 2015, which incorporated the annual report on key health issues affecting the Sefton population with a particular focus on the measures taken to deal with the impact of austerity on people living in Sefton

Decision Made:

That the report be received and be submitted to the Council for publication.

Reasons for Decision:

The report is the statutory independent report of the Interim Director of Public Health.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

None.