Agenda item

Julia Burrows, Director of Public Health, introduced a presentation by Rebecca Clarke, Public Health Specialist Practitioner, on the vision set out in the proposed Public Health Strategy, with the key aim of improving the health for people living in Barnsley.  The presentation summarised the key points of the Strategy, noting in particular the continuing disparities in the healthy life expectancy of people in different parts of the Borough.  Whilst identifying four long term Public Health outcomes in relation to longer and healthier lives and adopting a more preventative agenda, in the short term the Strategy proposed focusing on improving the overall health of children; creating a smoke-free generation; and increasing levels of physical activity.

The meeting noted the commitment of the Council’s partners to supporting the objectives in the Strategy, and the specific action being taken by the Hospital and SWYPFT particularly in relation to smoking was commended.  The need to identify the unique contribution that each partner could make was acknowledged.

Members also commented that the Health and Wellbeing Board should take the opportunity to hold partners to account for the delivery of the Public Health Strategy within their organisation’s  strategies and plans.

The meeting discussed the extent to which actions would be targeted towards specific neighbourhoods and groups and the importance that interventions such as fluoride varnishing of children’s teeth was actively offered.  Members discussed the extent to which the impact of smoking on infant health was not widely understood and the need to undertake more communications activity in this area.  Although the links between Public Health and safeguarding, particularly in relation to neglect, were acknowledge, some specific reference should be made in future strategies.

RESOLVED:

(i) that the Public Health Strategy 2016-18 be endorsed;

(ii) that the Director of Public Health work with partners to identify their unique contribution to achieving the Strategy’s objectives and communicating and promoting these with the community, including through School Governing Bodies;

(iii) that the need for the Health & Wellbeing strategy to be reflected fully in the Public Health Strategy be acknowledged.