Agenda item

The meeting received a report on a proposed approach to tracking performance and progress against the priorities of the 2016-2020 Health and Wellbeing Strategy.  For each priority, this would give a performance data summary, identifying areas for improvement and areas of strength, together with a RAG rating for activities in relation to that priority that were making a difference (Green), were work in progress (Amber) or where further information was required (Red).  This was then linked to detailed performance data relevant to each priority. 

The Board welcomed the approach set out in the report and discussed key areas of concern arising from it.  In particular, the meeting welcomed the work of the Tobacco Alliance in encouraging the development of work place strategies across partner agencies to stop smoking.  The meeting noted the extent to which this priority, as with many others, needed to achieve behavioural change and the need to consider examples of success, particularly at the community level. 

The meeting discussed the need for greater clarity about mental health provision, with confusion about the roles of GPs, SWYPFT and the Hospital, which would benefit from information about the new operating model, particularly in relation to early help.   The meeting noted arrangements for a stakeholder workshop on mental health during November and the outcomes of this could be reported to the Board at a future meeting.

The meeting noted that there had been feedback to Councillors that access to GPs in many parts of the Borough remained a key area of concern for residents, preventing them from seeking treatment in a timely way and placing pressures on the NHS elsewhere.  The meeting noted that primary care in the Dearne had been the subject of a recent HealthWatch Survey.  This, and the most recent CCG survey of GP access, could provide the evidence base for further consideration of this issue by the Board.  However, there was a complex range of factors affecting the position that needed to be taken into account to best inform effective remedies if necessary and due to the absence of key members at the meeting this needed further consideration.

RESOLVED:-

(i)        that the report be received and the proposed approach to tracking performance and progress against the Health and Wellbeing Board’s priorities be agreed;

(ii)       that a further report be provided to the Board setting out the new operating model for mental health services in the Borough and identifying the key issues/actions arising from the stakeholder workshop to be held in November 2017;

(iii)      that Barnsley CCG submit a report to a future meeting of the Board on the position in relation to GP access in the Borough, including the range of factors affecting the position and proposed plans and actions seeking to address the situation; and

(iv)      that a further report be submitted identifying the key features of activity, particularly at the community level, that had been successful in achieving behavioural change in relation to health issues.