Agenda item

Emma Robinson, Senior Performance and Intelligence Officer (BMBC) presented the current position on Health Inequalities in Barnsley.

Indicators had been updated since the last meeting. PHE Public Health Outcomes Framework divided indicators into 4 key domains.

New data across life expectancy indicators (2018-2020) showed:

·         Healthy life expectancy was now falling for both males and females, locally and nationally.

·         Improvements in the inequality gap.

·         Life expectancy across the borough showed variation for different geographical areas across Barnsley.

·         A fall in healthy life expectancy for males, which was now the lowest in South Yorkshire.

Wider determinants around health:

·   Children and low-income families’ provisional data wastreated with caution due to the impact of COVID-19 however geographical variation could be seen once more.

·   There was a gap in employment rate with those with a long-term health condition.

Health improvement:

·   Excess weight data was higher than national average.

·   National data for 2020-21 showed a prevalence of overweight children of primary school age. It was anticipated that there would be a similar pattern in Barnsley’s data.

Healthcare and premature mortality:

·   Was higher than the national average in Barnsley for conditions such as heart disease and cancer.

Impact of COVID-19:

·   There was a risk of exposure to the virus and impacts of lockdowns.

·   Mortality rates were higher in more deprived areas.

·   ONS data showed Barnsley to have the highest percentage of excess deaths in the Yorkshire and Humber.

Mental Health impacts of COVID-19:

·   Although in the recovery period from the virus, ONS survey showed levels of depression was higher than pre-pandemic levels.

·   Vulnerable adults were more likely to experience depression.

·   There were high levels of depression amongst unemployed adults and those struggling financially.

All 4 goals of Barnsley 2030 linked to health inequalities:

·   Inequalities in learning.

·   Inequalities in growth.

·   Inequalities in sustainability.

·   Inequalities in health.

The Chair thanked Emma for her presentation and requested feedback from the Board on any next steps.

RESOLVED that:

(i)   it be noted that data and trends shown around health inequalities in Barnsley is particularly useful in determining the next steps;

(ii)  the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment be regularly updated and reflect the findings of this data;

(iii) it be noted that the new Integrated Care System (ICS) will have a proactive role in tackling issues of health inequalities;

(iv) the presentation to be shared with the Inclusive Economy Board and any other relevant partnerships;

(v)  it be noted that a request has been made for partners to join the Healthy Weight Alliance and that this be reissued to improve engagement; and

(vi) the Board endorse its committed to working collectively and in partnership with relevant organisations to tackle the inequalities shown.