Agenda item

To receive a presentation from Dr Yvonne Doyle, London Regional Director Public Health England, regarding the Better Health for London report: what are the implications for the City of London and how can it shape the work of this Board (document circulated separately).

Members welcomed Yvonne Doyle, London Regional Director for Public Health England who informed Members that the London Health Commission’s aspirations for London were:

1.     Give all London’s children a healthy, happy start to life.

2.     Get London fitter with better food, more exercise and healthier living.

3.     Make work a healthy place to be in London.

4.     Help Londoners to kick unhealthy habits.

5.     Care for the most mentally ill in London so they live longer, healthier lives

6.     Enable Londoners to do more to look after themselves.

7.     Ensure that every Londoner is able to see a GP when they need to and at a time that suits them.

8.     Create the best health and care services of any world city, throughout London and on every day.

9.     Fully engage and involve Londoners in the future health of their city.

10. Put London at the centre of the global revolution in digital health.

The report had been very well received by the London Assembly at a recent meeting with very positive comments regarding the report and its implications for London. Members were informed that in comparison to Paris and New York, London was leading the way in improving the quality of air in the City. Members agreed that this was very promising, and that more work must now be done to improve other areas such as obesity. Members noted that New York had the ability to increase tax levels on certain fast foods – an option that was not yet available in the UK. Discussions ensued regarding the importance of the provision of nutritious schools meals for children.

Members noted that Health and Wellbeing Boards in England must take a responsible and robust approach to implement the recommendations of the report. Officers agreed to action recommendation 8 regarding encouraging members of the public to walk more. Officers agreed that the onus must be placed on Local Authorities and schools to tackle issues such as health and wellbeing.

Members of the Board agreed that while the provision of digital ‘apps’ was useful for children and young people, the older generations still appreciated talking about their health and wellbeing rather than using technology.

The Chairman of the Board thanked Dr Yvonne Doyle for a useful presentation and for attending the meeting.