Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Ruby Sayed (Chair of Community and Children’s Services Committee) – represented by Helen Fentimen; Nina Griffiths (NHS) –represented by  Jonathan  McShane  and   Steve Heatley –  (City of London Police) – represented by Umer Khan

There were no declarations.

To agree the minutes of the previous meeting.

RESOLVED, that – the public minutes and non-public summary of the meeting held on 6^th May 2022 be approved.

Report of the Remembrancer

The Board received a report of the Remembrancer in respect of the Health and Social Care Act 2022, which will introduce Integrated Care Systems (ICSs).  Members noted that the ICSs will be partnerships of providers and commissioners of NHS services across a geographical area, together with local authorities and other local partners. The ICSs will collectively plan health and care services in relation to their local populations. NHS England have  indicated that there will be no delegations in the first year, whilst the structures bed in.

During the discussion and questions, the following points were noted:

It might be timely to review the Board’s Terms of Reference, possibly including a representative from Tower Hamlets.

Under the previous arrangement, decisions were taken by the Integrated Commissioning Partnership Board  (ICPB) on behalf of each statutory organisation, and not just the NHS.   There was a general agreement that this model, with 3 Members and Deputies, had worked well.

A meeting had been scheduled to consider governance matters further, with the Director of Community and Children’s Services in attendance.  Officers agreed to circulate the draft membership to the Board, noting that not all the places had been confirmed.

The Director of Public Health expressed concern about the changes being communicated at such a late stage but it was noted that the secondary legislation guidance had been delayed.    Once officers had received this, the Board would be able to review its Terms of Reference.

Healthwatch would like to have more information in terms of  how it will impact on service users and patient involvement and felt that the current structure lacks some clarity on decision making and accountability.

The Department of Community and Children’s Services are seeking advice from the City Solicitor in terms of governance and representation of City Members, given the City’s unique

This presentation was deferred to the next meeting of the Board On 16^th September 2022.

Report of the Chair of Healthwatch London.

The Board received a report of the Chair of Healthwatch, City of London, which updated the Board on  progress against contractual targets and the work of Healthwatch City of London (HWCoL) with reference to Quarter 1. 2022/23. Members noted that the service relies on volunteers and thanked Healthwatch for an excellent report and their invaluable impact in the local community. 

RESOLVED, that – the report be noted.

Report of the Director of Community & Children’s Services

The Board considered a joint report of the Director of Public Health (City and Hackney) and the Director of Community and Children’s Services, which outlined a proposal to develop a Joint Children & Families Health and Wellbeing Framework (the Framework) that will align with the City and Hackney vision, 9 system strategic priorities, and the overarching systems integrated outcomes framework, which may include NHS, public health, social care and educational outcomes, as relevant. Members noted that the London Borough of Hackney’s Cabinet had agreed this as a key decision on 27 June 2022. 

During the discussion on this item, the following points were noted:

It would be helpful to Members of the City of London Corporation if more information could be provided about Hackney’s vision and strategic priorities. The Director of Public Health  agreed to include this in appendices to future reports.

Officers agreed to engage with the City Corporation’s Young People’s Portfolio Holder. 

The Assistant Director, Commissioning and Partnerships, assured Members of the high level of engagement  in drafting this report, and that the City of London Corporation’s views were being included, to ensure alignment with the City Corporation’s strategic priorities and direction.    

In respect of those City residents who use Tower Hamlets Primary Care Services, school nursing and health visiting will continue to be delivered in the City, regardless of where a resident’s GP is located.   Members noted that the London Borough of Tower Hamlets are working on a similar framework.

In concluding, the Board generally supported the principles, noting that this report seeks to endorse a direction of travel and  It was suggested that future iterations of the report should be more specific in terms of outcomes for both the City and Hackney.  The Deputy Director of Public Health confirmed that the report is a first step in

Report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services

The Board considered a joint report of the Director of Public Health and the Director of Community and Children’s Services, which provided an update on the key achievements of the Business Healthy Network from May 2021 to June 2022, including progress against its strategic objectives.  The report further outlined a proposed forward plan for activities to be undertaken by the Business Healthy Network in 2022/23 and beyond, to achieve its aim and objectives, and support the City Corporation in its statutory duties regarding public health. It also reviewed the priorities of the Business Healthy strategic plan (2012-2020).  Xenia Koumi was  commended for her tenacity in this project.

RESOLVED, that

The role Business Healthy has continued to play throughout the pandemic and “recovery” phases be noted.

The promotion of the Business Healthy network to employers within their wards and other key stakeholders be supported.

The proposed strategic priorities for the Business Healthy programme be approved.

The proposals for the Business Healthy forward plan, as set out in Appendix 1 to the report, be approved.

Director of Community & Children’s Services to be heard.

The Board received a presentation from the Principal Public Health Analyst in respect of the JSNA (what is this in full?)

In response to a question about  whether incidents of substance misuse occur amongst people entering the City or its residents, the officer advised that this data set was not yet available but both groups would be captured.  The Director of Public Health advised that the JSNA is a ‘needs assessment’, which seeks to understand the burden of disease, in terms of what is  being experienced and what is being provided.    Whilst it makes recommendations in terms of how to meet requirements, it doesn’t specify or review delivery or commissioning of services. The Director further explained that a transformation team will look at this data, working with partners, to consider whether need and projected need is being met and, if not, whether pathways need to be changed or increased.  

A Member asked about the Smoking Cessation Service and the use of vapes, noting that one particular brand is equivalent to 60 cigarettes.    The Director of Public Health advised that the service works with  vape shops in supporting the use of the devices to wean smokers off cigarettes.     The Public Health Team frequently review the and evaluate evidence and,  whilst E-cigarettes are less harmful than tobacco, it will maintain a nicotine habit.  Whilst not promoting vaping, it is a pathway to eventually quitting.   The Member raised concerns about young people taking up vaping rather than smoking, as it is a lot cheaper than cigarettes and whether shop owners should not be giving out testers.  The Port Health and Public Protection Director advised that the sale of underage vaping products had been brought to the attention of National Trading Standards.  The Director agreed to link up with the Director of Public Health’s Team in terms of investigating and bringing a report to a future meeting of the Health and Wellbeing Board.

There were no items.

MOTION - That under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part I of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act.

To agree the non-public minutes of the previous meeting.

RESOLVED, that – the non-public minutes of the meeting held on 6^th May 2022 be approved

The Chair has agreed to accept an item, For Information, in respect of the long term model for the City Mental Health Street Triage.  This report will be presented to the Community and Children’s Services Committee on 20^th July 2022.