Agenda and minutes

To receive apologies for absence and notification of any substitutes present

Apologies for absence had been received from Mrs L Parfitt-Reed, Mr D S Daley, Mr P Harman and Mr D Ross. Mr H Rayner was present as a substitute for Mrs L Parfitt-Reed and Mrs T Dean was present as a substitute for Mr D S Daley.

To receive any declarations of interest made by Members in relation to any matter on the agenda.  Members are reminded to specify the agenda item number to which their interest refers and the nature of the interest being declared

There were no declarations of interest.

To consider and approve the minutes as a correct record.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting of the Health Reform and Public Health Cabinet Committee held on 20 September 2022 were correctly recorded and that they be signed by the Chair.

1.    The Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health, Mrs Clair Bell, gave a verbal update on the following:

a)    There had been a considerable focus on the Council budget for 2023-24. Efforts were ongoing to find savings and efficiencies across Adult Social Care and Public Health while ensuring that all required services were still provided for vulnerable residents.

b)    Health leaders in Kent had been supporting the national campaign to ensure that those at risk from Covid-19 and flu got their free NHS vaccinations this winter. A new campaign ‘Protect your Lungs’ had been launched in South-East England to encourage people with breathing and lung issues to be safe during the winter. The Council’s annual campaign ‘Keep Warm and Well’ informed people how they could look after vulnerable people in their communities.

c)    World Mental Health Day was held on the 10 October, with the theme to make mental health and wellbeing for all a global priority. In Kent ‘Release the Pressure’ and ‘Live Well Kent and Medway’ were part of a network of health and wellbeing support services provided by charities to residents that supported the improvement of their mental and physical health. There had been an increase in people who had sought support which had been attributed to the impact of the cost-of-living crisis. Further details about these services are available at:  https://www.kent.gov.uk/social-care-and-health/health/mental-health.

d)    On 11 October Mrs Bell hosted a webinar on digital inclusion, in partnership with Cantium and Cognitive Publishing.

e)    In response to questions from Members it was said that Public Health did not lead on warm banks but were aware of actions being taken in local communities. Colleagues within the Council would be contacted to confirm whether there were any areas where the Council could help coordinate actions or make more accessible the locations of warm banks county-wide.

2.    Dr Anjan Ghosh, Director of Public Health, gave a verbal update on the following:

a)    There had been a reduction in the number of Covid-19 cases since the start of November, seen in data from hospitals, the Office of National Statistics Infection Survey and ZOE Health Data. The use of mechanical ventilation beds and weekly deaths had also declined. The effective vaccine programme was accredited with this positive data, with 81% of residents 80 and above and 62% of those over 50 had received their Autumn booster vaccination.

b)    All local acute NHS Trusts were in Operational Pressures Escalation Level (OPAL) 4, the maximum level of alert, which highlighted the pressure in the system before entering the coldest part of winter.  

c)    On the Manston processing centre, it was noted that Public Health had been working closely with the Home Office and the UK Health Security Agency. An inspection by the Public Health team of the Manston processing centre was to take place on 29 November 2022 which would focus on infection, prevention and control. This would be the third visit. Many residents at the processing centre had been moved out  ...  view the full minutes text for item 227.

1. Mr Stuart Collins, Director Integrated Children Services (Early Help Lead), gave an overview of the report and explained that keydecision 22/00094 had been taken in accordance with the process as set out in Part 2 paragraph 12.35 of the Constitution. He noted that Kent County Council had been successful in its application for the Family Hubs Transformations, however, more detailed work was required to progress the development of formal proposals with partners and stakeholders.  It was said that there would be efforts to develop full joint working between Public Health and Midwifery services.

2. In response to questions from Members it was said that:

i)     The Family Hubs programme would be hosted in physical spaces such as Children’s Centres, and youth and community settings. In addition, and to ensure that the programme was accessible and far-reaching, there would be a virtual and a digital offer as well.

ii)    It was confirmed that KCC was eligible to receive a national grant of up to £10m over the next 3 years, dependent on the specific proposals developed. The Cabinet Member for Integrated Children’s Services said that she would take advantage of any additional funding that becomes available.

iii)   It was confirmed that the programme would be delivered through a multiagency partnership and that there would be a focus on preventative services, with more details on specific projects forthcoming.

RESOLVED to note that the following decision had been taken in accordance with the process as set out in Part 2 paragraph 12.35 of the Constitution:22/00094 – Family Hub Model in Kent.

1.    Dr Ghosh introduced the report which described the characteristics that needed to be in place for high quality public health services, the systems that were in place in Kent, noted the learning from incidents and complaints and subsequent developments of services. The key finding of the report was that there were systems and processes in place to promote safe effective services that provide a positive user experience.

2.    In response to questions from Members, it was said:

i)             That attempts to maximise the use of social prescribing will continue.

ii)            Dr Ghosh said he understood concerns raised over the name of Wellbeing Health Improvement Partnership (WHIP) and would enquire as to the possibility of a name change. However, the name was long-standing. 

RESOLVED to consider and comment on the content of the report. 

RESOLVED to note the work programme.