Agenda item

To receive an update on indicators associated with outcome 1 “every child has the best start in life” of the Kent Health and Wellbeing Strategy

(1)       Samantha Bennett (Consultant in Public Health), Karen Sharp (Head of Public Health Commissioning) and Dave Holman (Commissioner – West Kent CCG)  introduced the report which provided an update on indicators associated with Outcome 1 – Every Child has the Best Start in Life – of the Kent Health and Wellbeing Strategy.

(2)       Ms Bennett said performance for some indicators had improved including a reduction in the rate of conceptions to under 18 year olds, a rise in the level of school readiness of children at the end of the reception year and a reduction in the number of unplanned hospitalisation rates for asthma in children and under 19s.  She also said performance in relation to a number of other indicators had fallen below target and outlined some of the actions underway to improve performance.

(3)       Ms Sharp drew the Board’s attention to paragraph 1.3 of the report which set out information about KCC’s links with partners through the Local Children’s Partnership Groups.  The purpose of developing links was to understand and enhance delivery against the indicators set out in the Children and Young People’s Framework.

(4)       In response to questions and comments officers responded as follows.

(i)            Reducing rates of smoking among pregnant women was a challenge particularly as women with stressful lives believed that smoking created some time for them.  A number of initiatives were, however, underway including investment in a specialist Smoking in Pregnancy Midwife at East Kent Hospitals University Trust to support the BabyClear programme, a multi-agency meeting of all maternity providers with a view to working in partnership to reduce smoking prevalence and the receipt of £75,000 each by Thanet, Swale and South Kent Coast CCGs from NHS England to address the rates of smoking in pregnancy.

(ii)          The data relating to MMR vaccinations needed to be further investigated and reported; however, work was underway by the local NHS England team and local CCGs to improve uptake and to understand the reasons for variation in uptake.

(5)       Members of the Board said the increase in the proportion of 4-5 year-old children who were assessed as having excess weight was of concern and should be addressed urgently.  Suggestions included working with planning authorities to ensure local communities had easily accessible sources of healthy food and supporting schools to encourage healthy eating and to incorporate physical activity into daily routines. 

(6)       Allison Duggal undertook to contact London Boroughs that had been implementing “the daily mile” programme in their schools. 

(7)       Ms Sharp referred to the extension of the reach of the national Change for Life campaign.  Kent was investing in enhanced campaigning in relating to childhood obesity under this campaign which had strong brand recognition.

(8)       Resolved that:

(a)  The contents of the report be noted;

(b)  Public Health be asked to take forward work with NHS England and CCGs to understand issues relating to the variations in immunisation rates across Kent;

(c)  A report be received by the Board setting out information on the activity of local health and wellbeing boards in addressing obesity, particularly childhood obesity, as well as the results of the Dartford Gravesham and Swanley Health and Wellbeing Board Childhood Obesity Workshop planned for 1 February 2017;

(d)  The Chairman and others draw up a programme of engagement with schools and early years’ services to promote physical activity for the Board’s consideration.