Minutes:
Start for Life Consultations – Mr Watkins said that much work was ongoing to implement the Family Hubs delivery plan. It was noted that two strategies were out for publication: Nourishing of our Next Generation, the infant feeding strategy for Kent, and Nurturing Little Hearts and Minds, perinatal mental health and parent-infant relationship strategy. The consultation started on 8 February 2024 and would last for 8 weeks. It was said that the strategies and results of the consultation would be brought before the committee at an appropriate time. Engagement would be a mix of online and in-person events to increase participation. The Cabinet Member urged mums, dads, co-parents, carers and others with experience in early years care to get involved.
Perinatal Mental Health Helpline and Text Service – The Cabinet Member noted that a helpline and text services had been launched to support expectant and new parents and carers who may be struggling with their mental health. It was noted that 1000 parents and carers required mild-moderate perinatal mental health support during each year.
To get advice straight away 24/7 that is completely free and confidential. Get in touch with a trained advisor today:
2. In response to comments and questions, it was said.
a. Mr Watkins and Dr Ghosh said that the consultation had no specific target or threshold for the number of responses but more information could be shared outside the meeting.
b. Asked by a Member how to ensure the consultation received diverse responses from across many different community groups. Dr Ghosh noted that it had been disseminated widely, with a focus on Family Hubs / Children’s Centres, District Councils and Health and Care Partnerships. Jo Allen said that during the consultation period, there is a review of the responses and will go out for further engagement if required. More information would be provided after the meeting.
3. Dr Anjan Ghosh, Director for Public Health, provided a verbal update on the following:
Measles – It was noted that a national incident had been declared in the West Midlands and London earlier in the year. It was said that Kent’s Measles Mumps and Rubella vaccination (MMR) statistics were below where they should be and much work was ongoing. A catch-up campaign had been launched by the NHS for missed MMR vaccinations for young people, clinics opened over the half-term holiday across the county from 2 March to 18 May 2024. On 19 February 2024 the Integrated Care Board (ICB) facilitated a measles outbreak response exercise to mobilise mass vaccination sites across the county should the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) declare an incident. Dr Ghosh said that current case rates across the Southeast remained low with only one probable case in Kent, as of the meeting date.
Childhood Immunisation Campaign – Dr Ghosh said that the UKHSA and HHS had launched a nationwide campaign, on 4 March 2024, to support efforts to increase the uptake of childhood immunisations, for 0-5 years old. It was noted that this followed the negative impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on childhood immunisation rates. Dr Ghosh encouraged Council Members to share the toolkit and other resources online and across their communities.
Integrated Care Strategy Update – Dr Ghosh said they were now at a stage to translate the strategy into action through delivery plans. Each of the 12 districts had their own named Public Health specialist and a consultant with each Health and Care Partnership. It was noted that each District had committed to forming a Health Alliance that would determine 3/4 priorities and an action plan based on these to be delivered over the next 3 years. A shared delivery plan was also in development which would pick up the key points of the various action plans drawn up by the District Councils, Kent Association of Local Councils, Kent County Council, Kent Police and Kent Housing Group.
Adult Social Care – Dr Ghosh said that work was ongoing with colleagues from adult social care to work on prevention strategies to change the shape of demand for these services. It was noted that this was a national challenge which was yet to be resolved.
Smoke-Free Generation Legislation – Dr Ghosh noted the importance of the legislation for public health outcomes. It was said that smoking numbers were decreasing in Kent but more work was needed. Kent would receive the largest funding allocation in the whole country, £1.9 million each year for the next 5 years. The grant conditions letter had been received and planning was ongoing for interventions on smoking cessation, illegal vape sales and underage vaping.
.
4. In response to comments and questions, it was said.
a. The Chair asked for regular updates on public health’s work with adult social care on reducing demand.
b. A Member asked if a different way to approach communities who were hesitant about immunisations had been considered. Dr Ghosh said they were building on the research generated during the Covid-19 vaccinations which found that it was similar communities and groups that did not take up the vaccine. Primary Care Networks (PCNs) with a lower rate of update had been identified and would be targeted going forward. It was noted that there were links with various community groups and institutions such as schools and would consider other ways of raising awareness such as through the Health Bus.
c. Asked if Kent's MMR immunisation rate had been compared with measles outbreak areas in the West Midlands and London Dr Ghosh said the comparison had not been made and there was not a particular reason why Kent was not affected while other areas were, but demographic differences may have been a factor. Dr Ghosh said they would have to be proactive as the situation could change very quickly.
d. Dr Ghosh noted that a wide range of stakeholders, including parish councils, were engaged in developing the Integrated Care Strategy and through this engagement helped to craft the priorities. There was an emphasis on the priorities being created and delivered at a local level and not as a result of a top-down strategy.
e. Dr Ghosh said that the conspiracy theories and misinformation surrounding the COVID-19 vaccine may be affecting the uptake of MMR, but there was no hard evidence at this time.
f. Dr Ghosh noted that an update on social prescribing could be provided at a later date. It was said that work on a directory was ongoing.
g. It was noted that it was not the responsibility of Public Health Kent to conduct a school immunisation programme but can promote vaccines in these settings.