Minutes:
1. Dr Ghosh, Director of Public Health, provided an update on the following:
(a) It was advised that, although a heatwave was not currently being experienced, conditions could change and further periods of extreme heat remained possible. He noted that temperatures above 30°C, and particularly those approaching 40°C, posed health risks to all individuals and not only to the very young or older population groups. Members were encouraged to enjoy warm weather responsibly, with key public health messages being to keep cool, stay hydrated and be prepared for periods of extreme heat.
(b) The Meningitis B (MenB) vaccination programme had commenced following the MenB outbreak in Kent. Dr Ghosh advised that the programme was available to all Year 13 students, irrespective of university plans, individuals under 25 commencing university for the first time in autumn 2026, and those under 25 entering residential further education for the first time. Eligible individuals could book vaccinations through the NHS National Booking Service or participating community pharmacies, with evidence of a university or residential college place required. The first doses were being offered from the week commencing 20th July 2026 until 31 December 2026, with second doses available until 31 March 2027. He highlighted that two doses, administered at least four weeks apart, were required to achieve full immunity. The current arrangements comprised a one-off vaccination campaign. The Government and the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) were reviewing the epidemiology of the outbreak and would determine any longer-term vaccination policy, with no further campaign currently announced.
(c) To conclude, Dr Ghosh provided an update on neighbourhood health transformation following a visit to Kent and Medway by Professor Claire Fuller, National Medical Director and national lead for the Neighbourhood Health Model. He noted that Professor Fuller, author of the Fuller Stocktake, had met with system leaders to review progress and future plans.
Dr Ghosh reported that the visit had highlighted the leadership team's strong understanding of both the challenges facing the health and care system and the opportunities presented by neighbourhood health. He observed that the scale of ambition represented a significant transformation across primary, secondary and community care.
The Board was advised that a proactive and anticipatory primary care model was emerging, supported by innovative approaches, strong clinical leadership and a clear commitment to shifting care upstream and closer to communities. Dr Ghosh noted that the system had been challenged to reimagine service delivery and operational arrangements across neighbourhood footprints.
He further highlighted the potential role of Health and Wellbeing Boards in supporting delivery and accountability for the Neighbourhood Health Model through strengthened oversight, alignment across partner organisations and a continued focus on improving outcomes for local communities.
Dr Ghosh also noted that there was a clear implementation timetable in place and highlighted the expectation that, by 1 April 2028, local authority services should be visibly aligned with neighbourhood delivery models, coinciding with local government reorganisation implementation arrangements.
2. Further to questions and comments from Members the discussion included the following:
(a) In response to a question regarding how the NHS was building future resilience to climate change and extreme weather, and recognising that such conditions may increasingly become the norm rather than exceptional events, Mr Waller, Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Strategic Commissioning Officer, advised that the ICB was actively assessing and quantifying the effects of recent heatwaves. He noted that, should current weather patterns continue, adaptation to extreme heat would need to become an integral part of NHS planning processes. This work encompassed both physical and logistical considerations, including the resilience of healthcare infrastructure, estate facilities and air-handling systems, as well as wider service pressures arising during periods of extreme heat. Examples included the impact on care home residents, the role of primary care in supporting vulnerable individuals within communities and preventing avoidable hospital admissions, and the potential need to manage summer heat events in a similar way to winter pressures through enhanced escalation planning and service responses.
(b) The Chair welcomed the updates provided. In relation to extreme heat, he noted that advances in long-range weather forecasting could support future planning and preparedness by providing greater confidence in predicting periods of sustained hot weather. Regarding the MenB vaccination programme, he highlighted the positive response of schools, citing Dane Court School's proactive action following concerns about a potential case, and expressed reassurance that no case had been identified. Mr Henderson also reflected on meeting Professor Claire Fuller during her visit to Kent and Medway, noting the value of hearing her observations from across the country and discussing Kent's characteristics, including its tourism offer and local context.
3. It was RESOLVED that the verbal update be noted.