Agenda item

Public Health Performance Dashboard - Quarter 2 2023/24

Minutes:

Dr Schwartz introduced the report and provided an overview. It was noted that out of 15 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), 11 were rated Green and 4 rated Amber.

Mrs Tovey provided an overview of the KPIs. It was said that overall performance was good and the areas that required continued monitoring or improvements were identified. Ms Tovey noted that the team were currently reviewing all KPIs ahead of the new year, information on any changes would be provided at a future meeting.

Mrs Tovey noted there had been fluctuations with PH13 No. and % of young people exiting specialist substance misuse services with a planned exit. It was noted that this was usually a community-based service and there was a a requirement for services to ensure there was a planned exit. Young people who did not exit in a planned way, may have disengaged or/and cannot be contacted despite various attempts. The team would continue to monitor this KPI going forward.

A question was asked in relation to the budget for residential detox services. Mrs Tovey confirmed that there was sufficient budget for detox and an option for people to have community detox services if clinically appropriate. A lot of work had gone into ensuring that funding was there so that places would be available.

It was questioned that the data presented on PH01 on NHS health checks was not in line with the experience of residents in Sevenoaks, where there was a large difference in uptake and invites between GP surgeries. It was asked if district-level data could be provided so that poor-performing areas could be identified for improvement. Mrs Tovey noted that the programme had stopped during the Covid-19 pandemic and the service had worked with primary care providers to invite those eligible for health checks. If GPs do not grant access to their data then everyone aged 40-74 would be invited but not all of those would be eligible and other flexible approaches were being worked on. It was noted that residents could directly apply for health checks and outreach work was being undertaken in areas with poor uptake. It was said that a text message service was also being piloted.

On PH 25 No. and % of clients currently active within One You Kent services being from the most deprived areas in Kent it was asked if wider advertising was required to encourage residents to access the services available and if data on the unmet demand and capacity of the services could be provided. Mrs Tovey said that in general people would not be turned away and the target would be increased if more people signed up in an area. It was noted that targeted marketing was done and outreach in deprived areas.

Mrs Tovey said there could be several reasons why an individual was referred to a drug and alcohol service but did not receive treatment. For example, they may have a more pressing need they wish to address first such as housing or mental health or decide that the timing isn’t right for them. The service would activity work with any referrals. It was noted that the service would know if the individual was also receiving mental health support.

A Member raised the difficulty of accessing services in deprived rural areas. Mrs Tovey noted the concern and said that community teams could do outreach work in such areas to take pressure away from primary care services. It was said that district-level data on NHS Health Checks could be provided after the meeting and would show variation of performance levels

Asked by a Member for further details on the text messaging pilot. Mrs Tovey said that much time had been spent on getting the right wording to make clear it was from an NHS provider and residents would be able to verify with their GP surgery.

RESOLVED the Health Reform and Public Health Cabinet Committee noted the performance of Public Health commissioned services in Q2 2023/24.

Supporting documents: