The minutes of the meeting held on 7 March 2023 were approved as a correct record.

Report of Strategic Director, Integrated Adults and Social Care

Committee received an update report on the work of the Health and Wellbeing Board (HWB) for the period October 2022 to March 2023.

It was noted that part of the key role of the HWB, alongside developing its own strategy, is in terms of influencing other strategies. Last year the Integrated Care Partnership (ICP) and Integrated Care Board (ICB) were set up and the ICP was required to develop an integrated care strategy for the ICP area.  The HWB was consulted on the strategy throughout its development and the Board considered it at length. The HWB must then have regard to the strategy when making decisions.

In terms of the ICP Strategy the HWB made a number of comments on the draft document. In particular, the Board felt there was not sufficient focus on the best start in life and focus on prevention and preventative measures needed to be strengthened.  The HWB also made representations around recognising the importance of place in terms of the determinants of health and wellbeing.  It was confirmed that the comments and representations made by the HWB during consultation were incorporated into the final strategy.

It was reported that the HWB received an update on the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Strategy for Gateshead. The HWB was informed of how the strategy was developing and priorities identified as well as an update on the new SEND inspection system. The HWB also received the Director of Public Health’s Annual Report, which focused on women and health inequalities, the recommendations of which were endorsed by the Board. In addition, the HWB received a presentation by Gateshead Health Trust’s Corporate Strategy. There was an awareness of the need to link this Corporate Strategy to the HWB’s own strategy for Gateshead.

It was noted that the HWB also considered an options paper around the governance at Place, given the guidance in relation to ICBs.  The HWB supported the development of a Joint Gateshead Place Committee between the local authority and the ICB.

Committee was advised that a planning session was held on 10 March 2023 around the future direction of Gateshead Cares (Gateshead Health and Care System).  The key messages from the session included transparency and honesty in addressing where progress is required in terms of health inequality gaps that have not been bridged, to provide a more targeted approach. Accessibility for service users, how communities are reached and a focus on prevention was also a key message from the session. Challenges were also highlighted in relation to workforce across the health and care system. Committee was advised that this issue has also been raised through the Joint ICS OSC.  The planning session also highlighted the need to make the best us of data to inform work programmes.

During the reporting period the HWB received information regarding alcohol related harm and the evidence that Minimum Unit Pricing has an impact on reducing consumption. The HWB noted that the prevalence of alcohol in everyday lives impacts upon communities and  ...  view the full minutes text for item CHW37

Report of the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board

The Committee received a report on Adult Community Mental Health Transformation (CMHT) in Gateshead. The programme is run by the NHS and is aimed at developing a coordinated offer based upon the Primary Care Network (PCN) footprint. Building on local capacity in terms of community provision, led by experts. The CMHT approach is to increase communication and information sharing between partners and create a skilled local workforce in both clinical and non-clinical services.  Work of CMHT is also closely aligned to Gateshead’s Health and Wellbeing Strategy.

It was reported that a review of the mental health workforce was undertaken at a PCN level. This has led to the expansion of the workforce as GP’s were facing difficulties getting mental health issues addressed.  There are now approximately 32 new roles in the PCN areas with the introduction of Mental Health Practitioners, Peer Support Workers and Health and Wellbeing Coaches.  In addition, work on a virtual hub has taken place as part of new locality working and the development of Family Hubs.

It was noted that a workforce network for Health and Social Care staff has been established to improve understanding of different roles across Gateshead and encourage more partnership working. It was acknowledged that there had previously been a gap in terms of communications between the workforce, however the network is now meeting in person on a quarterly basis to discuss roles.

A review of mental health residential care was carried out to understand pathways and reduce the need for secondary care services.  A Task and Finish Group has been established with partners such as Police, NEAS and 111 service, to address the need to make sure there is a quicker response to prevent hospital admissions. This could cover a number of issues, for example housing, debt crisis.  Committee was advised that a crisis bed pilot for men has up to now resulted in the avoidance of 13 hospital admissions.  This pilot will be reviewed and expanded if necessary.

Joint work has been carried out with the Voluntary and Community Sector and Neighbourhood Teams to ensure there are better non-clinical settings, such as Family Hubs. This is to allow better access to places and spaces sooner, although there are still challenges in terms of IT in relation to this.

It was reported that future focus includes further development of Family Hubs at a neighbourhood level and also more work on crisis provision. In terms of crisis provision, work is underway to look at a four-bed female crisis house.  There will also be a continued focus on building capacity around complex needs as well as a focus on estates and information sharing.

It was questioned as to how referrals are made into the male crisis house. It was confirmed that the CNTW Crisis Team would refer if it was agreed that hospital admission was not required and the Team would offer support there. The individual would be required to have a place of residence which they could return to and typically a  ...  view the full minutes text for item CHW38

Joint Report of the Chief Executive and Strategic Director, Corporate Services and Governance

The Committee received a report on the development of the Committee’s work programme for the new municipal year, following consultation with Councillors in February.  The report highlighted the emerging themes and priorities that came out from the consultation.

It was suggested that long-Covid be looked at in relation to the Persistent Physical Symptoms Service Report in the next year. Officers agreed that this could be picked up either through this Committee or the through the ICB.

RESOLVED    -           (i)         That the Committee noted the work programme for

2022-23.

                                    (ii)        That the Committee noted the emerging issues for its

2023-24 work programme and noted the additional issue raised for consideration.