Agenda item

Report of the Strategic Director of Care, Wellbeing and Learning.

The Chair of the Health and Wellbeing Board attended and provided the OSC with an update on key areas of work which included

·         Identifying the need to refresh the Health and Wellbeing Strategy and Inequalities agenda (it was identified that the next update from the Board to the OSC should be able to highlight further progress)

·         A members seminar on the Strategic Needs Assessment

·         Developing a whole systems approach to homelessness

·         Examining the needs of the BME community

·         Workforce challenges and Development -  particularly in relation to GP recruitment  and retention and a major recruitment drive underway and work with the CCG to look at potential new models. It was noted that a number of different approaches are being progressed such as training new GPs, apprenticeships in health and social care and also work around changing the roles of some health professionals.

·         Pooling of budgets

·         A Recovery Model for Substance Misuse – whereby those coming through the system are trained to become advocates

·         Use of the Better Care Funds to keep people out of hospital and in their own homes

·         The role of the voluntary and community sector on the Board

·         Reshaping of 0-19 Public Health Services

·         Deciding Together Implementing Together – progress had been encouraging and assurances had been received that no decisions had been made and still opportunities for discussion.

·         Fire Service involvement in the health agenda – where carry out general checks use these as an opportunity to refer people to other support agencies where appropriate.

·         Pharmaceutical needs Assessment – the Government is progressing an online pharmacy in Blaydon in spite of the fact the Health and Wellbeing Board in Gateshead has not supported this as it was considered that this would mean it was harder for individuals to receive appropriate advice.

The OSC queried whether information was reported back on the difference being made by the Better Care Fund.

The OSC was advised that the Council has to submit a number of returns outlining progress on how national conditions are being met and performance against a number of performance indicators related to areas being funded by the Better Care Fund eg hospital discharges and waiting times.

The OSC asked if the six monthly performance reports provided to the OSC could highlight those indicators which relate to the Better Care Fund.

The OSC supported the view that a Pharmacy was required in Blaydon as this would help ease pressure on local GP practices. However, it was considered that an on line Pharmacy should not be dismissed as this may be a more convenient option for some. It was considered that the option of having both a physical and on line Pharmacy should be explored.

The OSC also noted that the UK immigration figures were down and that skilled people within the NHS were being lost and queried whether this was impacting on GP recruitment.

The OSC was informed that Newcastle Gateshead CCG was part of a bid to recruit GPs from Europe.

The OSC considered that new models for GP recruitment are needed as issues such as student debt etc may mean that those considering becoming a GP do not have the means to buy into a GP practice.

The OSC thanked the Chair of the Health and Wellbeing Board for the update.

RESOLVED                That the information be noted.