Issue - meetings

To receive the Director of Public Health’s Annual Report 2018. (15 mins)

The Board received the Director of Public Health’s Annual Report for 2018.

During the discussion of this item the following points were made:

·         It was a statutory requirement of the Director of Public Health to produce an annual report.

·         The 2018 report focused on creating the right environment for health.

·         The report, ‘Creating the Right Environments for Health’ recommended the following;

o   Local authorities and other agencies should continue to encourage community initiatives that make the most of natural space available, with the aim of improving mental health, increasing physical activity and strengthening communities.

o   Existing green space should be improved and any new developments should include high quality green spaces.  The use of professional design and arrangements to ensure the ongoing management of natural environments should be considered if spaces are to be sustainable.

o   Opportunities to increase active transport should be considered when designing new green spaces and in the improvement of existing space.

o   Planning guidance for new developments should specifically consider the use of green and blue space to improve the health and wellbeing of residents and others using the space.

o   Local Authorities and their public health teams should foster new relationships with organisations aiming to improve the natural environment and its use.

·         Councillor Haitham Taylor asked how the document would remain live.  Darrell Gale, Acting Strategic Director Public Health Berkshire, commented that next year’s report would include an update on the progression of the recommendations.  The report would be circulated widely to schools, the voluntary sector and GP surgeries amongst others.

·         Katie Summers commented that a group should be established to progress the report.  Clare Rebbeck stated that this was something which the Place and Community Partnership could assist with.

RESOLVED:  That the Board note the Director Public Health Annual Report and its conclusions and share it widely within their respective organisations and local communities.