Agenda item

To receive an update on the Wokingham Borough Wellbeing Board.

Councillor Batth, former Chairman of the Wokingham Borough Wellbeing Board and Graham Ebers, Deputy Chief Executive updated the Committee on the work of the Wokingham Borough Wellbeing Board.

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

·         The Health and Wellbeing Board had changed its name to highlight the commitment to wellbeing.  There were a wide range of partners including the voluntary sector who played a part in the promotion of health and wellbeing.

·         Graham Ebers highlighted the core functions of the Board.

·         Members were informed that the Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy had been refreshed and the Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2018-2021, produced.  The three main priorities were; creating physically active communities; reducing social isolation and loneliness and; narrowing the health inequalities gap.  Under each priority, a Strategy into action group had identified themes which derived from national reports and had been proven to work against the key priorities and to have a positive effect on the community, and core action areas which would be the beginning focus of the strategy. 

·         A Strategy into Action action plan was being produced.  Partners and stakeholders had been written to and asked about the current projects and activities their organisations were carrying out in alignment with the Wellbeing Board’s priorities and where they saw any gaps.  The Board had also held a world café style workshop to discuss how to approach the three key priorities and a paper regarding specific actions would be presented at a future Board meeting.

·         Councillor Mather questioned whether the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment was updated on an ongoing basis and was informed that it was.

·         It was noted that Population Health Management would be a triple integration of primary and specialist care, physical and mental health and health and social care.  The Integrated Care Systems would work alongside Local Authority partners to develop proactive and preventative approaches which would enable early intervention and targeted support.

·         In response to a question from Councillor Mather about best practice, Graham Ebers indicated that representatives had visited a number of Wellbeing Boards and participated in a LGA workshop.  With regards to how the integrated system worked best, the national view was that the Wigan model and the Canterbury model worked well.  Consideration also needed to be given as to what would work best for Wokingham Borough.

·         The Committee was informed of Localities Plus.  Localities Plus had been established to ensure connectivity between the 3 Conversations model in Adult Social Care, 21^st Century Council and the NHS Long Term Plan and to support and co-ordinate the transition to the 4 localities in Wokingham – North, South, East and West.  The desired outcome was to enable residents to receive the right level of support, at the right time and place in an efficient manner, which would enable self-sufficient, healthy and resilient communities.

·         Councillor Jones asked whether the Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment had identified any gaps in provision in the Borough and was informed that it had not.  He stated that Boots had indicated that it would be closing some branches and questioned whether this would have an impact on the provision within the Borough.

·         Councillor Jones asked about enhanced pharmacy services provision.  Graham Ebers commented that GPs and pharmacists would be working together more closely as part of the Localities and there was an increased focus on resources within the community.

·         In response to a Member question, Graham Ebers explained the governance arrangements for the Localities Plus.

·         Councillor Cowan referred to the development of multidisciplinary Primary Care Networks of local GP’s and community teams working together to serve populations of up to 50,000.  He commented that one size would not fit all.  Rhian Warner explained that under the NHS 5 Year Forward View vanguards around the country had piloted different models of care.  Population areas for care of between 30-50,000, had been successful.  Whilst this was the preferred model nationally it was not prescriptive.  One area in Wokingham was likely to be below this range whilst the north cluster was likely to be larger.  Councillor Mather requested further information on the Wokingham Borough cluster sizes.

·         Councillor Bishop-Firth questioned whether the Wellbeing Board had looked at the issue of residents finding it difficult to access GP appointments.  Graham Ebers stated that how GP time could be used most effectively was under consideration as part of Localities Plus.  Rhian Warner went on to state that the contract was due to start in July and that for the first year additional funding would be provided per neighbourhood area for one additional pharmacist and one additional social prescriber.  In the third year additional funding would be provided for paramedics within GP surgeries.

·         Councillor Soane asked how effective the piloting of paramedics within surgeries had been.  He was informed that it had been very successful with home visits.  The three clusters shared a paramedic who was employed directly by the GP surgeries.

·         Councillor Mather asked for further details regarding the number of non GP staff within the surgeries. e.g. pharmacists, physiotherapists and paramedics.

·         Councillor Grandison asked about engagement with clubs and sports teams.  Graham Ebers commented that around 70 partners had been written to, some of which would be sports and leisure organisations.  However, the Board would continue to engage with all that could help with regards to the promotion of health and wellbeing.

RESOLVED:  That the update on the Wokingham Borough Wellbeing Board be noted.