Agenda item

To receive the Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy update.

Meradin Peachey introduced the Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy update:

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

·       It had been over a year since it had been agreed that a joint Berkshire West Strategy would be developed. 

·       The Strategy had changed as a result of the dealing with and recovery from Covid.  Also, the NHS was changing – the Integrated Care Partnership, the ‘Place’ at Berkshire West level was becoming more important.  The Strategy needed to be seen in the context of driving the work of the Integrated Care Partnership as well as the work of the Wellbeing Boards and as a reference for organisations such as the Police for driving improvements.

·       Meradin Peachey felt that it should not be called a Joint Health Wellbeing Strategy and that ‘Happier, healthier Berkshire was more appropriate, and reflected the partnership.

·       It was anticipated that there would be 3-5 overarching strategy statements and that each agency and Wellbeing Board would then develop their own priorities.

·       Matt Pope suggested that an informal Wellbeing Board be held in January to discuss local prioritisation and how the priorities could be shaped for Wokingham.  Dr Milligan suggested that the Primary Care Network Clinical Directors be invited to participate in this. 

·       Katie Summers suggested that Reading and West Berkshire be involved later in the process.  John Halsall commented that Wokingham had struggled with resources and that he did not want the work being done to be watered down.  There were different authorities with very different demographics.  Resources needed to be used in the best possible way.  Dr Milligan emphasised that whilst there would be a steer from the Berkshire West group it would need to work for Wokingham. 

·       Katie Summers suggested that James Kent, ICS Lead & Accountable Officer for BOB CCGs be invited to a future meeting.

·       Meradin Peachey emphasised that there was a clear direction for the Berkshire West system.

·       Sarah Rayfield indicated that possible priorities had been identified through talking to stakeholders across Berkshire West, and by reviewing data by population need. 

·       Last week a public engagement piece had begun which would help to refine the priorities, which had been produced by a number of partners including Healthwatch Wokingham, Involve and the Wokingham Public Health team.  There was an online survey and also focus groups that were targeted at more vulnerable individuals including adults with learning disabilities and carers.  There would be 3 virtual public meetings in January which would be open to all.  The Chairs of voluntary organisations and also Town and Parish Councils, had also been contacted.  It was recognised that the runup to Christmas was a potentially difficult time to engage with people, however the voluntary sector needed adequate time to engage.

·       It was intended that the Strategy would have around 3 priorities and that a draft would be produced for March.

·       The Strategy would reflect the population need for Wokingham although there would be some shared actions across Berkshire West, where there was merit to do so.

RESOLVED:  That the update on the Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy be noted.