Agenda and minutes

(a)  To approve as an accurate record and the Chair to sign the minutes of the meeting of the Health & Wellbeing Board held on 13 September 2017.

(b)  To note the outstanding actions.

The minutes of the previous meeting held on 13^th September 2017 were agreed as an accurate record.

Apologies for absence were received from Dr Tim Spicer, H&F CCG (Vice-chair) and Lisa Redfern, Director of Adult Social Services.

There were no declarations of interests. 

This report summarises the work that has been done by the council and partners to date to address social isolation and loneliness in the borough and invites the Board and wider stakeholders to consider how best to take this work forward.

Councillor Ben Coleman welcomed members of the public seated in the audience, most of whom represented a range of local community groups.  Introducing the report, Councillor Coleman explained that its purpose was to to facilitate a discussion and collaborative approach in developing a strategy; addressing social isolation and loneliness within the Borough. 

Gaynor Driscoll briefly highlighted several key elements which included the need to define social isolation and loneliness (SIL).  It was explained that SIL could affect young and old, new mothers, the recently bereaved and early retirees, and was also influenced by any combination of personal factors.  What was required was the proactive involvement of the local community in helping to alleviate SIL. 

Referring to anticipated Census data for 2021, social disadvantage and poverty indices in the North of the Borough expected to be high.  This, together with a more transient population, was associated with the disruption of social ties or community networks, and hence a greater risk of a loss of informal social control.  Developing strong bonds and community cohesion was a primary element in addressing SIL. With a high percentage of residents aged +50 living alone in the Borough, it was important to understand the need for a multi-generational approach.  To illustrate, simple, low cost solutions included adapting the urban streetscape to ensure that there was adequate seating, where needed. 

Bryan Naylor, from Age UK, seated in the audience, observed that SIL was a both a local and national problem with no easy or quick solution.  He was keen to see strategic outcomes. 

Dr Kellie Payne, Research and Policy Manager, Campaign to End Loneliness briefly provided details about the work of the organisation.  Highlighting the work of Jo Cox, MP to develop a National Commission on Loneliness, the difficulties faced by young mothers and the, combined risk factors affecting older people, there was agreement that SIL required a national and community based solution. 

A member of the public observed that it would be helpful to have a breakdown of the data by ethnic groups, whose experience of SIL would be markedly different.  Councillor Bevan Powell, RBKC, and a trustee of Nubian Life, expressed concern regarding the impact of SIL on older, black and minority ethnic groups (BAME), and, health inequalities experienced by them.  It was agreed that a BAME data breakdown would be helpful to understand both need and identify barriers. 

Christine Smyth, from Home-Start, explained Home-Start was a small pilot project supporting socially isolated pregnant and new mothers living in the Borough.  Ms Smyth commented that working closely with the NWL Mental Health Trust, would help prevent the escalation of mental health issues.  They had identified a huge need amongst in BAME groups experiencing social isolation, with little or no family support networks. LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Questioning/Queer) communities, socially stigmatised or rejected by their families, lacked support, and experienced SIL.  

Fawad Bhatti provided brief background details, setting out the remit of the Commission.  A key aim had been to bring together different Council services,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 123.

This report presents the Safeguarding Adults Executive Board Annual Report 2016-17.  The purpose of the Board is to ensure that member agencies work together, and independently, to secure the safety of residents who are at most at risk of harm from others, or through self-neglect.

Councillor Coleman welcomed Helen Banham who presented the Annual Report of the Safeguarding Adults Executive Board (SAEB).  The report had also been considered by the Health, Adult Social Care and Social Inclusion Policy and Accountability Committee. 

Vanessa Andreae, commended the report which she had reviewed in her capacity as Chair of the CCG Quality Committee.  This was a very good report which provided great assurance about the work of the SAEB in the Borough.  During the brief discussion which followed, it was confirmed that the SAEB were in the process of looking at feedback and referral mechanisms. 

Councillor Coleman commented that the report was excellent and commended Ms Banham. On behalf of the Board, Councillor Coleman wished her well in her retirement, observing that her commitment, hard work and dedication would be greatly missed. 

RESOLVED

That the report be noted.

This report sets out the progress being made to develop the Health and Wellbeing Board’s Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA) for Hammersmith & Fulham, and requests agreement to undertake the required statutory consultation.

Councillor Coleman welcomed Colin Brodie and Ashlee Mulimba, who presented a report on the Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA).  There was a statutory responsibility to produce a PNA for the Borough, to ensure adequate provision of local pharmacy services; to better understanding the needs of the local population; improve access to services and to identify any gaps.  A 60-day period of consultation with a prescribed group of stakeholders would be undertaken, together with engagement with residents and the Council. 

Following a question from Councillor Carlebach, it was explained that the Prescribing Wisely strategy served a useful reference point for understanding the PNA and the provision made by local pharmacies and aimed to encourage patients to be more involved in decisions about their medication.  Referencing the issue of access and gaps in provision, it was understood that opening hours and out hours provision would also be explored.

It was agreed that the Board would write to NHS England, highlighting the following points:

• Accessible opening hours
• Medication and self-assessment (in the context of Prescribing Wisely)
• End of life care
• Alcohol and drug misuse

Councillor Vaughan suggested that it would be helpful to be able identify where local pharmacy services could be sourced.  An interactive map or hyperlink on the Council or CCG’s website mapping out local pharmacists would be useful. 

Members commended the emergency support provided by local pharmacies during the Parsons Green station incident, noting that they would be have been reimbursed through NSH England.  It was suggested that pharmacies should be included in future emergency services planning, considering the support they could potential provide.

ACTION: LBHF / officer

RESOLVED

That the Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment report be noted. 

The Board noted the work programme would be subject to further discussion and development. 

The Board is asked to note that the dates of the meetings scheduled for the remainder of the municipal year 2017/2018 are as follows:

Wednesday, 31^st January 2018

Wednesday, 21^st March 2017

The next meeting of the Board was noted as 31^st January 2018.