To receive a report and presentation of the work of Public Health in Central Bedfordshire.

The Assistant Director Public Health introduced Sharon Hawley, General Manager at the East London Foundation Trust (EFLT), who gave a presentation on the Substance Misuse Treatment Service.  A new outcomes based contract had been awarded to ELFT that included extra payment for innovation.  ELFT would ensure effective pathways existed between the drug and alcohol service and other statutory and third sector services .  Outcomes included better support for families and access to treatment and service users that would see effective recovery and (re)integration of service users into their community for those currently experiencing harm caused by drugs and/or alcohol.

In light of the presentation and clarification sought, Members raised the following concerns:-

·         Whether with the EU enforcing better controls on alcohol misuse and their practices be explored further.  The Assistant Director Public Health advised that work with licensees was undertaken, a good example being the Best Bar None initiative, and a new local alcohol licensing tasking group was being established to enable better sharing of information and evidence.

·         Whether supermarkets selling cheap alcohol exacerbate the level of alcohol misuse, which had become a national problem.  The Assistant Director Public Health advised that several initiatives existed to help those most in need of support but that a national agreement to implement a Minimum Price per Unit of alcohol would be welcomed and effective.

A Member congratulated officers on a robust preventative programme of work and asked how those affected by drugs or alcohol were referred to the service.  In response the General Manager advised that referrals originated from several sources including, GP’s, safeguarding services and word of mouth.

NOTED the update