To receive a presentation on the Transfer of the 0-5 Healthy Child Programme.

The Head of Public Health delivered a presentation that outlined the 0-5 Healthy Child Programme that would be delivered by the Council from 1 October 2015.  The programme met the National Health visiting model and the number of Health Visitors had doubled in number since 2011.  Central Bedfordshire had an allocation of 50 places funded by the Department of Health of which 13 had been assigned under a set of strict criteria.  Those on the programme could expect three times the number of visits from a health visitor in the first two years of the scheme that aimed to improved outcomes for parents and children.

In light of the presentation and detailed discussion Members raised the following:-

·         What specific metrics were linked to the national service specification?  The Head of Public Health advised there were 5 key measures and specific achievements included: The number of 6-8 week assessments carried out (95%); the number of  breastfeeding mothers (49%) and the number of 2½ years old reviews undertaken (50%)

·         The arrangements that were made to review a child that did not take up a nursery provision at 2½ years.  The Head of Public Head advised that Health Visitors would continue to visit the parents of a child not accessing a nursery.  A joined up approach with the Early Years Support Service was a priority going forward.

·         Whether the service could cope with the maximum of 50 places allocated to vulnerable mothers.  The Head of Public Health advised that additional resources would be met to ensure the service could cope.  The Director of Children’s Services advised that the service had received very moving accounts from those benefitting from additional help.

·         Whether officers had concerns regarding the transition of services from 1 October, 2015.  The Head of Public Health advised that subject to the smooth transition of IT systems, there were no concerns to report at present.

RECOMMENDED

1.    That set of Public Health metrics for the 0-5 year old Health Visiting service and Family Nurse Partnership programme that included before and after results and outcomes be included and reported to the Committee.

2.    That the Bedfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group and ELFT be invited to speak at a future meeting of the Children’s Services Committee on the provision Child and Adolescent Mental Health services.

3.    That the Committee support the Executive Member in his quest to seek full Public Health budget provision.