To elect the Vice-Chairman of the Central Bedfordshire Health and Wellbeing Board for the municipal year 2014/15.

The Board were invited to make nominations for Vice-Chairman of the Health and Wellbeing Board. 

Dr Paul Hassan was nominated and seconded. 

RESOLVED

that Dr Paul Hassan be elected Vice-Chairman of the Health and Wellbeing Board for 2014/15.

The Chairman advised the Board that the advert for Healthwatch Central Bedfordshire would be played under item 11 ‘Healthwatch Central Bedfordshire’.

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the last meeting held on 3 April 2014 and note actions taken since that meeting.

RESOLVED

that the minutes of the meeting of the Central Bedfordshire Health and Wellbeing Board held on 3 April 2014 be confirmed and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

None were declared.

To consider the proposed outline and process for a re-fresh of the Joint Health and wellbeing Strategy.

The Board considered a report that outlined the case for a refresh of the Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy (JHWS).  The proposal was for the revised JHWS to be more focussed, concentrating on those issues where the Health and Wellbeing Board could make the biggest impact on health and wellbeing in Central Bedfordshire.

The proposed four key priorities were:

·         Ensuring good mental health and wellbeing at every age.

·         Giving every child the best start in life.

·         Improving outcomes for Frail Older People.

·         Enabling people to stay healthy longer.

RESOLVED

that the Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy be revised following the eighteen months implementation of the current Strategy and as a result of the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment re-fresh.

To update the Health & Wellbeing Board on the project’s progress so far and its next steps.

The Board considered a report that provided an update on the review of health services in Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes.  The review aimed to generate options for delivering sustainable, high quality (hospital and out of hospital) services for the people of Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes.  It was anticipated that a final options report for consultation would be available in July 2014.

An out of hospital strategy was also being drafted largely based on the agreed plans from the Better Care Funds from each local authority.  The Strategy would take account of suitability of hub and spoke models of care across Bedfordshire.

NOTED

the current progress being made by the review of health services in Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes.

To receive an update regarding the delivery of the Plan.

The Board considered a report on the implementation of the Better Care Fund Plan which had subsequently been through regional assurance process, following submission on 4 April 2014.  Feedback from the submission had been received and a number of areas required further work. 

A Joint Commissioning Board (JCB) would be established, comprising officers within the Council, Clinical Commissioning Group and locality leads who would lead the commissioning of integrated care and oversee financial and performance management.  The JCB would also ensure that the pooled fund was targeted appropriately at services which would deliver the outcomes set out in the plan, including expected efficiencies and integration of services.

Clarification of the labelling of graphs within the performance framework was required.

RESOLVED

1.      that the progress with the Better Care Fund Plan be noted;

2.      that the setting up of the Better Care Fund Commissioning Board be approved and the terms of reference be submitted to the next Health and Wellbeing Board; and

3.      that the Better Care Fund Performance Framework be approved and quarterly updates on performance against the metrics identified be compiled.

To receive a report on the BCCG’s 5-year vision on their systems.

The Board considered a report that set out the draft Bedfordshire Health and Social Care System Plan 2014-2019.  The five-year system strategic plan was required to be submitted to NHS England on 20 June 2014.  This Plan was aspirational as the outcome of the review of health services in Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes would have a significant impact that would need to be taken into account.  The ambition for years three to five were focused upon supporting the overarching aims of the review and developing system-wide pathways of care around the priorities within the following:

·         supporting mental health and wellbeing throughout life;

·         helping adults and older people maintain a healthy life as long as possible; and

·         helping children and young people start a healthy lifetime.

There needed to be a clear distinction between the needs of and plans for Central Bedfordshire and Bedford.  The Board commented that clarification was required on capital planning given the investment required for local infrastructure and workforce planning and the interest in co-commissioning GP services had been registered.  There would be an opportunity to refresh the Plan in the Autumn following the strategic review of the health services.

RESOLVED

that the draft Bedfordshire Health and Social Care System Plan 2014-2019, in advance of submission to NHS England on 20 June 2014, be approved.

To receive a presentation.

The Board received a presentation on changes affecting children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) and disability as a result of the Children and Families Act 2014.  The Act extended the SEN system from birth to 25, giving children, young people and their parents greater control and choice in decisions and ensuring needs are properly met, including:

·         implementing a new way of working with parents and children in designing and developing services;

·         replacing old statements of SEN with a new birth to 25 education, health and care plan;

·         providing statutory protections comparable to those currently associated with statement to up to 25 years of age in further education;

·         local authorities would publish a local offer showing the support available to disabled children and young people and those with SEN, and their families from 0-25 years;

·         parents of young people with Education, Health and Care Plans would have the right to a personal budget for their support; and

·         cooperation between all the services that support children and their families would be required to improve the service experience for families.

There would also be a duty on health bodies to bring children to the Council’s attention if they were of the opinion that the child had special educational needs or a disability.  Joint commissioning arrangements must be made between the Council and its partners about the education, health and care provision to be secured.  Schools had been provided with guidance to help them understand their role within the new arrangements. 

NOTED

the presentation.

To receive an update.

The Board considered a report that provided an update on the activities of Healthwatch Central Bedfordshire (HWCB).  The Board also had the opportunity to watch the new video that advertised the role and work of HWCB.

The Board noted that HWCB volunteer resource was growing and there were over 30 volunteers who were all undertaking safeguarding training.  Their first Board meeting was held in public on 18 March 2014. 

HWCB had raised concerns with SEPT that complaints had been received with the lack of access to their crisis line with it either being engaged or not being answered.  SEPT had advised HWCB that they were investigating having a second line installed.

The Director of Social Care, Health and Housing agreed to meet with HWCB to explore how best their work could be supported.

NOTED

the update on recent activities of Healthwatch Central Bedfordshire.

To receive any questions, statements, or deputations from members of the public in accordance with the procedures as set out in Part A4 of the Council’s Constitution.

The following question was received in accordance with the Public Participation Scheme.

1.      Alison Fisher, Chief Executive of MIND

Ms Fisher asked if consideration had been given to a representative from the third sector being included on the Board and enquired about the number of third sector representatives on Healthwatch Central Bedfordshire.

The Chairman thanked Ms Fisher for her question and explained that the membership had been considered very carefully when the Board was acting under shadow arrangements. 

The Chairman of Healthwatch Central Bedfordshire explained that there was in the region of 18 members currently from the third sector involved in her organisation.

To consider and approve the work plan.

A forward plan ensures that the Health and Wellbeing Board remains focused on key priorities, areas and activities to deliver improved outcomes for the people of Central Bedfordshire.

The Board considered a report from the Chief Executive, Central Bedfordshire Council that set out a suggested work programme for 2014-2015.  The following items would be added:-

·         Review of Health Services in Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes; and

·         Better Care Fund -  to consider the transfer of 2014/15 funds and to receive the terms of reference for the Commissioning Board.

RESOLVED

that the work programme for the Health and Wellbeing Board be approved.