The Chairman announced that item 7 ‘Integration for Older People’ had been deferred.

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the last meeting held on 7 November 2013 and note actions taken since that meeting.

RESOLVED

that the minutes of the meeting of the Central Bedfordshire Health and Wellbeing Board held on 7 November 2013 be confirmed and signed by the Chairman as a correct record, subject to Mr Rooke’s job title being amended to Chief Operating Officer, Bedfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group.

To receive and comment upon the current position and progress towards delivering this priority within the Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy.

The Board considered a report on the actions identified to maximise the opportunities for children and their families to lead healthy, active lives.  The levels of childhood obesity in Central Bedfordshire were below the national and regional average but slightly above the Longer Lives Comparator Group.  Childhood obesity was a significant risk to both physical and mental health and was a strong predictor of adult obesity.

The Children’s Trust Board were scrutinising childhood obesity through the Children and Young People’s Plan.  This was also being addressed through Children Centres, Schools, the Council’s Leisure Strategy and planning guidance.  A number of staff groups had been identified to receive training to enable them to actively support parents with obese children into the family weight management programmes available in Central Bedfordshire.  The Board concurred with the view that it would be important to develop a differential approach, depending on the specific needs of individual communities, which would require careful analysis of the data available.

RESOLVED

to agree the actions identified, within paragraphs 5 – 8 of the report, to maximise the opportunities for children and their families to lead healthy active lives.

To consider the outcomes for improving mental health and wellbeing of adults and receive an update on the development of services.

The Board considered a report on the progress to date and on recent developments that had a potential impact on mental health services.  The Bedfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group’s plan was to increase access to Psychological Therapies for people with depression and/or anxiety to 10% by March 2014 and 15% by March 2015.  

A proposed Stepped Care Model had been developed for Mental Health Services.  This provided for locality focused mental health teams working in a more integrated way across the range of adult mental health needs within Central Bedfordshire and Bedford Borough.  The procurement of the relevant contract based on this model was under way.

NOTED

1.      the progress made against the Increasing Access to Psychological Therapies indicators;

2.      the progress made against the accommodation and employment indicators; and

3.      the re-procurement of services which should impact positively on mental health outcomes.

To receive a report on the Better Care Fund.

The Board considered a report on the Better Care Fund (formally Integration Transformation Fund) that was being provided by the Government to support transformation and a move to integrated health and social care.  Access to this Fund in 2015/16 would be dependent on agreement of a local 2-year plan for 2014/15 and 2015/16.  Health and Wellbeing Boards had to submit the first iteration of the completed Better Care Plan template by 14 February 2014.

RESOLVED

1.      that the Board notes the requirement for the template for the Better Care Fund to be completed and agrees the arrangements to meet the deadline for signing off the Joint Plan by

          14 February 2014;

2.      that the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Health and Wellbeing Board be authorised to approve the template for submission; and

3.      that a further report on the approach to integration in Central Bedfordshire be brought to a future meeting of the Board.

To receive a presentation on the pilot on the south of Central Bedfordshire to deliver integration for older people.

This item was deferred.

To receive the annual report.

The Board considered a report that set out the Safeguarding Adults Board Annual Report 2012/13, outlining the progress made during this period.  Robust strategic leadership and operational arrangements had been implemented providing a basis for more effective safeguarding.  The Safeguarding Adults Board recognised that achieving excellence in the area required sustained improvement on the part of all partner agencies.

NOTED

the contents of the Safeguarding Adults Board Annual Report 2012/13.

To receive the Bedfordshire Plan for Patients.

The Board considered a report that outlined the requirements of national planning guidance “Everyone Counts:  Planning for Patients 2014/15 to 2018/19 (NHS England 20 December 2013)” and the implications for plans for local health care services.  The Board noted that the financial challenge for the Bedfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group in 2014/15 was a £15.53m gap.

It was proposed and duly seconded:

“to authorise the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Health and Wellbeing Board to approve the Bedfordshire Plan for Patients for submission on 31 March 2014.”

RESOLVED

1.      to note the requirements for Everyone Counts: Planning for Patients 2014/15 to 2018/19 (NHS England 20 December 2013);

2.      to agree the timescale and proposed arrangements for the Bedfordshire Plan for Patients 2014/15 to 2018/19; and

3.      to authorise the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Health and Wellbeing Board to approve the Bedfordshire Plan for Patients for submission by 31 March 2014.

To receive an update.

The Board considered the update on recent activities of Healthwatch Central Bedfordshire.  The report focused on excess winter deaths, the increase in the number of calls and correspondence relating to a wide variety of issues and concerns involving health and social care, including a perception of service rationing.

The Chief Operating Officer and Accountable Officer for the Bedfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group assured the Board that NHS operations were not being rationed in Bedfordshire. 

It was noted that Healthwatch Central Bedfordshire achieved charitable status on 18 November 2013 following the successful completion of the requirements of the Charities Commission.

RESOLVED

1.      to note the feedback from Healthwatch Central Bedfordshire and for the relevant agencies to investigate the detailed recommendations contained in paragraph 4 of the report.

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

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

1.         Mr A West

Mr West referred to Agenda item 10 ‘Healthwatch Central Bedfordshire’ and requested further details about the recruitment of additional Directors/Trustees.

The Chairman of Healthwatch Central Bedfordshire advised that they was were looking for a possible four new people to take up the dual role of Director/Trustees and the positions would be advertised in due course.

To consider and approve the work plan.

A forward work 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 2013 – 2014.  The Board acknowledged that a development session had been scheduled for the 13 February 2014.

RESOLVED

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