Agenda item

The Committee will receive an update on the progress and future of the York Place Health and Care Partnership Board.

The Corporate Director of Adult Services and Integration introduced the York Place Health and Care Partnership Board Update.  She explained that the agreed key outcome of the Board was to make York the healthiest city in Northern England.  She noted that the work of the York Board (YB) was closely aligned with the strategy of the Health and Wellbeing Board (HWBB).  York was perceived as a healthy city but good health and access to medical services was not evenly distributed.  The aim of the York Board was to reduce inequalities and improve service delivery.

[17:40 Cllr Pearson joined the meeting.]

The officer highlighted the work of the previous Health and Care Alliance, particularly in the area of learning disabilities and complex care. 

It was emphasised that the new Board was introduced as a result of changes in the NHS.  The implementation of Integrated Care Boards (ICB), had enabled Local Authorities to integrate its functions.  The York Board was chaired by the Chief Operating Officer.

The ten year Health and Wellbeing Strategy was under development  by the HWBB and was interlinked with the five year Integrated Care System (ICS) strategy.  The York Place Board was working towards setting priorities which would be aligned with those of the HWBB.  Suggested priorities including hospital admissions, delayed discharges, mental health delivery and Children’s Services had been considered. 

The next steps were to ensure the York Place Board membership was correct, work streams were in position and that learning from the previous Health Alliance had taken place.

The Corporate Director for Adult Services and Integration and the Director for Public Health responded to a number of questions regarding alcohol consumption, GP representation, governance arrangements for the Place Board, mental health provider services and the health and care workforce.  It was confirmed that:

·        York residents had a higher than ideal rate of alcohol consumption, predominantly drinking at home or in social situations.  A social media campaign was due to start, encouraging people to be more alcohol aware.  GP Practices and Health Trainers were focussed on alcohol support services to prevent more serious problems with alcohol from developing.  GPs were well represented at strategic level and clinically but had time constraints which would affect regular attendance at partnership meetings.

·        The requirements for mental health services in York were different to North Yorkshire therefore arrangements would be redesigned to suit requirements in York.

·        All 6 regional boards have a Local Authority Chair.  However, York does not have an NHS Place Director which was an ongoing concern.

·        Officers had looked at new ways of working and training, including working with schools and colleges, to attract and retain the health and care workforce.

During the discussion, Cllr Runciman, Executive Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health, mentioned the investment in assistive technology to support people with their independence.

The Chair raised the possibility of a cross scrutiny meeting with representatives from all six Place Boards and noted this could prove useful in securing influence for York.  He asked that Democratic Services follow this up.

It was agreed that

                     i.        The content of the report and the progress made be noted.

                    ii.        The work of the previous York Alliance be noted.

                  iii.        The possibility of a cross scrutiny meeting with representatives from each Place Board be investigated.

Reason:     To keep the Committee updated.