Agenda item

To consider a report providing the Committee with an update on York’s NHS Healthcheck programme, as well as the wider context around cardiovascular and metabolic diseases in the city.

The committee considered an update on the statutory NHS Healthcheck programme in York. Officers provided an overview, noting that cardiovascular and metabolic diseases were leading causes of death in York. The Council had a contract with Nimbuscare for delivery of 2000 checks annually over five years. As the eligible population of those aged 40-74 in York was far larger, a proactive invitation was targeted at residents with relevant risk factors. Healthchecks could be reinforced by a ‘follow on’ pathway through the health trainer service.

Members enquired about provision for harder-to-reach groups, including the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller community, and people with substance misuse issues, and how barriers to accessing healthchecks were being removed. It was noted that although budegtary restraints posed a major challenge, work was being done to move towards a more person-focused approach, including improving the accessibility, format, and language of invites and offers being made in British Sign Language and Braille, while an NHS-funded version of the offer existed for those with severe mental illness or learning disabilities.

The committee discussed community outreach. It was confirmed that NHS Health Kiosks which measured key health metrics had been installed at three sites in York. Attention was drawn to the level of use of the kiosk at Tang Hall Community Centre, and to the successful ‘How's Thi Ticker’ blood pressure check campaign run by Barnsley Council which made use of sites such as barbershops and markets; the possibility of offering healthchecks at community events was also discussed. It was noted that while many people could identify ways of reducing high blood pressure, getting the idea of regular checks into the public consciousness would take some time.

Members enquired about the accessibility of digital health checks. It was noted that these were being trialled nationally rather than locally following a pilot scheme in Cornwall last year. It was envisaged that digital checks would complement rather than replace the existing local authority offer.

With reference to those with complex conditions, it was noted that the proportion of population with multiple conditions was increasing substantially, and that a sensible approach was needed to avoid duplication of tests as far as possible.

The committee also enquired about an equivalent offer to prisoners, who were not eligible for the programme. It was confirmed that nationally Public Health England commissioned an equivalent scheme for those serving sentences of two years or more, while those serving shorter sentences would be picked up through the local authority programme.

Members enquired about air pollution as a background indicator for cardiovascular illness and asked about work being done with colleagues across the council in reducing air pollution and encouraging active travel. It was confirmed that air pollution was a contributory factor in around 90 deaths annually in York, and that the council was bringing forward an Air Quality Action Plan in which the Public Health team was playing an active part.

The Executive Member for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care was in attendance and noted the importance of repeat offers being made to marginalised groups, and of clear communication about the programme beyond those being invited for checks.

Resolved:

             i.                To note the report.

            ii.                To recommend that officers review the targeting criteria for the Healthcheck programme to include further accessibility for harder-to-reach groups, including the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller community, and people with substance misuse issues.

          iii.                To recommend that officers review Barnsley Council’s ‘How's Thi Ticker’ blood pressure check campaign and other similar community public health engagement programmes and events.

          iv.                To recommend that officers review the use of the health kiosk at Tang Hall Community Centre.

Reason:     To support work to reduce health inequalities and the burden of cardiovascular disease in York.