Apologies were received from: Councillor Sirajul Islam, Councillor Candida Ronald, Dr Ian Basnett, Helen Wilson, Marcus Barnett, Denise Radley.

To note any declarations of interest made by members of the Board. (See attached note of Monitoring Officer).

There were no declarations of pecuniary interests.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting of the Tower Hamlets Health and Wellbeing Board held on. Also to consider matters arising.

The minutes of the previous meeting were agreed as an accurate record, there were minor amendments in the attendance section. It was noted that Chris Banks and Katy Scammell (Associate Directors Public Health) were present and that Dr Paul Gilluley was present as a substitute for Dr Navina Evans.

RESOLVED:

1.    To approve the minutes.

RESOLVED:

1.    To note the forward plan.

LEAD: Somen Banerjee, Director of Public Health, Vicky Clarke, Divisional Director of Growth and Economic Development.

17:10 (20 mins)

The Chair introduced a new standing item titled ‘Health and Wellbeing Story’. The item would introduce a personal story from a resident or service user at the start of the meeting to offer real life insights into Board priorities.

This meeting the Board heard from Mohammed, a service user for social prescribing and Rebeka his social prescriber. Mohammed had been caring for three family members since the age of 16 and had to drop out of university due to his caring responsibilities. This greatly impacted his confidence and mental health as he had developed depression.

Mohammed’s GP had referred him to Rebekah a social prescriber and she had helped him gain access to various training, volunteering and employment opportunities, as well as access certain benefits he was not aware he was entitled to. Due to the support received by the social prescribing service Mohammed was able to volunteer at the Carers Centre and secure an apprenticeship at Barts Health. 

In response to the case study Members made the following comments:

·         They were pleased that Mohammed was able to build his confidence and resilience.

·         Peter Okali Chief Executive of Tower Hamlets CVS expressed an interest in linking up social prescribing to the CVS training and employment forum.

·         It was noted that employment improved health outcomes for most patients. There was a discussion on having a referral pathway for long term conditions that linked into social prescribing.

·         There was a discussion on teaching medical students the social prescribing model at university level. Partners were encouraged to reinforce the model in their areas of work.

The Chair thanked Mohammed and Rebeka for sharing their story.

RESOLVED:

1.    To note the health and wellbeing story and subsequent discussion.

LEAD: Mark Scott, Deputy Director of Transformation PMO, ELHCP.

17:30 (20 mins)

The Board received a presentation from Simon Hall, Director of Transformation East London Health & Care Partnership (ELHCP).

In response to the presentation the following comments were made:

·         The Board commended the plans around prevention, weight management, autism diagnosis, immunisation and maternal health.

• There was concern that the plan did not adequately address services for under 18s or for SEN children.

·         It was noted that £75 million of funding would be allocated across the north east region over the next 3 years.

·         Simon Hall would work in partnership with the Health and Wellbeing Board to develop a democratically accountable governance framework at the north east London level.

RESOLVED:

1.    To note the next steps in developing a response to the Long Term Plan and note the ELHCP LTP implementation update.

LEAD: Keith Makin – Independent Scrutineer LBTH.

17:50 (20 mins)

The Board received the report of Keith Makin (Independent Scrutineer) on the new Tower Hamlets Safeguarding Children Partnership. Mr Makin introduced himself and summarised the new arrangements. He requested an invitation to a future meeting for a progress update.

In response to the report Members made the following comments:

·         With regards to capturing the voice of young people and the ‘young scrutineer’ appointment, the Chair requested clarification on which young people would be approached.

·         It was recommended that young people most at risk should be targeted for participation on panels rather than those who were already engaged with the council, such as the young mayor and the schools network. Mr Making noted the comments. 

ACTION:

1.    To add the Safeguarding Children Partnership Update to the forward plan.

RESOLVED:

1.    To note the published safeguarding arrangements for information.

2.    To note the equalities impact assessment – equalities considerations in the report.

For the Board to note the item for information.  

18:10

The Board received the report of Lisa Pottinger (Head of Sport & Physical Activity) on the Physical Activity and Sports Strategy. The report sought endorsement from the Board.

In response to the report the following comments were made by the Board:

·         The strategy was a key opportunity to outline what health partners could do to help residents become more active.

·         Members were concerned the strategy was not ambitious enough.

·         Members requested to view the strategy’s delivery plan, strategic objectives, dashboard and key performance indicators.

·         They also requested an explanation on what levers and opportunities could be utilised in the borough and a three year outlook in a briefing paper.

·         A Member recommended that the Lee Valley Park space be utilised in the contract considering the council paid £230,000 a year towards its upkeep.

·         It was suggested the Canary Wharf Group and banks could be approached for social responsibility money to help fund aspects of the strategy, given the council’s proximity to Canary Wharf.

·         There was a discussion on how the Health and Wellbeing Board could contribute to tenders affecting health, where appropriate.

·         The Board were unable to endorse the strategy and requested an update from Judith St John- Divisional Director of Sport Leisure and Culture addressing their concerns.

RESOLVED:

1.    The Board were unable to endorse the Physical Activity and Sports Strategy.

ACTIONS:

1.    For Somen Banerjee to meet with Judith St John outside the meeting to discuss the Physical Activity & Sports Strategy and an update for the next meeting. 

LEAD: Somen Banerjee, Director of Public Health

18:30 (20 mins)

Somen Banerjee reported that the Health and Wellbeing Strategy would be launched at the Health Summit on 31 March 2020. He said the summit was an opportunity to recalibrate aspirations. It was suggested that the summit could be used as a lever to launch the physical activity and sports strategy.

RESOLVED:

To note the update.

To consider any other business the Chair considers urgent.

18:50 (10 mins)

There was no other business.