Agenda item

The Board heard that the aim of the JSNA (Joint Strategic Needs Assessment) was to provide an understanding of the current and future health and wellbeing needs of the population over both the short and longer term. In delivering this understanding, it would inform strategic planning commissioning services and interventions, so achieving better health and well-being outcomes, and reduce inequalities.  It was explained that the JSNA was currently in a draft format, and had been circulated to stakeholders for comment.

The JSNA was concerned with the following elements:

·  Population

·  Life expectancy and Disease

·  Diabetes

·  Hypertension

·  Cancer

·  Sexually transmitted infections

·  Abortion rates

·  Uptake of childhood immunisations

·  Smoking

·  Obesity

·  Housing

·  Issues affecting children and young people

·  Dementia

·  Older People

·  Learning Disabilities

·  Sensory Impairment and Physical disability

·  Mental Health

·  End of Life Care

·  Carers

·  Substance Misuse

·  Alcohol

·  Frequent attenders to Unscheduled Care

The Board were informed that the final version of the JSNA document would be presented to them at the HWB meeting in October, and that the sign off process would need to be agreed. It was agreed that the Chairman of the HWB sign off the final version.

The Vice Chairman (Cllr David Jefferys) queried the methodology involved in obtaining the data concerning hypertension, and expressed concern over many of the issues affecting young people. 

A Member introduced the topic of female genital mutilation and queried if FGM could be incorporated into the JSNA. The Board were advised that FGM was not currently incorporated into the JSNA, but the Board could direct what areas of concern should be considered. With respect to FGM, it was noted that work was being undertaken in this area, and that information would be sent to GP’s shortly.

A Member raised the issue of Food banks, and asked if it had been looked at. The Chairman recognised that the matter had been discussed extensively at a recent Full Council meeting.  After discussion, the Board suggested that the issue of nutrition could be looked at as part of the wider JSNA strategy.

A Member stated that it was also important to consider the impact of removing the automatic right to free school meals after Key Stage 1.

The Vice Chairman (Cllr David Jeffreys) expressed concern regarding the seemingly low rate of take up for the seasonal flu vaccination. However, the Board were assured that the rate of take up for the over sixty five age group was better than most London boroughs.

A Member referenced the note on the report stating that the rate of diabetes in children and young people had fallen; it was queried as to why diabetes was therefore listed as a high priority on the JSNA report. In response to this, the Board were appraised that a recent report had come to light indicating that the rate of type 2 diabetes was as expected. 

The Board were advised that the five JSNA priorities were:

·  Diabetes

·  Adult Obesity

·  Smoking

·  Alcohol Misuse

·  Dementia

RESOLVED that:

1.  The JSNA update report for 2014 be noted

2.  The signatories to the Foreword of the JSNA are agreed.