To receive a presentation from Frimley Clinical Commissioning Group.
Minutes:
The Committee received a presentation from the Integrated Care Board (ICB) by Tom Lawlor. The introduction of the Health and Care Act had made significant organisational changes to the delivery of health services in England.
A key change to the delivery of health services in Surrey Heath had been the formalisation of the partnership across Frimley Health Care, along with the formalisation of Integrated Care System (ICS). Further key points regarding the changed approach to health services included:
1. The recognition by the NHS that it could only influence certain aspects of an individual’s health and that housing and education was a significant determinant of wellbeing.
2. Smaller geography had also been considered as a key aspect of the changes, and understanding local issues in Surrey Heath had provided greater flexibility in providing health services.
3. The strict framework for procurement had been reduced, which had improved the ability of smaller organisations to provide services, which had been done to move toward collaboration over competition in service delivery.
The key changes in approach aimed to improve the general health of the population.
The Committee was presented with the new structure of the ICS. As part of the ICS, the Integrated Care Partnership (ICP) had been introduced as the approval body for the ICS. Members were informed that the ICP was an equal partnership between local authorities and the NHS. The works carried out by the ICS had been approved by the ICP. The Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) had been replaced by the Integrated Care Board (ICB), which would be composed of services previously provided by NHS England and ICS staff employed by system partners. All CCG staff had also been transferred into the ICB, and health services previously provided by the CCG continued to be available with the ICB.
Surrey Heath remained part of the 5 member ICS, made up of 5 individual boroughs, which had enabled local change and facilitated brining the partnerships closer together. This had meant that the right services were available for Surrey Heath residents. Members were informed that the 5 member ICS had been recognised as a top performer in England. The work and success of the Lakeside vaccination clinic was also recognised.
Some of the work that had been carried out by the ICS included the move of the Lakeside vaccination clinic to the Square in Camberley, which had opened in August 2022 which aimed to provide booster vaccines to those eligible for the Winter. The vaccination clinic located in the Square had also been used to test for cardiovascular related issues. This was part of the effort to bring healthcare closer to residents, by way of health on the high street. Furthermore, it was recognised as an example of the partnership working.
Members were informed that the Partnership plan created had been built upon the work of the Council to ensure that it was aligned with its partners and organisations. This had created some areas of focus that could be improved upon. The focus had been spread across six priority areas:
(i) Focus on Priority Areas and Deprivation – this aimed to help disadvantaged residents have a good start to life, There had been work undertaken in this sector, but it required consolidation between partners.
(ii) Support for residents whom English is not their first language - there had been difficulties accessing services, but this is an area that could be improved upon with collaboration.
(iii) Access to Safe and Affordable housing - this had been recognised as a determinant that made a significant difference general wellbeing.
(iv) Mental Health and Wellbeing - there had been improvements in mental health services for older adults. This had been recognised as an area that with further collaboration could be greatly improved for all demographics.
(v) Promoting healthy weight, healthy choices and reducing inactivity.
(vi) Workforce and making Surrey Heath an even more desirable place to work - making Surrey Heath a desirable place to work and remain in employment. significant issue recognised by all partners
The Committee was informed that there was a planned public engagement event to take place on 1 October 2022 at the Camberley Theatre, intended as a way of engaging with residents about access to public services.
Arising from discussions, a number of issues were raised:
(i) The ICB recognised that it where it had previously not taken the opportunity to approach the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), it had been explored as an option for additional funding.
(ii) Excessive waiting times at local pharmacies would be addressed, but the ICB had limited influence over national dispensaries.
(iii) The role of Accent in the ICP was still in the planning phase but the ICB had been working with the Borough Housing team focused on vulnerable residents.
(iv) Outreach programmes by the ICB would be increased where needed and had already been done through mobile vaccination and blood testing.
It was recognised that life expectancy was a key indicator of health and the ICB reported the importance of this key indicator and responded with the following:
(i) The differences between Wards had been noted, and work had been carried out in the Old Dean area and investigations had begun in St. Michaels and Watchets.
(ii) The approach to the work done on life expectancy is to work with local communities, build on their strengths and understanding what works for them.
(iii) New roles had been created in the ICP to facilitate this approach and funding had been made available for additional services.
The Committee thanked the ICB for its presentation.
RESOLVED to note the presentation.