The Board invites questions and comments from the public observers present at the meeting. Those with more complex issues are asked to submit their question before the meeting (ideally several days) in order to allow a substantive answer to be given. Contact Erica Keegan on Tel: 033022 26050 (a local call) or Email: erica.keegan@westsussex.gov.uk
Minutes:
45.1 The Chairman invited comments and questions from those observing the meeting. The questions and comments concerned:
· A written question concerning the local availability of NHS Health Checks in Mid-Sussex had been received by the Board. The Chairman read out the prepared answer for the questioner who was present at the meeting. This explained that the delivery of the NHS Health Check programme was a statutory function of West Sussex County Council’s Public Health but there was no requirement specified as to how this should be delivered. It was noted that although all GP practices in West Sussex were offered the opportunity to deliver the NHS Health Check programme it was a practice decision whether to do so. Practices that chose not to deliver NHS health checks themselves were asked by Public Health to sign-post eligible patients on to other practices or pharmacies delivering the programme. It was advised that the following pharmacies in Mid Sussex provided NHS health checks, which could be accessed regardless of which GP practice a patient was registered with:
• Boots in Burgess Hill,
• Abbots Pharmacy, Lindfield, Haywards Heath.
• Day Lewis East Grinstead,
• Lloyds Pharmacy St Michaels Road East Grinstead,
• Lloyds Pharmacy Moatfield Surgery East Grinstead.
It was advised that over the next 12 months Public Health would be working with the Wellbeing programme teams to support them to potentially begin to deliver NHS Health checks in community venues. It was also advised that a new member of staff within Public Health had the role of working across primary care, supporting an increase in the numbers of NHS Health Checks being delivered. This individual would focus on working with providers (including practices) to address any significant gaps in access or provision.
· A written question concerning the integration of Health and Social Care in West Sussex. The Chairman read out the prepared answer for the questioner who was present at the meeting. It was accepted that as a health and social care economy there was some way to go to develop integrated working. Plans were being explored and there was commitment to jointly developing a model that would be relevant and effective for West Sussex.
· Ms Nicky Wiltshire, a St Catherine’s Hospice Trustee, introduced herself to Board Members and issued an open invite to visit the hospice. It was noted that a new design for the hospice was being planned and a building project would be implemented. Members of the Board welcomed this invitation.
· Burgess Hill Town Councillor and West Sussex County Councillor, Anne Jones, raised concerns about a lack of Mental Health services in Mid-Sussex. The West Sussex County Council Director for Public Health advised that one of the core themes in the draft Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy was the aim to reduce mental health problems particularly by ensuring good emotional wellbeing and mental health in children, young people and families. It was noted that the availability of mental health services in the area was a priority for the Horsham and Mid Sussex Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).
·
The Chief Executive of
Arun District Council spoke on behalf
of the District and Borough Councils to express the disappointment
of the District and Boroughs at the recent decision taken by West
Sussex County Council on Housing Related Support.