Agenda item

Julie Billett, Director of Public Health and Mahnaz Shaukut, Head of Health Intelligence Public Health were present for discussion of this item and laid this round for the Committee.

During consideration of the report the following main issues were raised –

·         In respect of NEET’s  the higher than average London figure may be associated with social deprivation although there are relatively small numbers involved

·         There are high levels of mental health problems in the borough and work is taking place with the health service about mental health risks and the vulnerability of this group

·         Members expressed the view that there should be consideration given to air quality and its effects on asthma and that this should form part of the next JSNA

·         Reference was made to the fact that the JSNA should include where the current GP practices are in the borough and the areas where these are likely to be needed in the future based on projected population growth

·         Councillor Heather stated that he would like to receive information on a ward basis in relation to the evidence and it was stated that this could be provided to him

·         In response to a question it was stated that the JSNA is signed off by the Health and Wellbeing Board and informed commissioning plans

·         A Member expressed the view that BME groups tended to suffer disproportionate levels of mental health problems, however it was stated that the levels were broadly reflective of the demographics of the community

·         There is early intervention work on mental health and there is training and support for mental health champions. In terms of older people there is good access to services but there is a need for more equity auditing and this could be looked at

·         Reference was made to the fact that a large number of the prison population suffered from mental health problems and that this may not have been the case if early intervention had taken place

·         It was stated that mental health is a complex issue and can be caused by many factors and there is a need to promote good mental health and should not just focus on responding to crisis situations. There should also be a focus on providing other treatments not just merely drug prescription for good mental health outcomes

·         It was stated that early intervention work is important and that Public Health had good relationships with other departments in this regard and this need is recognised across Directorates

·         Reference was made to the link between children with SEN and the NEET cohort and that this should be looked at together with ethnicity

·         In addition it was stated that in relation to children with disabilities their parents/carers were often unable to go back to work and were therefore more likely to live in poverty and that the JSNA should have an action plan in this regard

·         Concern was also expressed that the income maximisation team had been reduced which limited families ability to maximise their income

RESOLVED:

That the issues raised above be considered when the future JSNA is being prepared and the information be requested above by Councillor Heather be circulated to him

The Chair thanked Julie Billett and Mahnuz Shaukut for attending