An overview of recent developments under the National Neighbourhood Health Implementation Programme.  This provides an opportunity for the Board to consider local service delivery models in the context of Minor Injury Units (MIUs) and Neighbourhood Health Centres.

Implementation of the Neighbourhood Health Framework

Joanne Hodgetts briefed the board on recent developments, the main points included:

i.             Publication was awaited of the neighbourhood health guidelines.

ii.            There was a requirement to produce an Interim Strategic Neighbourhood Health Plan by April 2026 and an underpinning interim Operational Plan by September 2026, with attention drawn to the key considerations for each plan.

iii.          ‘Fit for the future: 10 Year Health Plan for England’ included an ambition of ‘establishing a Neighbourhood Health Centre in every community across the country’ and, whilst the archetype was under development nationally, this would support the discussion around current assets and services, such as the future of minor injury units.

iv.          Further guidance was expected on Better Care Fund reform.

v.           An overview was provided of a review into the governance structure, functions and form of One Herefordshire Partnership, resulting in the establishment of two boards: One Herefordshire Health and Care Partnership Board; and One Herefordshire Neighbourhood Health Delivery Board.

vi.          It was proposed that a time-limited multi-agency task and finish group, involving members of the Health and Wellbeing Board, would be convened to support the development of the neighbourhood health plans for Herefordshire.

vii.         Work with the National Neighbourhood Implementation Programme team was outlined, including activities with stakeholders.

The principal points of the discussion included:

1.           The Chairperson expressed a view that the framework and potential operational footprints were suited to urban rather than rural areas, and highlighted the need for flexibility to address the needs of local communities.  Joanne Hodgetts commented on the benefits of collaborating with the national team and with other rural local authorities.

2.           The Leader of the Council noted that Herefordshire identified localities (e.g. market town and rural hinterland), rather than neighbourhoods.

3.           Zoe Clifford commented on the need to build upon what was already in place and to think creatively about addressing the priorities of local populations.

4.           Stephen Brewster welcomed the engagement with the voluntary and community sector and the approach to co-production.

5.           The Chairperson commented on a recent visit to Herefordshire by the Chief Medical Officer, acknowledging the challenges in the county but also the significance of good community spirit.  The Vice-Chairperson added that strong partnership working was another defining feature locally.

Prevention

David Collyer presented the slides 'Neighbourhood Health - How can this new approach drive prevention?' (link), under the headings: Why prevention is important?; Return on investment; Why choose cardiovascular disease? (CVD); Premature mortality from stroke, Herefordshire / Premature mortality from cardiovascular disease across England; 9 modifiable risk factors are responsible for 90% of the cases; Understanding CVD need at Neighbourhood level; CVD mortality; CVD admissions; Significantly higher mortality and admissions (hot spots); Tertiary prevention; Secondary prevention; Primary prevention’; Tobacco breaks hearts; Smoking cessation – cross-cutting prevention; There are opportunities for prevention at every stage of the CVD ‘pathway’; and Questions?

Board members made the following points:

a             David Mehaffey commented on the potential benefits of pre-operative smoking cessation and weight loss  ...  view the full minutes text for item 38