To receive apologies for absence.

Apologies were received from Councillor MT McEvilly.

To receive details of any members nominated to attend the meeting in place of a member of the committee.

None

To receive any declarations of interest by members in respect of items on the agenda.

None.

To approve and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 19 September 2016.

It was noted that the minutes of the meeting held on 19 September were not yet available for approval.

To consider suggestions from members of the public on issues the committee could scrutinise in the future.

(There will be no discussion of the issue at the time when the matter is raised.  Consideration will be given to whether it should form part of the committee’s work programme when compared with other competing priorities.)

None received.

To note questions received from the public and the items to which they relate.

(Questions are welcomed for consideration at a scrutiny committee meeting so long as the question is directly related to an item listed on the agenda.  If you have a question you would like to ask then please submit it no later than two working days before the meeting to the committee officer.  This will help to ensure that an answer can be provided at the meeting). 

None received.

To provide an overview of performance of public health services and programmes in order to provide assurance.

Apologies were received from the director of public health. The consultant in public health was in attendance to present the public health update. 

The director for adults and wellbeing introduced the update. Responsibility for public health services had transferred from the NHS to councils in 2013. This was a sensible decision as councils played an influential role the wellbeing of the population. There were significant synergies gained and public health brought a beneficial skill set to enable working in different ways. 

A member commented that commissioned services were just a part of public health’s work, and asked about the timing of the availability of the director of public health’s annual report. It was clarified that this would be available at the end of October.

The consultant in public health presented the update, focusing on commissioned services for sexual health, stop smoking, and NHS health checks. Drug and alcohol services, which had been a concern, would also be covered and the service provider, Addaction, would be represented to provide an update. 

Sexual health services

The main points highlighted in relation to sexual health services were:

•           The contract with Herefordshire Health Partnership (HHP) to provide this service commenced in December 2015

•           There were challenges faced by the new providers to find premises and establish the service, but these had been overcome and the service was now fully functional

•           The service was based on a hub and spoke model, going out to Bromyard, Ledbury and Leominster, and using GP premises, with plans to offer a late evening clinic

•           A confidential online testing service for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) was set up for over 16s, with a return rate of 72% of tests

•           Online screening had also commenced in April 2016 for 16-24 year olds with good take-up

•           Local sexual health networks were to be established and also diagnostic testing for HIV to ensure a seamless service

The consultant in public health clarified that the premises were on Commercial Road, Hereford and that services were being promoted via the internet, with monthly newsletters to GPs and stakeholders.  It was noted that an online presence would be more attuned to younger people. A member commented on the importance of chlamydia testing as the condition could lead to infertility. 

Officers added that there was a specialist health promotion officer working with the provider and this was welcomed by members. There was also work with the provider to reach schools and colleges to raise awareness.

Regarding the choice of locations for hubs, it was clarified that although the areas chosen were not considered to be hotspots, the figures did suggest demand for service was higher in those areas. It was also noted that people sometimes crossed over the border with Wales to access services in order to preserve anonymity. 

In response to members’ comments about appropriate publicity and communications, particularly with schools and colleges, it was confirmed that a guide was about to be distributed, followed by further phased information.   There  ...  view the full minutes text for item 104.