The Health and Care Partnership of Milton Keynes Council met to discuss several key issues, including the provision of physiotherapy services, the development of a dynamic Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA), and the Carnall Farrar review of health and care integration. Decisions were made to endorse the new JSNA approach and to organise a workshop for developing medium-term health and care priorities.

Physiotherapy Services in Milton Keynes

A member of the public inquired about the availability of physiotherapy services in Milton Keynes. Dr Sarah Whiteman, Chief Medical Director of the Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board (BLMK ICB), outlined the NHS-funded services available, including those provided by Connect Health for musculoskeletal issues and Milton Keynes University Hospital for post-surgery and post-pregnancy care. Private services were also mentioned, with details available on the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy website. The BLMK ICB is reviewing community musculoskeletal services and plans to procure a new contract by 2025/26.

Integrated Care Board (ICB) Report

Dr Sarah Whiteman presented the BLMK ICB Update June 2024, highlighting several key areas:

• Effective management of recent industrial action.
• No presence of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) in the BLMK estate.
• Kathy Nelson, head of the cancer network for BLMK, was named “Groundbreaking Researcher of the Year” by the BAME Health and Care Awards.
• Development of a health and employment outcomes framework.
• Ongoing work on a mental health, disabilities, and autism collaborative.
• Progress on a federated data platform for efficient data sharing, expected to be operational by July 2025.

Moving to a More Dynamic JSNA

The Chief Officer for Public Health presented a report on the new dynamic Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA), which aims to provide a real-time overview of health requirements in Milton Keynes. The dynamic JSNA, accessible through the Milton Keynes City Council website, will include interactive dashboards and tools to support ongoing health and care planning. The initiative is supported by the Population Health Intelligence Unit (PHIU), funded by the BLMK ICB and hosted by Bedford Borough Council.

Decision:

1. The Partnership endorsed the new dynamic JSNA approach.
2. The JSNA website will be promoted as a resource for understanding local needs.
3. Ongoing engagement with the JSNA development process was encouraged.

Carnall Farrar Review of Health and Care Integration

The Partnership reviewed a report by Carnall Farrar (CF) on the development of health and care integration in Milton Keynes. CF had previously worked with local health and care organisations and returned to assess progress. The report endorsed current efforts and recommended further development using the MK Deal priorities. A workshop in early 2024 was proposed to discuss medium-term ambitions and the devolution of responsibilities.

Decision:

1. The Partnership noted the Carnall Farrar Review and its recommendations.
2. The BLMK ICB was asked to produce a framework by June 2024 for devolving responsibilities.
3. A workshop will be organised in early 2024 to develop medium-term health and care priorities.

Better Care Fund 2023-2025 Quarter 2 Report

The Partnership received a periodic update on the Better Care Fund 2024-25. Progress was on track except for the target for “discharge to a normal place of residence,” which was slightly behind but expected to meet the target by year-end.

Decision:

1. The Partnership noted the report.

Revised MK Together Partnership Arrangements

The Partnership discussed revised arrangements for the MK Together Partnership. The governance for the Domestic Abuse Partnership will now report into the MK Health and Care Partnership, with further details to be presented at the next meeting.

Decision:

1. The Partnership noted the revised MK Together partnership arrangements.