The Health and Adults Scrutiny Committee of Westmorland and Furness Council convened on 25 June 2024 to discuss several key issues, including the Smoke Free by 2030 initiative, the development of the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment and Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy, and the recruitment and retention of NHS and adult social care staff. The committee also reviewed preparations for the upcoming Care Quality Commission (CQC) assessment.

Smoke Free by 2030 - Public Health Priorities in Westmorland and Furness

The committee reviewed a report from the Director of Public Health, presented by the Interim Public Health Manager, on the goal of achieving Smoke Free status by 2030. The report highlighted that 11.1% of the adult population in Westmorland and Furness are smokers, with approximately 10% of pregnant women smoking at the time of delivery. The council has allocated £441,000 from the Public Health Grant to enhance stop smoking interventions, including the recruitment of community outreach and pharmacy in-reach tobacco dependence posts, and the provision of Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) and e-cigarettes.

The council is also piloting new interventions, such as a primary care service to support people on NHS clinical pathways and offering shopping vouchers to pregnant women who quit smoking. The Allen Carr Easyway pilot in Furness showed promising results, with over 50% of participants quitting smoking after four weeks. A Vaping Task Force has been established to address youth vaping, and CADAS has been commissioned to deliver vaping harm training for young people.

The committee discussed the challenges of reducing smoking rates, particularly among lower socio-economic groups and those with mental health issues. The Interim Public Health Manager confirmed that the Allen Carr scheme is available across the district and that the council uses social media to advertise the service. An update on the scheme will be provided to the committee in 12 months.

Development of Westmorland and Furness' Joint Strategic Needs Assessment and Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy

The Public Health Registrar presented the Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy (JLHWS) 2024-2034, detailing the themes and priorities, health outcomes, and health inequalities in Westmorland and Furness. The strategy aims to improve health and wellbeing at the local level, with a focus on reducing inequalities. A community survey conducted in late 2023 received 701 responses, which, along with the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) findings, informed the strategy's themes and ambitions.

The committee expressed concerns about the low response rate to the survey and the negative health outcomes in certain areas, such as Barrow. The strategy will be adopted by the Health and Wellbeing Board in July 2024, and further stakeholder engagement is planned.

Retention and Recruitment of NHS Staff

The Workforce Partnership Development Manager presented a report on the recruitment and retention challenges faced by the South Cumbria Place Based Partnership and the Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB). The report highlighted issues such as staffing shortages, an aging workforce, and high vacancy rates. The committee discussed the need for better training facilities and the importance of encouraging young people to consider careers in the health service.

Care Quality Commission (CQC) Assurance

The Programme Manager provided an update on preparations for the CQC assessment of Adult Social Care. The council's performance will be assessed against the Care Act 2014, with a focus on continuous improvement. The council is using intelligence from national and regional networks to inform its planning and ensure readiness for the assessment.

Retention and Recruitment of Adult Social Care Workforce

The Director of Adult Social Care presented a report on the recruitment and retention challenges in the adult social care workforce. The council has made progress in reducing vacancy rates and agency use, and an Adult Social Care Workforce Plan is under development. The committee discussed the importance of competitive pay, training, and support for staff, as well as the need to attract people to careers in social care.

Forward Plan and Work Programme Update

The Strategic Policy and Scrutiny Advisor presented the Forward Plan and Draft Work Programme. The committee agreed to add updates on the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment and Health and Wellbeing Strategy, as well as the Smoke Free by 2030 scheme, to the work programme.

For more details, you can refer to the Health and Adults Scrutiny Committee Minutes 07032024 and the Public reports pack 25th-Jun-2024 13.30 Health and Adults Scrutiny Committee.