The meeting focused on several key topics, including a review of public health initiatives, a discussion on reducing smoking in pregnancy, and a plan to tackle loneliness and isolation in Worcestershire. The meeting also included updates on the Better Care Fund and concluded with a note on upcoming training for autism awareness.

The most significant topic was the Public Health Review for 2023-2024, presented by Lisa Macklin. She highlighted the achievements of the public health team, emphasizing their asset-based approach, which focuses on community strengths rather than just problems. Key achievements included high performance in health visiting services, reduced smoking rates in pregnancy, successful MMR vaccination campaigns, and various community health initiatives like the junior park run in Worcester and resistance band exercises for the elderly. Lisa also mentioned the importance of partnerships with NHS colleagues, voluntary sector partners, and residents in achieving these outcomes.

The second major topic was the partnership approach to reducing smoking in pregnancy, presented by Claire Mitchell and Hailey Darnell. They discussed the significant health risks associated with smoking during pregnancy and the financial implications. The presentation highlighted the success of the integrated antenatal and postnatal smoking services, which have led to a decrease in smoking rates at the point of delivery from 13.1% in 2019 to under 9% in 2023. The services focus on a whole-family approach and include support for partners and household members. The introduction of vaping as an alternative to smoking has also significantly improved quit rates.

The third significant topic was the draft action plan for tackling loneliness and isolation in Worcestershire, presented by Lucy Check and Tanya Richardson. They emphasized the serious health implications of loneliness and the importance of community connections. The plan focuses on working in partnership, connecting people, and supporting communities. Lucy Bird shared a case study of a successful bereavement support project in Droitwich, which has been expanded to Evesham. The plan also includes initiatives like the Stay Connected Pledge, the Orange Button Community Scheme, and the Work Well Live Better workplace health program.

An update on the Better Care Fund was provided by Simon, who requested the board's permission to delegate the sign-off of the 2023-2024 Better Care Fund end-of-year template and the 2024-2025 Better Care Fund plan update to the Integrated Commissioning Executive Officers Group. This was agreed upon by the board.

Finally, the meeting concluded with a note on upcoming autism awareness training for board members, scheduled for July 16th.