The Health and Wellbeing Board of Barnet Council met on Thursday 29 September 2022 to discuss a range of public health initiatives and strategies. Key decisions included the establishment of a Combating Drugs Partnership, the approval of changes to the Board's membership and terms of reference, and the endorsement of the Barnet Food Plan and School Superzones projects.

Barnet Food Plan

The Board noted the progress on updating the Barnet Food Plan, a strategy aimed at improving the borough's food system to enhance health and wellbeing and promote sustainability. The draft plan, currently out for public consultation, addresses challenges related to food insecurity, population health, and environmental impact. Representatives from Chipping Barnet Food Bank highlighted the increasing demand for their services, noting a shift in clientele due to fuel poverty, with some individuals previously running successful businesses now relying on food bank provisions. The Board expressed support for the plan and encouraged comments during the consultation period.

School Superzones Project

The Board approved the proposed School Superzones project for Edgware Primary School and Saracens High School. This initiative, funded by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), aims to protect children and young people's health by implementing environmentally based actions around schools in areas of deprivation. The project will focus on areas such as active travel, air quality, the food and drink environment, access to green space, and community safety. Edgware Primary School was selected due to its location near redevelopment areas, level of deprivation, and health indicators, with a focus on traffic calming, healthy lifestyles, and safe green spaces. Saracens High School, located in the Grahame Park estate, which is among the most deprived neighbourhoods in England, will focus on active travel, creating a community hub, and improving community safety. The projects will involve co-design with local communities, including pupils, parents, and residents, to tailor interventions to local needs.

Combating Drugs Partnership

The Board agreed to establish the Barnet Combating Drugs Partnership (BCDP) and its terms of reference. This initiative aims to address substance misuse through three key strands: prevention, treatment, and enforcement. The partnership will report directly to the Health and Wellbeing Board and maintain close links with the Safer Communities Partnership Board. The goal is to foster a generational shift towards earlier support for substance misuse issues.

Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy – Year 1 Performance and Year 2 Implementation Plan

The Board noted the progress on the Phase 1 Implementation Plan for the Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy, with 88.6% of actions completed or on target. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) were reviewed, with 36.4% showing a positive trend and 21.2% a negative trend, partly attributed to disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic affecting national data collection. The Board agreed to the Phase 2 Implementation Plan, which includes new actions such as delivering the Barnet Food Plan, implementing the Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Programme, and enhancing the Resilient Schools Plan for children's mental health. The plan also noted the possible inclusion of indicators for annual health checks for individuals with learning disabilities and mental health needs, and how work with children would be integrated with NHS changes.

Future of Health and Wellbeing Board

The Board agreed to proposed changes to its Terms of Reference, including membership updates, to reflect the evolving local NHS system and the introduction of the North Central London Integrated Care Board. These changes aim to formalise the Board's constitutional process and ensure its membership accurately represents current partnerships. The proposed amendments will be formally ratified at the Constitution and General Purposes Committee and Full Council.

Better Care Fund

The Board endorsed the Chair's decision to approve the Better Care Fund (BCF) Plan for submission to NHS England. The plan outlines the contents of the Barnet BCF Plan for 2022/23. The Board also delegated approval for any required changes from NHS England to the Executive Director for Communities, Adults and Health, in consultation with the Chair of the Health and Wellbeing Board.

Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA)

The Board approved the Barnet 2022 Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA) for publication, subject to minor factual changes. This statutory document reviews the need for pharmaceutical services across the borough. The PNA Steering Group found no gaps in the provision of essential pharmaceutical services, but noted a desire for improved coverage and uptake of Advanced and Enhanced Services by existing community pharmacies. The assessment considered population characteristics, health needs, and current service provision, concluding that while necessary services are adequately met, there are opportunities to enhance access to and uptake of a wider range of relevant services.

COVID-19 and other communicable diseases update

A verbal update was provided on COVID-19 and other communicable diseases impacting Barnet. Monkey Pox cases had declined, and small outbreaks of seasonal flu were in line with national trends. The Board discussed the offering of COVID-19 boosters and the extension of seasonal flu vaccinations, noting that the gap between receiving these vaccinations was no longer clinically necessary. Officers responded to concerns about vaccination fatigue by highlighting the use of effective communication strategies, including vaccine champions and faith and community groups.

Neighbourhood Conversation – Grahame Park

The Board heard from local residents and community representatives about their experiences and challenges in Grahame Park. The discussion focused on improving health and wellbeing in the area, addressing issues such as stigma and access to services. Board members engaged in discussions on how to address both individual concerns and wider systemic issues. An adjournment allowed for informal conversations between Board members and residents.

List of Health and Wellbeing Board (HWBB) Abbreviations

The Board noted the standing item on the agenda which lists frequently used acronyms in Health and Wellbeing Board reports.

Forward Work Programme

The Board noted the items scheduled for future Health and Wellbeing Board meetings.

Absence of Members

Apologies were received from Sarah McDonnell-Davies, Executive Director of Places NHS North Central London ICB, who was substituted by Collette Wood, Director of Integration, Barnet Directorate, NHS North Central London ICB. Apologies were also received from Anne Whateley, Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust.

Declaration of Members' Interests

There were no declarations of interest made by members.

Public Questions and Comments

There were no public questions or comments submitted for the meeting.

Report of the Monitoring Officer

There was no report from the Monitoring Officer.