The Health and Wellbeing Board of Croydon Council met on Wednesday 24 January 2024 to discuss and progress the refresh of the Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy (JLHWS) for 2024-2029. The Board reviewed the draft strategy, which outlines five key priority areas, and agreed on the next steps for consultation and finalisation.

Refresh of the Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy (2024-2029)

The Board reviewed the progress of the refresh of the Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy (JLHWS) for 2024-2029. This strategy is a statutory requirement for the Health and Wellbeing Board and aims to improve the health and wellbeing of the local community and reduce inequalities across the life course. The current strategy, published in 2019, is being revised to reflect changes in the health and care system, including the implementation of Integrated Care Systems, and to address the ongoing challenges of health inequalities exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis.

The draft JLHWS has been developed through a process that included reviewing data from the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA), incorporating insights from community engagement events, and holding joint workshops with the Health and Care Board. The draft strategy outlines five priority areas:

1. Good mental health and wellbeing for all: This priority focuses on promoting mental wellbeing, preventing mental health conditions, and preventing self-harm and suicide, building on the existing Mental Health Transformation Programme.
2. Cost of living: supporting our residents to 'eat, sleep and have heat': This priority aims to mitigate the impacts of the cost-of-living crisis by establishing a multi-agency Cost of Living Action Group to bring together existing support services.
3. Healthy, safe and well-connected neighbourhoods and communities: This priority focuses on creating environments where healthy choices are easy, with an emphasis on access to healthy food, clean air, active travel, and community-led initiatives.
4. Supporting our children, young people and families: This priority aims to ensure children and young people have the best start in life and the opportunities to reach their full potential, with a focus on early years and a whole-family approach.
5. Supporting our older population to live healthy, independent and fulfilling lives: This priority focuses on enabling older residents to manage long-term conditions, maintain independence, and tackle loneliness and social isolation.

The guiding principles underpinning the strategy are: Tackling health inequalities, Prevention across the life course, Integrated partnership working, Community focus and co-production, and Evidence-informed decisions and actions.

The Board noted that a formal public consultation on the draft strategy was launched on 15 January 2024 and would run until 26 February 2024. The final strategy is expected to be published in June 2024. The Board agreed to the next steps in collating and responding to feedback from the consultation and finalising the strategy.

Other Business

Public Questions: The Board agreed to accept a public question submitted after the deadline, with a written response to be provided by the Director of Public Health.

Winter Pressures: A verbal update was provided on the current winter pressures facing NHS services. Measures to improve bed capacity and emergency care pathways were in place, with ongoing challenges related to timely patient discharges. Collaboration with primary care and adult social care was highlighted as crucial.

Better Care Fund 2023/24 Quarter 2 Report: The Board reviewed the Better Care Fund (BCF) Quarter 2 Submission for Croydon to NHS England. Croydon was meeting all national conditions for the BCF and was on track to meet three out of five national metrics. The Board resolved to sign off the BCF Quarterly submission.

Frontrunner Programme Update: The Board reviewed the progress, risks, and issues associated with the Frontrunner Programme, which aims to maximise the Croydon Pound by ensuring care is delivered in the most appropriate setting. The programme's integrated approach, staff engagement, and upcoming go-live in April 2024 were discussed. The Board noted the progress made and the risks and issues identified.

South West London/ICS/ICB Restructure Update: A verbal update was provided on the national restructure of the Integrated Care Board (ICB), which aims for a 30% cost reduction. The new structure, including a central ICB team and Croydon's dedicated place function, was on track for implementation in April 2024. Concerns were raised regarding the impact on mental health services, with ongoing efforts to fill key vacant posts.

Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy (JLHWS): Healthwatch Croydon Community Engagement Session - Summary Report: The Board reviewed the findings and recommendations from the community engagement session undertaken by Healthwatch Croydon. The Board resolved to note these findings and recommendations and agreed to their inclusion in the draft JLHWS consultation document.