The Health and Wellbeing Board of Sandwell Council convened on Wednesday, 12 June 2024, to discuss several key issues, including the Vice-Chair's report, the Local Government Association (LGA) Programme, the Integrated Care Partnership (ICP) report, and the work programme for 2024-25. Decisions were made on the adoption of the LGA Programme and the approval of the ICP report.

Vice-Chair's Report

The meeting began with the presentation of the Vice-Chair's Report. The report highlighted the ongoing initiatives and achievements of the Health and Wellbeing Board. Key points included updates on public health campaigns, community engagement activities, and collaborative efforts with local healthcare providers. The Vice-Chair emphasised the importance of continued focus on mental health services and the need for increased funding to support these initiatives.

Local Government Association (LGA) Programme

The LGA Programme Report was discussed next. The programme aims to enhance the capacity and capability of local health and wellbeing boards through tailored support and development opportunities. The Board decided to adopt the LGA Programme, citing its potential to improve strategic planning and service delivery. One member noted, The LGA Programme offers invaluable resources that can help us address the unique challenges faced by our community ¹.

Integrated Care Partnership (ICP) Report

The ICP Report and its appendix were presented, detailing the collaborative efforts between the council and local healthcare providers to deliver integrated care services. The report highlighted successful projects, such as the integration of mental health services with primary care and the establishment of community health hubs. The Board approved the ICP report, recognising its role in improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare disparities. A member remarked, Integrated care is crucial for providing seamless and efficient services to our residents.

Work Programme for 2024-25

The final major topic was the Work Programme for 2024-25, along with its detailed plan. The programme outlines the Board's priorities and planned activities for the upcoming year, focusing on areas such as mental health, obesity, and health inequalities. The Board discussed the need for targeted interventions in deprived areas and the importance of data-driven decision-making. The work programme was approved, with a commitment to regular reviews and updates to ensure its effectiveness.

For more detailed information, the full public reports pack is available online.