The Derbyshire Health and Wellbeing Board was scheduled to discuss a range of topics aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of residents. Key areas of focus included the implementation of a new Neighbourhood Health Model, updates on the Derbyshire Better Care Fund, and an analysis of the English Indices of Deprivation 2025. The board was also set to review strategies for oral health, obesity prevention, and health protection, alongside a general round-up of ongoing initiatives.

Neighbourhood Health Model and the Role of the Health and Wellbeing Board

The board was scheduled to receive updates on the development of the Neighbourhood Health Model, a national initiative aiming to shift healthcare from hospitals to communities and focus on prevention. The report highlighted that Health and Wellbeing Boards are expected to play a significant role in supporting the delivery of neighbourhood health plans. The Local Government Association has provided support to Derbyshire in developing systems for this new model. The proposed next steps included forming an action plan based on recommendations, reviewing the board's membership and terms of reference, and seeking approval for Derbyshire's Neighbourhood Plan.

The English Indices of Deprivation 2025

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the English Indices of Deprivation 2025 (IoD 2025). This report was intended to provide an up-to-date evidence base to support strategic planning, resource allocation, and partnership action, recognising that deprivation is a strong predictor of poor health. The IoD 2025 measures relative deprivation across small areas in England using 55 indicators across seven domains: Income, Employment, Education, Health, Crime, Barriers to Housing & Services, and Living Environment. The report noted that 28 Lower Super Output Areas (LSOAs) in Derbyshire are in the most deprived 10% nationally, with 72 in the most deprived 20%. The board was asked to support the use of this data in addressing the five Areas of Focus within the Health and Wellbeing Strategy and to recommend its use as a shared tool for identifying and addressing areas of greatest need.

Derbyshire Better Care Fund Q3 Return

The board was scheduled to review and approve the Quarter 3 mandatory return for the Derbyshire Better Care Fund (BCF). The BCF is a collaboration between government departments, NHS England, and local authorities, aiming to integrate health and social care. The report detailed performance against three key metrics: emergency admissions for people aged 65+, discharge delays for acute adult patients, and long-term admissions to residential and nursing homes for people aged 65+. The report indicated that performance was generally on track to meet goals for all three metrics.

Derby and Derbyshire Oral Health Strategy

The board was to consider its governance role in overseeing the implementation and impact of the Derby and Derbyshire Oral Health Strategy. The strategy aims to improve oral health and reduce inequalities, focusing on five areas: Access, Prevention, Supporting the dental workforce, Integrating oral health and general health, and Working with the public. The report acknowledged challenges with NHS dental services, including workforce issues, access difficulties, and affordability concerns, particularly for vulnerable populations.

Joined Up Care Derbyshire Obesity Sprint

This agenda item was to provide an update on the outcomes of the Joined Up Care Derbyshire Obesity Sprint. The sprint focused on three workstreams: Optimising Existing Services, Case for Change, and New Model of Care. Significant improvements were noted in reducing waiting times for Tier 3 Weight Management services, with monthly assessment capacity doubling and the waiting list reduced by approximately 75%. The Case for Change workstream highlighted that less than 1% of annual Integrated Care Board (ICB) spend was on obesity prevention, with estimated annual healthcare costs due to overweight and obesity in Derby and Derbyshire reaching £152 million. Recommendations included developing an integrated end-to-end pathway, expanding access to new weight management medications, and commissioning based on population health needs.

Update on the Future of Healthwatch

The board was to receive an update on the future of Healthwatch. It was noted that the government had announced intentions to close Healthwatch and transfer its functions. Coordinated action by local Healthwatch organisations had been taken, including an open letter and a public petition. A draft bill was expected, with new legislation potentially coming into effect in early 2027.

Bolsover Locality Partnership Work Programme Update

An update was scheduled on the work programme of the Bolsover Locality Partnership. This would include information on current main projects and priorities, projects addressing health outcomes, activities relevant to the board's quarterly meeting theme, and any challenges or items to escalate.

Health Protection Board Update Report

The board was to be updated on key discussions and messages from the Derbyshire Health Protection Board meetings. Topics included performance of screening and immunisation programmes, planning for COVID-19 vaccination programmes, the incorporation of the varicella vaccination into the pre-school programme, and challenges with the school-based flu vaccination programme. An update on the Derby and Derbyshire Air Quality Strategy was also planned, noting mixed progress against its indicators.

Health and Wellbeing Round Up Report

This report was intended to provide a summary of key progress on health and wellbeing issues and projects not covered elsewhere on the agenda. It included updates from the County Place Partnership Board, the Integrated Care Partnership (ICP), and Locality Partnerships. National and local policy updates were also to be presented, including the UK Poverty 2026 Report, the National Cancer Plan for England, a report on the health of people in prison, the Warm Homes Plan, the Public Health Ringfenced Grant, and a report on ultra-processed food. An update on the East Midlands Cancer Alliance and tobacco control initiatives were also scheduled. The development of a Food Plan for Derbyshire, a pilot Healthier Pregnancy Service, and a focus on reducing alcohol harm were also to be discussed. Finally, a quarterly update on the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) and notifications of pharmacy applications were to be presented.