The Committee in Common between Cornwall Health and Wellbeing Board and the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Partnership was scheduled to discuss a range of important health and wellbeing strategies, plans, and reports. Key topics included an evaluation of the current Health and Wellbeing Strategy, Cornwall's Better Care Fund Plan for 2026-27, and an annual assurance report on health protection across Devon, Cornwall, and the Isles of Scilly. The meeting was also set to receive updates from various steering groups focusing on different life stages and integrated commissioning.

Health and Wellbeing Strategy Evaluation

The committee was scheduled to consider the findings of an evaluation of the Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. The report highlighted key achievements and lessons learned, noting that while some indicators performed better than the England average, half of all indicators remained worse and had deteriorated over the strategy's lifetime. The evaluation pointed to worsening trends in deprivation, child poverty, mental health, and long-term conditions. The report recommended endorsing the case for a refreshed Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy to ensure continued alignment with national policy, system priorities, and updated local evidence. Proposed strategic directions for the refreshed strategy included embedding a Prevent, Reduce, Delay framework, adopting a Start Well, Live Well, Age Well life-course approach, strengthening neighbourhood-based delivery, and focusing action on areas where outcomes have deteriorated. The establishment of a Task and Finish Group was proposed to oversee the development of the refreshed strategy.

Cornwall's Better Care Fund Plan for 2026-27

The committee was to review Cornwall's Better Care Fund (BCF) Plan for 2026-27, which provides approximately £100 million for health and social care services. The plan recommended for submission to NHS England aimed to support integrated and preventative care, particularly for those with complex health and social care needs, helping people stay independent for longer. The plan emphasised the continuation of existing schemes and priorities from the 2025-26 plan, aligning with the emergent Neighbourhoods agenda, intermediate care, and the provision of equipment and adaptations. Key metrics for 2026-27 included emergency admissions for people aged 65 and over, average length of discharge delay, and the rate of people aged 65 and over admitted to residential or nursing care homes. The report highlighted that the BCF funding was crucial for delivering services that facilitate independence, admission avoidance, and timely hospital discharges, with a particular focus on supporting carers.

Devon, Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Health Protection Committee Annual Assurance Report 2024-2025

This report was scheduled to provide assurance that effective health protection arrangements were in place throughout 2024-25 across Devon, Cornwall, and the Isles of Scilly. The report detailed responses to various infectious disease pressures, including a national pertussis surge, measles activity, and cryptosporidium outbreaks. It also covered the performance of screening programmes, such as bowel, breast, and cervical screening, noting high coverage rates in many areas. Immunisation programmes were discussed, with a focus on efforts to increase uptake, particularly for MMR and pertussis vaccines, and addressing inequalities. The report also addressed healthcare-associated infections, noting a high incidence of C. difficile in Cornwall, and outlined work on antimicrobial resistance. Emergency planning, resilience, and response activities were detailed, including responses to severe weather, industrial action, and multi-agency exercises. Climate and environmental health protection were also on the agenda, with a focus on adaptation strategies and Net Zero targets.

Highlight Report from the Life Course Steering Groups and Integrated Commissioning Partnership Group

The committee was to receive highlight reports from several steering groups. The Start Well group had agreed its priorities and was set to review supporting measures, with updates on progress against 2025/26 priority outcomes. Key achievements included planning for the expansion of Mental Health Support Teams in Schools, the publication of a Child Poverty report, and the establishment of Area Family Hub networks. The Live Well group had reviewed progress against its 2025/26 priority outcomes and proposed changes to its priorities, including removing the focus on reducing waiting times for individuals with learning disabilities or autism and replacing it with a priority to increase Oliver McGowan training. The Get CIOS Working Plan was published, aiming for a more joined-up approach to work and health, and the WorkWell scheme was extended. The Age Well group reported continued development of integrated neighbourhood team models and progress towards mobilising services described in the Home Based Prevention and Intermediate Care business case. The Integrated Commissioning Partnership Group (ICPG) had moved to monthly meetings and was developing the Better Care Fund plan for 2026-27.

ICB, Councils of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Announcements (hot topics ) (CEO updates)

This agenda item was scheduled to provide updates from the Chief Executives of the Integrated Care Board (ICB) and the Councils of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, covering significant announcements and hot topics relevant to the committee's work.

Public Questions

An opportunity was scheduled for members of the public to ask questions related to the agenda items.