To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the Meeting held on 10^th November 2004.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 10^th November 2004 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman. 

A representative of Sedgefield Primary Care Trust will attend the meeting to give a presentation on local health matters and performance figures.

P. Irving was present at the meeting to update the Forum on local health matters.

It was explained that targets relating to access to GPs and appointments for Cancer patients were being met, however, breaches had been identified at North Tees and Hartlepool Hospitals within the Orthopaedic Departments as well as in the Accident and Emergency Department of the University Hospital of Durham.  It was reported that the performance of the above would have an effect on the performance of the PCT as a whole and may result in the current star rating remaining the same or falling.

Nationally, it had been identified through the Annual Report 2003/04 that the target of 100% relating to GP access was being met, waiting lists and waiting times had reduced and the number of people reported to have stopped smoking was at record levels. A decrease in people suffering from chronic diseases and premature deaths had also been identified.

It was explained that the PCT had become responsible for the out-of-hours service, from 1^st December, 2004. It was noted that 3 Emergency Care Practitioners posts had been established to aid in delivering the service.

Members questioned whether there was any evidence of people by-passing the service and going direct to the local hospital.  It was explained that there had been no reports. The procedure for using the service was then outlined.

Reference was made to the compilation of the latest Budget Report and Delivery Plan. Members of the Forum were invited to attend a Health and Well Being of People in Sedgefield Seminar, which would be held at Trimdon Colliery Community Centre on 31^st January 2005 at 7.00 p.m. The seminar would involve a presentation of Ward and Area based statistics by Public Health Specialists, a brief summary of the key issues that need to be addressed and a workshop to discuss local priorities with a range of frontline professionals together with members of the public and voluntary sectors.

A representative of Sedgefield Police will attend the meeting to give a report of crime statistics and initiatives in the area.

Sergeant B. O’Connor was present at the meeting to given details of crime statistics in the area.

A report detailing total crime and incidents for the period 10^th November, 2004 to 11^th January, 2005 was circulated at the meeting. (For copy see file of Minutes).

It was reported that the crime statistics were as outlined below :-

It was explained that Police patrols had been increased with the support of patrols by plain clothed Police officers and the use of the Mobile CCTV unit within the area, which had resulted in anti-social behaviour incidents being significantly reduced.

Specific reference was also made to the meeting held at Trimdon Village to discuss anti-social behaviour and the proposed youth shelter at the village.  It was explained that various proposals were put forward and the Forum would continue to be updated at future meetings.  

Chief Inspector Hall will give a presentation on the above.

Apologies had been received from Chief Inspector Hall. It was explained that the above presentation would be delivered at the next meeting.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 20^th October 2004 are attached for information.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 20^th October, 2004 were noted.  (For copy see file of Minutes).

It was suggested that contact be made with Local Area Partnerships and invite them to update the Forum of any community initiatives.

2^nd March 2005 at 7.00p.m.

2^nd March, 2005 at 7.00 p.m. at Mordon and Bradbury Village Hall.