To notify the Chairman of any items that appear later in the agenda in which you may have an interest.

Members had no declarations of interests to submit.

To consider the minutes of the meeting held on 8^th November 2006.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 8^th November 2006 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.  (For copy see file of Minutes).

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

Sergeant B. O’Connor was present at the meeting to give details of crime statistics in the area.  It was reported that the crime statistics were as follows:-

Reference was made to anti-social behaviour, especially in Trimdon Village and Trimdon Colliery.  It was explained that a number of complaints of anti social behaviour related to incidents at Church Road, Trimdon Village and Harpers Corner, Trimdon Colliery. 

It was pointed out that the number of complaints relating to the play area at Skerne Avenue had reduced. It was felt however, that fencing surrounding the play area was still required. 

Reference was made to alcohol consumption, especially by people under the age of 18, and the effect this had on the level of anti-social behaviour. 

It was explained that the problem was people purchasing alcohol for the consumption by people under the age of 18.  This was an issue throughout the Borough.

It was felt that a multi-agency approach was required in order to address the problem effectively.  It was agreed that D. Scarr, Head of Neighbourhood Services, would be invited to attend the next meeting of the Forum to discuss the issue. It was also felt that the issue should be raised at the Local Strategic Partnership.

Concern was expressed regarding the difficulties encountered in trying to contact the Police using the non emergency telephone number. It was explained that the problem had been acknowledged and extra staff were to be recruited.  It was hoped that this would increase the contact rate.

Members of the Forum supported the role of the Police and recognised the need for additional funding.

A representative of County Durham Primary Care Trust will attend the meeting to give an update on local health matters and performance figures.

Reference will also be made to dentistry in Sedgefield.

P. Irving and Mrs. T. Wilkinson were present at the meeting to give an update on local health matters.

Detailed discussion took place in relation to dentistry in Sedgefield.  It was explained that in April 2006 the PCT became the commissioner and budget holder for dentistry.  There were 11 dental practices in Sedgefield Borough offering NHS and private dentistry.

It was explained that from 31^st January 2007, Mr. Edmund’s dental practice at Sedgefield would treat private patients only.  The PCT had set up a Helpline for patients and an article had been published in the Sedgefield News.

Patients requiring access to NHS dental Services were advised to contact the Burgess Hyder Group practices at Trimdon, Chilton or Ferryhill or the

Mr. Jeyarajan pratice at Newton Aycliffe.

The restoration of NHS dentistry was an interim provision. The long term vision of the PCT was to replace the NHS provision in Sedgefield. 

Concern was expressed regarding the cost of the private scheme adopted by Mr. Edmunds.  It was pointed out that although patients were paying into a private scheme, costs for treatment were still being made.

It was pointed out that dentists were independent contractors and therefore responsible for their own pricing schemes.

Members of the Forum were of the opinion that Mr Edmunds dental practice did not adequately publicise the changes in service.

It was suggested that the PCT update local residents on the position in relation to NHS Dentistry by publishing articles in the Sedgefield News publication.

Concern was expressed in relation to the opening hours of doctors’ surgeries.  It was felt that opening hours were not always convenient for the public. It was explained that as part of “Our Health Our Care Our Say” doctors’ surgeries were expected to have more flexible opening hours.

It was also pointed out that the surgery manager at Sedgefield practice held patient forums where patients could raise concerns.

The concerns of the Forum would be raised with the Primary Care Director.

Reference was made to men’s health. It was felt that investment into men’s health e.g. prostrate cancer screening, was required.

Presentation to be given regarding the Sedgefield necA, High Street Project.

There was no representative from Sedgefield NECa High Street Project at the meeting.

Wednesday 28^th February 2007 at Fishburn Youth and Community Centre.

Wednesday 28^th February 2007 at Fishburn Youth and Community Centre.