To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 11^th May 2004 (copy herewith)

The Minutes of the meeting held on 11^th May, 2004 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.  

A representative from the Police Force will be present at the meeting to give an update in relation to crime figures etc.

Inspector A. Neill was present at the meeting to give details of crime figures for Newton Aycliffe.

It was explained that total crime had decreased by 19% by comparison to the same period in 2003.  Violent crime had decreased by 23%, vehicle crime was down by 2% and theft from vehicles had reduced by 43%.  Car theft had ,however, increased from 8 to 22 vehicles and dwellinghouse burglaries had increased from 13 to 25.  Some arrests had, however, recently been made in relation to those crimes.

Reference was also made to the National Alcohol Misuse Campaign.  It was reported that shops, off-licences, etc., were being reminded of their obligations in relation to sale of alcohol.

Inspector Neill also referred to the new Licensing Act which

had recently come into force and which transferred the obligations of licensed premises to local authorities.  The Borough Council needed to prepare a strategy to be applied across the Borough in relation to the application of the Act. 

A representative from the Primary Care Trust will be present at the meeting to report on progress

Alison Learmonth, Director of Public Health, Sedgefield Primary Care Trust, was present at the meeting to report on progress in relation to the Primary Care Trust.

A document, “The Health and Wellbeing of People in Sedgefield - Summary Leaflet” was circulated.  (For copy see file of Minutes).

The purpose of the report was to provide an overall picture of health for the population including vulnerable groups, give a snapshop of health related issues and also act as a stimulus to local action.

The report also looked at the factors influencing health, lifestyle issues, building on assets as well as identifying needs, utilising the planning systems and service delivery to influence health and wellbeing, lifestyle issues, the big killer, years of life loss, chronic diseases and health protection.

The report included five area profiles as a starting point for joined up working to identify needs and priorities and working with vulnerable groups in each of the five areas to address inequalities in health. 

Discussion was held regarding the recent major issue of post operative infections and the standard of cleanliness within hospitals.  Any issues in relation to this should be referred to the Patient Advice Liaison Service.

Reference was also made to another current issue - Alcohol Abuse and Young Girls.  A Comprehensive Strategy was being developed in consultation with other stakeholders to address the issue which would be produced within the next few months.  It was also noted that Sedgefield Borough would be addressing this issue as part of its Licensing Strategy.

A document relating to additional investment to improve local health services in 2004/5 was also circulated.  (For copy see file of Minutes).  After inflation and current cost increases approximately £5m additional money would be available to expand existing services and develop new ones in Sedgefield Borough.

Significant investments would be made in the following services :-

Ø                      Improving access to patients

Ø                      Improving health through effective prescribing

Ø                      Improving mental health services

Ø                      Improving cancer services

Ø                      Improving coronary heart disease services

Ø                      Improving public access to community services for adults

Ø                      Improving out-of-hours and emergency care services

Ø                      Investing in nursing

Ø                      Improving health of local community

Ø                      Investing in new and expanded specialist services

Ø                      Replacing and renovating health centres

In response to a query raised regarding the provision of digital hearing aids, it was explained that Government funding was available to carry out a rolling programme of replacement.  However, new patients and children would be targeted first.

A document was circulated relating to targets and baseline performance targets (for copy see file of Minutes) the purpose of which was to advise on performance achieved.  It was noted that the target of 100% of patients seeing a Primary Health Care professional within one working day and a GP within two working days had been met. The target of Patients being dealt with in Accident Emergency within four hours had been met approximately 93% of the time.

In conclusion, the PCT were congratulated on achieving a “two star” rating.   

To consider the attached letter

Consideration was given to a letter from the Sedgefield Borough Local Strategic Partnership requesting nomination of a Alternate to act as a substitute when necessary on the Local Strategic Partnership Board (for copy see file of Minutes)

It was agreed that Councillor Mrs. A.M. Fleming be appointed as Alternate to the LSP Board for 2004/5.

A query was raised regarding the removal of seating in the Town Centre and when it would be replaced.  This issue would be raised at the next meeting of the Town Centre Forum.

Discussion was held regarding the maintenance of trees and shrubs in the vicinity of Rylestone Close and Burnhill cemetery.  It was agreed that this issue would be investigated. 

Next meeting is scheduled to be held on 28^th September 2004

Next meeting to be held on Tuesday 28^th September, 2004 at 7.00 p.m.