To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 10^th May 2005

The Minutes of the meeting held on 10^th May,2005 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.

Acting Inspector Steve Ball was present at the meeting to give details of the crime statistics in the Newton Aycliffe area and to answer members queries.

Inspector Ball explained that there had been a decrease in incidents of burglary . and an increase in incidents of violent crime.  It was reported that since the schools’ summer holidays had commenced, there had also been an increase in the number of youths causing nuisance particularly by riding motorcycles.  The Police were dealing with the issue.

Reference was made to incidents which had recently taken place to the rear of Byerley Park School and also at Bluebell Garage.  Concern and dissatisfaction was expressed at the length of time it took to contact the Police to report the incidents. ,It was suggested that a letter be sent to the Head of Communications, Durham Constabulary requesting his attendance at a future Forum meting to discuss the issues of response time.

Discussion also took place regarding incidents which had recently occurred in the Kirkstone Place area and the Police response to those incidents.  A query was raised regarding the current situation in relation to investigations into the incidents which were ongoing.

AGREED:      That the Head of Communications, Durham Constabulary, be invited to attend a future meeting of the Forum.

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

Charles McCaughey, Director of Primary Care, Sedgefield PCT was present at the meeting to give a progress update.

He made reference to the Director of Public Health’s Annual report “The Health and Wellbeing of People in Sedgefield”.  The report evidenced the fundamental issues in relation to the health of people within the Borough and the PCT’s response to those issues.  The document was supported by a covering letter which gave an overview of the issues and outlined the aims of the report .

The report also identified the success in relation to the management of long term illnesses such as heart disease and cancer and the aims for dealing with excluded and vulnerable groups within the communities.

It was explained that the document had been brought together after a series of consultation events and was intended to act as a stimulus for action.

Reference was also made to proposed structural changes within the NHS which were under discussion.  A Government White Paper on hospital services was expected to be circulated in December which would form the basis of those discussions.

It was also noted that within the PCT there had been a change in structure in that the Professional Executive Committee which looked at the ways services were provided would be reduced in size.

In relation to restructuring and merges, a query was raised as to the level of public consultation in relation to proposals.  In response it was explained that much of the information was still unclear and the extent of public consultation was not yet known.

Mr. McCaughey also explained that the PCT had, that day, received its star rating.  It had previously been a 2 star trust and , the PCT were extremely happy with their new star rating, details of which would be released at midnight on that day.   

Reference was also made to the new GP contracts and the high performance and very high targets which had been achieved.  Those achievements would be monitored and reviewed to help to maintain and improve standards on an annual basis as part of the modernisation process.

The PCT had also identified 6 objectives for the forthcoming year which were linked to the national objectives of the NHS.  Those objectives were :

Ø               Service performance - meeting targets

Ø               Financial improvements - balancing the budget

Ø               Assessment for improvement

Ø               Modernisation

Ø               Sustaining confidence in the community

Ø               Ensuring the improvement of public health

It was also reported that he PCT had appointed a specialist nurse in relation to prevention of falls.  This nurse was working in the community in relation to educating the elderly in relation to avoidance of falls. A brochure had been produced on the subject.

The Forum was informed that a text messaging service had also been introduced for young people in relation to teenage pregnancy and sexual health.  This would allow the younger community to obtain a confidential and anonymous service, providing help and advice.

To consider the attached letter and appoint a representative to the Local Strategic Partnership Board and an ‘alternate’.

Consideration was given to a letter regarding nominations to the LSP Partnership Board (for copy see file of Minutes).

It was agreed that Councillor Mrs. A.M. Fleming be appointed to be the representative for Area 5 Forum on the LSP Board and Councillor M.Dalton as alternate.

Next meeting is scheduled to be held on 27^th September 2005

Next meeting was to be held on 27^th September, 2005.