Agenda item

The Committee considered a report of the Director of Transformation and Partnerships that presented progress against the councils corporate basket of performance indicators, Council Plan and service plan actions and other performance issues for the Altogether Healthier theme for the third quarter of 2016/17 financial year, covering the period October to December 2016 (for copy see file of minutes).

The Strategic Manager Policy, Planning and Partnerships advised that the performance had been good for delayed transfers of care and for the re-ablement service in County Durham.  There had been little change in mortality rates for the under 75’s with lifestyle choices being the key driver, and there had been a decrease in smoking prevalence.  County Durham had been selected as one of four areas by Leeds Beckett University to look at obesity and Public Health were leading on that area of work. Finally, Members were informed about suicide rates in County Durham and the review carried out by this Committee and the Audit undertaken by Public Health.

Councillor Brookes expressed concern about the inactivity in the area and commented that more should be done to encourage physical activity.  The Interim Director of Public Health advised that Sport England had submitted an expression of interest into a piece of work looking into physical activity across the whole environment.

Councillor Forster was interested to learn how many people had attempted suicide and survived.  She had concerns of the help available to those people in need.  The Interim Director of Public Health said that it was hard to measure this as some people did not report the attempt.  She added that in the recent Audit between 2012 and 2014 there has been 190 reported deaths associated with suicide.  A Suicide Prevention Plan would ensure that people would know where to turn to should they need help or advice.

Referring to the drugs and alcohol information, Councillor Temple said that there was an underspend in the overall CAS budget and asked what the connection was between this area and spending.  He added that this was a disturbing pattern when there were so many needs not being met.  The Interim Head of Public Health said that they were currently looking at the specific service in relation to the under performance of the current provider Lifeline.  This service would be re-procured at the end of May/ beginning of June and would be more community orientated.  Councillor Forster expressed concerns about the change of provider for the service user.  The Interim Director explained that engagement had been carried out with all service users and feedback had been positive from the majority of them.

Councillor Crathorne highlighted the positive steps being undertaken in the Beat the Street campaign in Ferryhill.

Resolved:

That the report be received.