To confirm as correct records the Minutes of the meetings of this Committee held on 15 December 2011

The minutes of the meeting of the Board held on 15 December 2011 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To Discuss the Public Health Transition Plan

The Director of Public Health answered a number of questions from the Board on the Public Health Transition Plan including Service Delivery, Form and Function, Communication, Budgets, Key Milestones, Risks and Member Involvement.

It was noted that NHS Torbay and Torbay Council have a good working relationship and the Director of Public Health would like to thank the Chief Executive of Torbay Council for the continued support that is received.

It was noted that although final budget allocation for Public Health has yet to be announced it was recognised that the team would have to operate within the budget allocation and there would be no additional costs to the council.

The Director of Public Health explained that she had seconded Sue Matthews to work with the Director of Children’s Services to improve service delivery.

The Board heard that information about the Health Premium Reward Scheme will be available in May.

It was agreed that the Director of Public Health will provide a link to councillors to the NHS Torbay newsletter.

Resolved:

(i)         that a detailed risk plan (with three key themes of finance, relationships with NHS agencies and clarity of expectations) be presented to a future meeting of this Board;

(ii)        that the Executive Lead for Involved and Healthy Communities be included as a member of the Torbay Transition Team;

(iii)       that the Public Health Transition Plan be presented as an update to each Health Scrutiny Board; and

(iv)       that during the transition period there is regular communication with the Executive Lead and the Director of Public Health to ensure there is no duplication of work between the Health Scrutiny Board and the Health and Wellbeing Board.

To consider the report on Summary of Quality Accounts

The Board heard that although the public consultation was late NHS Torbay have done as much as possible to ensure a good response to the surveys.

The Board heard that 90% of staff who work for safeguarding vulnerable people will receive training at the appropriate level for the role they are in. Concerns were raised about the proportion of staff requiring training and the Board requested clarity that the current staffs are competent in their roles.

The Board heard that obesity was chosen by public and staff as the most important issue in the Bay.

The Board heard that carers will receive better help to avoid vulnerable people going into care/hospital.

The Board were informed that Quality Accounts will be published in April and presented to this Board in May.

Resolved:  that public consultation should start earlier than December in the future.