To receive any apologies for absence, including notifications of any changes to the membership of the Committee.

Apologies were received from Pat Harris, Healthwatch who was represented by Kevin Dixon and Paul Phillips, Department for Work and Pensions who was represented by Stuart Evans. 

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the Health and Wellbeing Board held on 19 June 2025.

The Minutes of the Health and Wellbeing Board held on 19 June 2025 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

No interests were declared. 

To discuss the engagement findings on the NHS 10 year plan and neighbourhood health.

The Board received an update from the Senior Locality Manager (South & West), NHS Devon that a local engagement programme was launched in July to support the Government’s 10-Year Health Plan, focusing on three key shifts: hospital to community, analogue to digital, and sickness to prevention. Over 3,400 pieces of feedback were received via surveys, workshops, and face-to-face activities.

Key themes included strong public support for a free NHS, concerns over staffing, access to services, and long waiting times. Satisfaction with the management of the NHS was low, and funding was seen as a priority.

Respondents had expressed mistrust of AI and called for more integrated care. In South Devon and Torbay, 545 responses received highlighted issues such as GP access, hospital delays, and A&E pressures.

The strategy includes integrated neighbourhood health teams and standardised community services.

The Health and Care Strategy was due for sign-off by the ICB Board on 16 October, with next steps involving Local Care Partnership conversations and testing new approaches in Torbay over the next 1 – 2 years.

To consider a report on the draft Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2026-30.

The Board received an update on the draft Torbay Health & Wellbeing Strategy 2026–30, which sets a strategic platform to promote integration across council departments and allied sectors.

The Strategy outlines a neighbourhood health approach and identifies priority areas for Years 1–2, focusing on children and young people, working-age adults, and older adults. 

Key interventions include a programme of activities to support physical, mental and social wellbeing for children and young people; the Connect to Work scheme to help adults return to employment; and age-friendly initiatives addressing housing, transport and health for older residents.

Members expressed support for the Strategy’s principles and its targeted, co-designed delivery programmes aimed at reducing inequalities and improving health outcomes across the Bay.

Resolved by consensus:

That the draft Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy be endorsed. 

To note a report on the above.

The Board received an update on the Torbay Better Care Fund (BCF) 2024 – 2025 confirming that Torbay remains on track to meet its key targets. 

Emergency admissions for patients aged 65plus were being closely monitored under revised metrics, with performance currently aligned to planned trajectories.  Discharge metrics show strong outcomes, with 91%–94% of patients discharged on their Discharge Ready Date (DRD), exceeding the 89.3% target.

The average delay for those not discharged on DRD remains below the 4-day target.  Residential admissions were being tracked against an annual target, with Quarter 1 figures indicating progress is on course.  Data collection methods had changed, and reporting now focuses on high-level summaries.

Financially, Quarter 1 expenditure stands at £6.78 million, representing 22% of the total BCF allocation.

Resolved by consensus:

That the Torbay Better Care Fund 2025 – 26 Quarter 1 report be approved. 

To consider the Torbay Children’s Safeguarding Partnership Annual Report.

Penny Smith, former chair of the Children’s Safeguarding Partnership, presented the Torbay Children’s Safeguarding Partnership Annual Report and provided the Board with an update. 

The report was produced in line with statutory requirements and the revised Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023 guidance and outlined the partnership’s governance structure, independent scrutiny arrangements, and financial contributions.

The report reflected the activity completed during the Chair’s tenure and highlighted ongoing discussions around equitable funding.  Members noted the report’s alignment with national guidance and its relevance to future planning.

Resolved by consensus:

That the Health and Wellbeing Board note and endorse the Torbay Safeguarding Children’s Partnership Annual report 2024 – 2025.