Agenda item

The Panel considered a report outlining the strategic themes and objectives contained in the Public Health Strategy 2013 – 16, including a draft of the document which had been titled “Healthy Lives, Healthy People, Healthy Slough”.

The strategy had been based on the priorities in the 2011-12 JSNA, reviewed and signed off by the Health Priority Development group, and concentrated on issues not covered by other strategies of the Council.  All the key objectives of the strategy supported the main aim which was to improve health and wellbeing outcomes and reduce inequalities.  There were four themes to the strategy: prevention, early intervention, targeted provision and the reduction of unnecessary demand on local health and wellbeing services.  It was proposed to measure outcomes of the Public Health Strategy by reference to national and local indicators related to the actions proposed under each theme.

A number of points arose from answer to questions and discussion at the meeting.  Tuberculosis rates in Slough were higher than the national average reflecting the highly diverse population from countries in which TB was endemic.  Approximately one third of the population is estimated to have latent TB and were liable to suffer a re-activation of the disease (which takes a long time to treat requiring a mixture of antibiotics).  Immunisation of infants was a priority.  Reducing the numbers of people smoking and consuming harmful tobacco products was a key objective.  In some communities chewing tobacco was traditional and the importance of education about its harmful effects was stressed.  The Panel was impressed by the range of advice available and programmes on offer for the promotion of healthy eating.  Further details were given of the courses available, certificates provided and the programmes also arranged in Children’s Centres.

In answer to a question about the issue of female genital mutilation (FGM), members were referred to information provided to a recent meeting of the Education and Children’s Services Scrutiny Panel regarding the level of understanding amongst the council and its partners of the practice, the risk associated with FGM in Slough, and the safeguarding measures in place in Slough to tackle the issue.  A question was also raised about the adequacy of care in the community provision for mental health sufferers.  In particular, some concerns had been voiced about cross-border issues resulting in a patchy service.  Further information/details on both these issues would be circulated to Panel members following the meeting.

Resolved - 

(a)  That the report be noted.

(b)  That subject to careful proof-reading and minor corrections, a final version of the Public Health Strategy be approved and used to accompany the JSNA consultation in 2014.