Agenda item - Chair's Communications

The Chair of the Board will start the meeting with a short update on recent developments on health and wellbeing.

3.1       The Chair outlined the following as part of his communications:

Welcomes

3.2       I would like to welcome Councillor Brown and Councillor Page to the Health & Wellbeing Board.

The Sustainability & Transformation Plan (STP)

3.3       Last year I made clear that the move towards health and social care integration along with the devolution agenda was likely to mean significant impacts and change ahead. In hindsight I think that’s a clear understatement. The significant developments across the country in devolution along with the emerging STP footprints and process have certainly created a challenge to focus the minds of officers and board members alike.

3.4       Give the massive pressures in our own local health service in community, primary and acute care alongside social care this is clearly an area where considerable focus needs to be given over coming months. We need a system that is fit for purpose and sustainable for the 21^st century realities. This brings me to the difficult and unpleasant reality of these pressures.

GP Practice Group surgeries

3.5       Yesterday confirmation was sent of the decisions of NHS England regarding the loss of Practice group surgeries across the city. I have circulated the outcomes which needless to say are a disappointment to several communities including my own across the city. However having been directly engaged in the process – as those across affected communities have been – I’ve been able to see the hard work and determination that NHS England have displayed in attempting to find the best possible solution in a time where primary care is struggling to attract the numbers of trainees and GPs that we require. I am also disappointed to see that patients’ needs are not being met and that they will have to travel considerable distances in Bevendean and Hangleton.

Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA)

3.6       Earlier this afternoon I also attended the MNDA south coast road trip at Hove where they were promoting the MNDA charter. I will be asking for a report on the Charter to come to a future HWB.

An apology

3.7       Lastly an apology. I understand that my passion and commitment to our health and social care system at the last meeting may have over spilled and my behaviour have caused some members of the board reason for concern. I would like to apologise to them and the whole board for this. Normal service will be resumed and I look forward to a productive and collaborative new board year, whatever it holds.