Issue - meetings

The annual Director of Public Health (DPH) report is an independent report from the DPH on the state of public health in the area. The report seeks to highlight the biggest public health priorities for the area and demonstrate some of the work that is happening to address those priorities.  The Health and Wellbeing Board is asked to note and endorse the report.

The Board considered a report by the Director of Public Health regarding the state of public health in the area.

The Director explained that this was a time of paradox and contradiction for example:

·  There is a great interest in cooking and local farmers’ markets while at the same time the use of food banks is increasing.

·  Leisure centres and cycleways provide good services but over 50% of adults are overweight leading to an increase in diabetes.

·  Educational attainment is improving but the UK is currently placed in only16^th place for child wellbeing.

·  Life expectancy is increasing but the gap between rich and poor remains unchanged.  The number of care homes has also decreased by 10%.

·  Fewer people are now smoking but the cost of some types of alcohol is extremely cheap.

·  There are excellent building developments taking place within BANES but global warming remains a threat and bio-diversity is falling.

There were many challenges which need to be considered and it is important to take stock and focus on priorities.  The Board thanked the Director for his excellent report and stated that it should be disseminated via social media and the local press.  It will also be presented to the CCG Board.  Board members also suggested that the Director should produce a short podcast to promote the messages contained in the report.

RESOLVED:

(1)  To note the annual report.

(2)  To agree that the areas of focus in the report reflect current public health priorities in Bath and North East Somerset.

(3)  To endorse the importance of preventative and health protection services to the residents of Bath and North East Somerset.

(4)  To request that the report and its key messages be disseminated as widely as possible.