Agenda item

The Panel received the annual report on health protection assurance in Doncaster covering the financial year 2017/18.  They were informed that there had been sustained progress in ensuring that the health protection assurance system in Doncaster was robust, safe, effective, and met the statutory duty placed on local government to protect the health of the people of Doncaster.

The report also provided an update on progress made on recommendations in 2016/17 Health Protection Report and an update in recommendations made by the Panel from the previous year.

It was reported that Air Quality Monitoring figures (PM 2.5) had been reduced by 27% between 2010 and 2017, indicating improvement of air quality.  It was explained that this had been through national work undertaken to reduce this figure on a wider level rather than through local measures. 

It was clarified there wasn’t a national or local policy in relation to cars with idling engines.  Concern was raised that children passing cars with idling engines were at the same level of the fumes therefore more affected. Members were informed that cost benefits had shown this was an expensive measure to implement for little benefit and that in terms of enforcement there was no strategic push.  It was also stated that there had been campaigns in different schools targeting awareness whilst emphasising the negative health impacts.

Members asked whether there were any plans to use more flora/fauna and oxygenating trees similar to those used in London.  Members were informed that that this was complicated as not all trees will create a positive impact.  In terms of planning, it was explained that planning applications were screened and damage costs were considered as part of the planning framework. Damage costs are then used to negotiate appropriate mitigation.  It was added that within the new action plan, there was reference to try and find funding for greenwall.

In terms of electric vehicle charging points, it was noted that there were 2 available in Chamber Road and ones in supermarkets were being waiting for.

Vaccinations– It was reported that a great deal was being done locally that will be reflected in next year figures.  Progress had included coverage of 77% for aged 65 and over, above the national uptake which was positive news.  It was commented that dedicated staff monitor progress on a weekly basis. 

It was recognised that vaccinations for Social Care and Healthcare Staff was low and Members expressed their own disappointment that this was not higher, especially when they were more aware of the risks involved of not having it. One Member felt that it was something that should be made a condition of employment although it was recognised that contractually this could not be enforced. It was outlined that there Care Home Managers had undertaken training tackling myths associated with vaccinations.  It was acknowledged that more work needed to be undertaken as to why. 

It was commented that the combination programme for Care Homes Staff had run quite late. It was explained that the Council had identified those people with frontline staff responsibilities that would be eligible for full vaccinations that could be obtained at any pharmacy branch of Lloyds Pharmacy.  It was commented that hospitals were paid for performance and seen to be the best in country consistently achieving.

One Member commented on the downward trend of vaccinations.  In respect of collecting evidence, concern was raised that chemists delivering vaccinations meant that GPs would not get to see the patient and collect the evidence.  Members were told that NHS England commissioned services and were responsible for widening access for flu vaccination with all the data being returned from source back to NHS England.

Members were informed that the Council wanted to work with primary care, and was trying to understand the profile as a way of a performance improvement measure. 

It was explained that ongoing work was being taken with raising awareness of vaccinations with children.

It was noted that challenges had been presenting from engaging with those from areas which were more deprived and that closer working was being done with NHS England to address this.

Members were informed that a similar exercise had been done in respect of MMR, collating analysis at a local level looking at inequalities across Doncaster.  In terms of childhood vaccinations, it was recognised that there was an element of a community that was moving and therefore it was about raising awareness within that community. 

It was added that other functions included carrying out constant horizon scanning about what was being achieved to protect the Doncaster population.  It was expressed that the Health Protection Assurance Group regularly reviewed health protection risks in the borough and received quarterly reports. All contingency plans were reviewed and tested through table tops scenarios or real incidents with the majority of plans being reviewed on an annual basis.  It was further explained that table top exercises were done through a resilience forum, rolling exercise and training programmes with live exercise with the purpose to learn lessons from them

RESOLVED the item be deferred to the first meeting of the Health and Adult Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Panel as part of the 18/19 workplan.