Agenda and minutes

There were no declarations made.

RESOLVED:  That the minutes of the meeting held on 26^th November, 2020 were agreed as a correct record.

[A period not exceeding 20 minutes for

Statements from up to 5 members of the public on

matters within the Panel’s remit, proposing action(s)

which may be considered or contribute towards the

future development of the Panel’s work programme].

There were no public statements made.

A report was presented to the Panel relating to the merger of the GP practices at Bentley, High Street, Bentley with the Nelson Practice which has it main site on Amersall Road Scawthorpe and a branch site at Newton Medical Centre Sprotborough.  It was outlined that the proposal also included plans to close the Scawthorpe site and consolidate on the Bentley and Sprotbrough sites.

The Panel was provided with information relating to the benefits of the merger for patients, including access to a wider range of practitioner services, improved telephone access and a streamlined back office function.

Doncaster Healthwatch confirmed that Doncaster CCG had consulted with the organisation relating to public engagement, and it was confirmed it was happy with the approach undertaken, outlining that he process had been open, honest and transparent.

The following areas were addressed by the Panel:

Patient numbers – it was noted that there were approximately five thousand patients that would be split equally across the two practices at Bentley and Sprotbrough.  The surgeries would share the same practice manager.

Consultation - the Panel expressed concern that, the majority of consultation had been undertaken online with very limited face to face discussions.  It was acknowledged that there had been paper based information in the surgeries but bearing in mind the current Covid-19 pandemic people had been advised not to attend unless absolutely necessary.  Therefore it was stressed that some people may not have been aware of the proposals or able to take part in the consultation. 

It was apparent from the consultation that patients were very loyal to their GP’s and had indicated that they would travel to either Sprotbrough or Bentley in the future.

Merger timing – the GP merger was proposed to start in April, 2021 with the patient list merging into one.  The closure of the Amersall Road site would not take place until 2023 to undertake upward expansion at the Petersgate site, therefore the lease had been extended.  Works required at the Sprotbrough site would be completed in an earlier timeframe.  The merger would provide patient access to all doctors and services across the board.  It was noted that there would be more scope to engage with patients about the closure of the Amersall Road site.

GP operational practices – it was acknowledged that surgeries were working differently due to the Covid-19 pandemic with more remote video and telephone consultations, which would continue for the immediate future and maybe beyond.  It was also appreciated that some of the older population required face to face meetings but this was not always with a GP and could be a practice nurse.

Impact following previous GP mergers – it was noted that the exact patient figures affected by previous GP mergers in this area were not to hand for this meeting.  However, there had been minimal impact following patients re-registering with other GP’s as they tended to be loyal to their current GP.

Positive Impact of the GP merger – it  ...  view the full minutes text for item 28.

The Panel received a presentation to accompany the report, outlining the “Get Doncaster Moving” Strategy Framework and approach to increase levels of physical activity and sport through the strategies broad themes:

·         Walking;

·         Cycling;

·         Parks and open spaces;

·         Sport;  and

·         Dance.

Members noted that the work had been recognised by Sport England for the Local Authority’s compelling vision for change.  This has enabled to the Council to access significant support and funding, including capital funding for the Doncaster Cycle Circuit.

The Chair thanked officers for their presentation and discussed the following areas:

Scawthorpe Health Walk – A Councillor thanked the Get Doncaster Moving team who had helped her progress the health walk in her ward, but unfortunately during the Covid-19 pandemic has had to cease for the time bein.

Increased exercise during Covid-19 pandemic – it was recognised that during the pandemic a lot more families and individuals were taking exercise, but also recognised that those people who usually worked in hospitality and been furloughed were not undertaking as much exercise.  In response to the comments it was explained that current exercise regimes were mixed and it had seen both a local and national increase and decrease.  It was recognised that parks and walking paths were being used more.  Concern was expressed that exercise in young people had reduced during the lockdown in March and November 2020 therefore it was expected to be a very similar position for the January/February 2021 lockdown period with inequalities widening.

The Chief Executive from Doncaster Cultural and Leisure Trust explained that there was a wealth of initiatives being undertaken including the launch of healthy at home online live classes for both mental and physical well-being which in reality was a general get together for the over 60’s.  They were also working alongside the Localities Team accessing people who were socially isolated to offer support and assistance and a survey of existing members addressing being healthy at home.  Finally he reported that a bid had been made to the National Leisure Recovery fund to assist young people and local clubs with grass roots sports.

Sport England local delivery pilot – it was explained that Doncaster had been chosen due to it’s set pathway and approved 10 year physical activity and sports strategy.  Physical activities across the borough were poor and required a better offer and this has embedded increased activities, which was what the strategy aimed to achieve.  With regard to funding, prior to the Covid – 19 pandemic it was being accessed really well.

It was noted that Doncaster’s success was the vision and power to change the behaviours towards physical activity to increased what matters to people in communities and had opened up a range of support with Sport England.  The partnership provided investment however it was as important to ensure the vision worked with community vision and collaboration.

With regard to the weekly personal activity goal of 150 minutes per week, set by the Government, it was noted that on average in  ...  view the full minutes text for item 29.

A presentation was provided by Carrie Wardle, Public Health Specialist, outlining the whole systems prevention approach tailored to local needs to address childhood obesity.  The Panel noted the complexity of the issue with multiple causes and no simple solution to address a persons body weight and size. 

Following the presentation the following key areas were addressed by the Panel:

Instant food advertising – concern was expressed with regard to the amount of fast food advertising was currently shown on television and it was noted that a Public Health project had just commenced focusing on the levels of high sugar, fat and salt in fast foods and it was hoped that this type of advertising would reduce in future.

School healthy eating programmes – the Panel was encouraged to hear that some of the Borough’s schools had achieved the Healthy Learning, Healthy Lives award but the exact numbers of schools that had achieved this was unknown.

It was acknowledged that the Public Health team had presented to schools and governing bodies on how they could assist with and promote healthy eating programmes.  It was noted that there were currently four strands to the accreditation that schools had to provide evidence against, providing an holistic approach to well-being.  It was stressed by a Member that a number of Councillors were School Governors and whilst schools could not be forced to undertake the accreditation, it would be useful if they could encourage schools to take part.

It was also noted that the Healthy Learning, Healthy Lives programme criteria was due for review and that an enhanced award was currently available for schools if they chose to go over and above requirements of the current criteria.

Role Model approach within communities – it was stressed that this was important for young people and children to receive support, particularly in response to the challenges social media could create, for example reactionary responses to dieting.  Good examples were again raised, including walking clubs and nutrition information sessions.

Mindful eating – the approach by Public Health with regard to weight management and relationships with food was welcomed.  For example, acknowledging hunger and fullness positions in children, for example, ensuring a child had time to eat in a calm environment and understanding that they did not have to finish their plate if they had eaten enough.

Other issues addressed included:

·         Licensing and Planning applications – it was noted that Public health was consulted on and provided evidence with regard to any new applications for food establishments.

·         the national obesity position – national childhood data 2020 identified Doncaster as now being worse the national average;

·         Learning the basics of nutrition, practical skills and cooking at school;

·         Behaviour change to tackle obesity, particularly over the past 10 to 20 years – it was noted that the whole systems approach was required to impact on a persons ability to make healthier choices.  Education alone and providing information was not enough to change behaviour to nutrition and healthy eating  ...  view the full minutes text for item 30.

The Senior Governance Officer presented the Overview and Scrutiny work plan and the Council’s Forward Plan of Key Decisions.  She reminded the Panel that it’s work for the 2020/21 year was nearly complete and asked Members to give consideration to areas they may wish to address moving forward.

RESOLVED:  That the report be noted.