Agenda item

Further to the discussion held at the Board’s last meeting, Members considered a report and accompanying presentation on the latest position with regard to Tobacco Control.  The proposal outlined in the report was aimed at addressing smoking prevalence in Doncaster, drawing on lessons from a peer assessment carried out in March 2019; and a wide range of initiatives from public consultation on smoke-free environments.  It was reported that, if implemented, the actions were likely to reduce smoking prevalence, thus improving the health of the people of Doncaster. 

In reply to a question by Councillor Nuala Fennelly with regard to the processes in place for dealing with the estimated 1,300 children and young people per year who were expected to start smoking, Anna Brook explained that a specialist support service was provided.  This service did not achieve as high a quit rate amongst its clients as the adult service, but it was noted that this was not uncommon.  Councillor Fennelly advised that she would be happy to give her support and assistance under her portfolio, such as in engaging with schools, on this issue.

Richard Parker, Chief Executive of Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals (DBTH), explained that measures were being taken to try and tackle the issue of smokers congregating outside hospital entrances, so that patients such as those suffering from cancer, did not have to walk through clouds of smoke on their way in and out of hospital.  He added, however, that this work needed a joined up approach, as DBTH serviced two different Clinical Commissioning Groups in its area.

Dr David Crichton drew two initiatives to the Board’s attention.  Firstly, he reported that Doncaster was one of ten targeted centres in England which would be running lung health checks for people with a smoking history who were aged 55 - 74 years.  Smoking cessation support would be provided as part of this project.  Secondly, Dr Crichton informed Members that under the Yorkshire and Humber’s IVF policy, in order to be eligible for NHS funded specialist fertility treatment, couples were required to demonstrate that they had been smoke free for at least 3 months.  This was based on national guidance about how smoking had a negative effect on the chances of successful IVF treatment.

During discussion on smoke free public spaces, Anna Brook confirmed that from the public consultation carried out on the SmokeFree Doncaster proposal, it was evident that there was significant public support for smoke free spaces, particularly family areas.  The Board also acknowledged that there was scope for doing more to encourage pubs and cafes to designate their outside spaces as smoke free zones, so that non-smokers could also enjoy sitting outside.

During further discussion, Members made a number of observations/comments in relation to Tobacco Control and reducing smoking prevalence, including the following:-

• Paul Tanney, Chief Executive of St Leger Homes of Doncaster (SLHD), stated that SLHD would be happy to assist in promoting no smoking initiatives through its tenants’ newsletters and website.

• Dr David Crichton pointed out that there was a strong correlation between poverty and high instances of smoking.  In response, Lucy Robertshaw, Assistant Director of Darts, explained that her organisation often worked in areas of deprivation within the Borough and stressed that community activities could be a useful distraction from smoking for some people.

• Chief Inspector Jayne Forrest advised that South Yorkshire Police were able to help with arranging for test purchases of cigarettes to be to be carried out in shops.

It was then

RESOLVED that:

(1)             the contents of the report and appendices and accompanying presentation be noted;

(2)             the recommendations as detailed in the report, including sign off by all organisations, be endorsed as follows:-

o        CLeaR Peer Assessment:

·                Publish the report on the Council’s website;

·                Prioritise some of the recommendations for immediate action;

·                Agree all the responses to the recommendations and work through them over time;

·                Repeat the self-assessment in 12 months’ time to track how the score changes;

·                Consider commissioning a CLeaR peer re-assessment in 2022

o        Revised strategic approach and plan-on-a-page:

·                Agree the revised strategic approach

(3)             the Smoke-free Doncaster proposal be submitted to the Cabinet and Full Council.