Agenda item

The Board considered a report which provided the latest performance figures for the Quarter 2 period, 2016-17. 

It was reported that a refreshed ‘outcomes based accountability’ (OBA) exercise was completed parallel to the refresh of the Health and Wellbeing Strategy. The five outcome areas remained and a new outcome on drugs had been introduced for 2016-17.  A number of specific indicators had been identified which would measure progress towards these outcomes in 2016-17.

Further information and narrative around the performance was set out in Appendix A to the report.

The Board discussed the key points and narrative behind the latest performance figures for each outcome area in turn, as summarised below:-

Outcome 1:  All Doncaster residents to have the opportunity to be a healthy weight 

In response to a comment regarding the absence of data beyond 2014/15 in relation to the obesity performance indicators, Allan Wiltshire explained that this data was produced nationally and more recent performance figures were very difficult to obtain.  He added that this point highlighted the need to identify ways of collecting relevant data locally.

Councillor Cynthia Ransome expressed the view that there was still much work to be done in tackling Obesity and felt that more measures were needed, such as  discouraging children from visiting fast food outlets on the way home from school.  Damian Allen stated that a ‘whole system’ approach was needed in order to address this issue, examining all contributing factors such as locations of fast food outlets, their opening hours and pricing of their food products.  He added that a report by the Independent Commission on Education and Skills in Doncaster had identified the need to develop a ‘Healthy Schools: Healthy Workplaces’ Kitemark, recognising that health underpinned educational success, future wellbeing and economic prosperity.

Outcome 2:  All people in Doncaster who use alcohol do so within safe limits

In response to a request as to whether a more detailed breakdown could be provided in relation to the data for alcohol-related attendance at A&E (Doncaster residents), such as the proportion of these that were people under the age of 18, Allan Wiltshire undertook to investigate whether this would be possible for future reports.

In reply to a question regarding the success of the trial of a Safe Haven in Doncaster Town centre during December 2016, Dr Rupert Suckling confirmed that at least 50 people had been treated who would have otherwise visited the A&E department.  He added that the trial, which was still being evaluated, had received positive comments from the Police and other organisations.

With regard to the figures for alcohol related violent crime, Chief Superintendent Tim Innes confirmed that there would be a marked increase in the number of recorded crimes over the coming months, due to changes in recording methods within the police force.

Outcome 3:  Families who are identified as meeting the eligibility criteria in the expanded stronger families programme see significant and sustained improvement across all identified issues

During discussion on these performance indicators, Jacqueline Wilson expressed the view that this was far too narrow a sample to enable the Board to understand the issues.  She felt that broader information was required and that the Board needed to receive measures relating to outcomes rather than outputs.  She added that she would aim to bring more detailed information on behalf of the Children’s Services Trust next time.  Dr Rupert Suckling confirmed that there would be an opportunity for the Board to re-examine the performance indicators it received at the Board’s Time-out and Development session in February.

In response to a query with regard to the implementation of the Domestic Abuse Strategy 2016-20, Jacqueline Wilson stated that there were issues around governance to address and that the Strategy would be brought to the Board’s next meeting.

Outcome 4:  People in Doncaster with Dementia and their carers will be supported to live well.  Doncaster people understand how they can reduce the risks associated with dementia and are aware of the benefits of an early diagnosis

During discussion on the upward trend of the indicators relating to the number of installations for Assistive Technology (AT) and number of AT referrals that were for people with Dementia, Members noted that there was growing recognition of the value of AT in improving the lives of people with Dementia.

Outcome 5:  Improve the mental health and wellbeing of the people of Doncaster

During discussion on Indicator d) (CAMHS: % of referrals starting a treatment plan within 8 weeks) and whether it was possible to measure the impact of early help, Members noted that there might be some merit in considering the scope for introducing some impact-related indicators for this Outcome from next year.

Outcome 6:  Reduce the harmful impact of drug misuse on individuals, families and communities

Dr Rupert Suckling reported that currently there were no waiting lists for drug treatment in Doncaster.

After the Board had received a short presentation by Andrea Butcher on the Mental Health Transformation and Learning Disabilities area of focus, it was

                     RESOLVED:-

(1)          to note the performance against the key outcomes; and;

(2)          to receive and note the presentation on the Mental Health Transformation and Learning Disabilities area of focus.