Agenda item

The timing of the publication of the Health and Wellbeing Board agenda had meant that it included Month 10 figures.  Month 11 figures had subsequently been published and were roughly in keeping with the projections.  It was noted that the QIPP efficiency programme was expected to be approximately £900k short of its target as the easy savings had already been made.  However, over the next five years, QIPP was expected to achieve efficiency savings in relation to the prevention of long term conditions and through negotiation with CNWL regarding mental health services.  It was suggested that the Council share its experience of delivering savings with Hillingdon Clinical Commissioning Group (HCCG). 

HCCG was currently looking at supporting The Hillingdon Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (THH) through its transition over the next year or two and was starting to work on the five year Sustainability and Transformation Plan (STP) for the Borough.  There would be 44 STPs covering the country with a huge variation in the total population that they would represent.  Of these, only 10 had identified an individual to lead for their area: 2 Chief Executives, 4 CCG Chief Officers and 4 Hospital Trust Chief Officers.  Concern was expressed that the local perspective should not be lost in the STP. 

It was noted that the Local Government Association would be writing to the Health Secretary about the effectiveness of STPs as it appeared that local authorities were being excluded.  It was important that the Board partners work together in relation to the STP to make progress before the Board's next meeting.  As such, a draft STP would be discussed at a meeting (comprising the Council, THH and HCCG) on 9 May 2016.  The Chairman advised that a Member would attend this group rather than a Council officer. 

HCCG's 2016/2017 Operating Plan had been submitted on 11 April 2016.  Although the Board report stated that there would be a -6.1% mitigated growth in relation to non-elective admissions, following negotiations with NHS England, this had been changed to +1%. 

Concern was expressed that the terminology used by HCCG was quite difficult to understand and there were a number of funding assumptions made.  A request was made that the information be provided in a simpler format in future reports. 

It was recognised that Heathrow airport had a significant impact on the health of residents in the Borough.  To this end, it was suggested that the STP be used to acknowledge the impact that Heathrow expansion would have on residents' health.  Clean Air Action Zones had been proposed in the East Midlands and London where the EU safety limit had been exceeded.  Although the Board would not make the decision about whether or not Heathrow was expanded, it would have a statutory responsibility to do something about it.  It was suggested that consideration be given to what further action could be taken by GPs and the Council and whether lobbying should be undertaken to add further weight to arguments about motorway and airport expansion in the area.  HCCG would be provided with information regarding the impact that the airport had on the health of local residents. 

RESOLVED:  That the Health and Wellbeing Board to note the update.