Agenda and minutes

There were no declarations of interest.

Context:

Representatives of the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board (ABUHB) were welcomed to the meeting and introductions were made. 

Key Issues:

ABUHB representatives presented a briefing report as part of its ongoing engagement with Monmouthshire County Council.  The report included:

·         Key developments since December 2015 (when ABUHB last met with the Authority).

·         An outline of current performance across a range of services, Welsh

            Government targets and current improvements plans.

·         Updates on other areas of the Health Board’s activities including

            Its ongoing engagement with local communities and a series of service

            developments (many of which are being taken forward in partnership)

Members Scrutiny:

A Member welcomed the clearly presented report.

·         Mortality Rate: The definition of “crude mortality rate” was queried.  It was explained that the term refers to the actual number of deaths occurring among the population of a given geographical area during a given year.  It was further explained that health services from across the UK prepare risk adjusted mortality rates to consider various conditions and make adjustments for relative risks.  This figure is well below the rest of Wales and is comparable with the best health authorities in England. It was added that it is a priority to learn from every death that occurs in the system.

·         GP Revalidation: It was recalled that there had been a suggestion to review GPs periodically, and queried if this had occurred.  In response, it was advised that this has been an outstanding change.  A 5 year cycle of revalidation was set up by the General Medical Council linked to annual appraisal.  This has been a very successful exercise and reassurance was provided that every doctor has successfully completed revalidation, and the appraisal process.  The process had provided useful information for ongoing learning and development, and also provided the opportunity to hold doctors to account professionally as necessary.

·         Diabetes/Obesity: A Member questioned why there was no mention of obesity or diabetes in the report, and if there was a need to do undertake more education about diet in schools to encourage young people to be healthier and reduce the cost of medication in future. It was explained that, whilst not specifically in the report, there is a separate plan for diabetes included in the Chronic Conditions Management Plan (which also includes separate plans for e.g. Heart Disease, Respiratory Disease and Cancer (further information available on the website http://www.wales.nhs.uk/sitesplus/866/home ).  It was added that the ABUHB Weight Management Team is at the forefront of weight management in the UK noting that the next stage is to develop a childhood obesity strategy to improve outcomes for future generations.  It was acknowledged that diabetes and other chronic conditions also come under the scrutiny of Children and Young People Select Committee and also the Public Service Board Select Committee.

A Member, referring to a recent Joint Adults Select Committee and Children and Young People Select Committee meeting, recalled that statistics were presented that nearly 50% of young children are overweight or obese in Monmouthshire and encouraged early  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2.