Partner updates on actions taken following health and well-being board discussions
Regular update - This is an opportunity for partners to update the
board on progress made and actions taken by their organisations to
improve the health and well-being of the people who work for them
and the Kirklees population as a whole.
Contact: Cllr Beverley Addy, Portfolio Holder for Public Health
Minutes:
Melvyn Ingleson, Chair of Healthwatch Kirklees and Calderdale, reminded the Board that Healthwatch has a statutory function under the Health and Social Care Act 2012. He explained that its role extends beyond the Act, reaching deep into communities and amplifying the voices of those who are seldom heard.
He informed the Board that the NHS 10-year plan, sets out a new vision for giving power to the patient and enabling the public to shape services. Alongside the 10-year plan, a report was also published by Dr Penny Dash, who is now the Chair of NHS England.
The report was a comprehensive review of five patient safety bodies in England which included Healthwatch in terms of its role. This has led to a decision by the government to disband Healthwatch England, and to move its role as a national champion of the patient, into a department of patient experience within the Department of Health and Social Care. It has also led to a decision to remove the funding that is received from Local Government, to provide core funding to each local Healthwatch and to pass responsibility for communicating patient experience to the Integrated Care Board (ICB) for health, and the responsibility for patient experience in social care to the local authority.
The Board was informed that the 10-year plan and the
recommendations from the DASH review, will require enabling
legislation. The challenge for Healthwatch will be maintaining the
motivation of committed staff and volunteers until April
2027. The issue for the Board is how it
wishes to consider the role of the independent voice that is
critical for service users moving forward, and in particular, it is
critical for service users who are not confident with accessing or
navigating the system.
The Board was informed that, as the landscape becomes clearer, the
intention is to work collaboratively with partners to explore the
future role of an independent patient voice. A paper may be brought
in due course to reflect the continued importance of this function,
which may or may not be delivered under the Healthwatch name. In
addition, plans are being considered to convene a major forum in
the New Year, aimed at understanding how the health and care system
and the strong partnerships across West Yorkshire, particularly in
Kirklees and Calderdale can work together to ensure that the
independent voice of service users is preserved and
strengthened.
Vicky Dutchburn, Interim Accountable Officer, Kirklees ICB, provided an update to the Board advising that the West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) held a meeting earlier in the week, during which the importance of maintaining an independent voice for service users was discussed. She confirmed a continued commitment to joint working both at the West Yorkshire level and across local places with Healthwatch, ensuring that Healthwatch remains a key partner in shaping the future approach to patient and public involvement.
Ms Dutchburn raised an issue regarding the unrest currently being experienced across some communities, particularly in relation to incidents of racism. She emphasised ... view the full minutes text for item 20