Agenda item - Formal Public Involvement

22a     Petitions

22.1    There were none.

22b    Written Questions

22.2    It was noted that two public questions had been received.

          Question from John Kapp –– Asset-based Approach

22.3    Mr Kapp put the following question:

“Concerning the asset based approach to social care and health, does the board agree that the solutions mentioned under draft minute 8.3 of the HWB meeting on 9.6.20 (see note 1) should include all prescribed interventions under both Health (NHS primary care) and Social Care, including those interventions called social prescriptions, and that no one should be excluded by inability to pay, so they should be commissioned by the CCG in sufficient numbers so that all patients and service users for whom they are clinically appropriate can access them within the statutory access times of 18 weeks?”

          Chair’s Response

22.4    The Chair provided the following response:

          “I would like to refer to you to the answer given to your question on this matter at the July meeting of the HWB.  The CCG commissions care on the basis of best practice which includes all treatments should be evidence based. Before interventions are offered an informed discussion of the risks and benefits should take place with the most robust evidence to inform medicine treatment choice. Not all patients will derive the same benefit, the decision to treat or not must be informed by the evidence but also individualised to each patient within the context of the NHS constitution and available NICE guidance, finite NHS resources, and a broader comprehensive care plan.”

          Question from Valerie Mainstone –

22.5    The following question was put on Ms Mainstone’s behalf:

        “On 18 August, the re-organisation of Public Health England was described as "highly risky, and justification for the change has not been fully set out" by the Health Foundation, an independent charity committed to bringing about better health and health care for people in the UK.

How will these changes affect Public Health here in Brighton & Hove. given the depth of local knowledge, the length of experience, and the professional expertise of our own Public Health Department?”

          Chair’s Response

22.6    The Chair provided the following response:

          “We have not been provided with the full details regarding the dismantling of Public Health England (PHE) and the establishment of the National Institute for Health Protection.

Therefore it is not yet possible to describe how these changes will affect Public Health in Brighton & Hove.

Public health is much more than health protection and more details are needed to understand how the full PHE responsibilities, including supporting healthcare and health improvement, will be delivered under the new arrangements. PHE has a wide range of important functions such as data and intelligence, workforce support, research and policy.

The Council’s Public Health team will continue to work hand in hand with their skilled and valued PHE colleagues. In particular at this time, the local PHE Surrey and Sussex Health Protection Team are critical partners in protecting our residents’ health.”

22.6    RESOLVED – That the questions and the responses given to them be received and noted.

22c     Deputations

22.7    There were none.