Agenda item - NHS Brighton & Hove Annual Operating Plan 2009/10

Report of the NHS Brighton & Hove (copy attached).

1.               That the Plan be noted.

2.                 That the Board continues to give strategic leadership and overview to its implementation.

61.1    The Board considered a report of the NHS Brighton & Hove Executive Directors concerning the NHS Brighton & Hove Annual Operating Plan 2009/10, which focused on what the organisation would do in 2009/10 to deliver the priorities and strategic objectives identified in the SCP, whilst continuing to develop health services that were fit for the future and seen as best practice (for copy see minute book).

61.2    Darren Grayson, B&H PCT, presented the report and drew attention to those sections of the report which were of particular relevance to the Children & Young People’s Trust Board (see Appendix I to the minutes).

61.3    Mr Grayson highlighted Brighton & Hove’s particular characteristics as a city, especially in its growing young population, which made it considerably different from the East and West Sussex areas; he referred to the issue of teenage pregnancy and alcohol misuse and noted these were also the issues in direct correlation with the young people; he noted the diversity of the city in terms of BME and in particular LGBT communities; he also pointed out that the city also had some major areas of deprivation.

61.4    Mr Grayson further explained how the scheme proposed to address the issue of health across the city and across its population described above. He noted that the strategy’s commissioning goals that were of relevance to the CYPT Board focused on (i) maximising life chances for children and families and (ii) developing a healthy young city.

61.5    The Board welcomed the report and discussions took place about different aspects and proposals of the scheme.

61.6    Gail Gray, Women’s Refuge, indicated that the issue of domestic abuse was also present for young people. She noted, however, that the issue still remained a hidden one and requested that it be not forgotten in the proposed scheme.

61.7    Mr Grayson welcomed and noted the concerns raised. He pointed out that a number of children in care come from families who suffered from domestic violence. He reassured members that, for this reason, it was clear that domestic violence was a connecting element in the process and had to be considered.

61.8    Councillor Fryer indicated she was pleased with the focus given to young people. She was concerned, however, that there might be a risk of not giving due attention to the older population.

61.9    Mr Grayson explained that because the young population was such a striking feature in Brighton & Hove, it was felt that section should be given some prominence. He reassured members, however, that the plan was not losing sight of the older people’s issues. He explained that there already existed a specific strategy designed for older people.

61.10  Discussions also took place in relation to the social marketing proposed in the scheme and how this could be achieved to support the plan’s goals. Members were also interested in how the NHS Brighton & Hove proposed to address the issue of suicide rates and how this could fit in with the CAMHS provision.

61.11  Mr Grayson explained that the service was aiming at reducing the suicide rates to about a fifth of its current figures. He indicated that there already existed a strategy on suicide prevention, which also gave considerable weight to the issue among the young men population. In terms of CAMHS support, he indicated that the Chalkhill provision that had opened in January 2009 had agreed a model of care to make better use of current facilities.

61.12  Members welcomed the report.

61.13  RESOLVED – That, having considered the information and the reasons set out in the report, the Board accepted the following recommendations:

(1)      That the Plan be noted.

(2)      That the Board continues to give strategic leadership and overview to its implementation.