There were no declarations of pecuniary interests

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Richard Chellew

A panel member pointed out that the resolution regarding the discussion with South West London and St Georges NHS Trust should  be amended to reflect what the report asked the panel to agree; therefore the recommendation should read; the panel supports the Trust’s proposed governance arrangements.

There were no matters arising from the minutes

The Panel received an overview of the main provisions in the report

A panel member asked about screening for people who do not go to the GP. The Assistant Director and Consultant in Public Health,  reported that the health check needs to be conducted by health professionals. We are looking at other ways of conducting the health checks like libraries, and increasing the number of pharmacies.

A panel member said that brain injury should be included in long term conditions.  This is a serious problem which causes isolation and relationship breakdown and homelessness. There needs to be a comprehensive strategy to deal with it.

The MCCG reported that facilities for rehabilitation need to be improved; this includes Epilepsy Multiple Sclerosis, however accidents and injuries are mentioned within the priorities.

A panel member asked if we are targeting the East of the borough where these issues are more prevalent also are we educating people about how to manage their conditions

The Assistant Director and Consultant in Public Health,  said the expert patient programme helps to educate people and put them in charge of their own condition however there are still challenges around managing medication. The Director for Quality said Merton Clinical Commissioning Group are very aware of the equalities issues. Health Champions will play an important role as will the Mitcham and Nelson care centres.

 A panel member asked what is being done regarding those who refuse to engage? The Assistant Director and Consultant in Public Health,  said that health champions and the voluntary sector will play an important role in reaching out to communities.

A panel member said that mental health had not been included as a long term condition even though they experience higher rates of diabetes, alcohol, drugs and the NHS spends the largest proportion of its budget in this area.

 The Director of Quality said that they are increasing liaison psychiatry and  reviewing the IAPT service and due to changes there has been an improvement in physical health in the mental health service.

The Assistant Director and Consultant in Public Health,  Public health are leading on a review of mental health services this includes a review of services, writing a mental health assessment and an adult mental health strategy, which is likely to be ready in April.

A panel asked how the Merton Clinical Commissioning Group is tackling health inequalities in the East of the borough.

The Director of Quality said the organisation were aware of the disparities and this is fully addressed in the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment

The Panel were concerned about varying quality within GP practices. The Director for Quality said that Care Quality Commission is inspecting many GP practices. Merton GP’s do not rank badly in the health standards. Patients can also use the complaints process if they are unhappy.

A panel member asked if the council is protecting whistle blowers?

The Safeguarding Manager said the council goes to great lengths to protect whistle blowers and investigates all issues that are raised.

A panel member asked why there were more alerts raised over the holidays, The Safeguarding Manager said this may be that staff have a backlog of complaints that need to be input into the system after the holiday period. Furthermore holidays are a time when families come together causing increased tension and arguments.

This item was deferred until the next meeting

Councillor Kirby gave an overview of the last meeting and work of the Board saying that joint working with the Clinical Commissioning Group remained strong.

There were no comments on the work programme