Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies were noted from Councillor Heather Moorhouse, with Councillor George Jabbour substituting, and Councillor Nick Brown.

To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 18 December 2024 as an accurate record, and for the Chair to sign them.

Resolved:  That the minutes of the meeting held on 18 December 2024, having been printed and circulated, be taken as read and be confirmed and signed by the Chair as a correct record.

All Members are invited to declare at this point any interests they have in items appearing on this agenda, including the nature of those interests.

There were no declarations of interest.

Any correspondence, communication or other business brought forward by the direction of the Chair of the committee.

The Chair welcomed attendees to the meeting and gave a brief update on matters of interest outside of committee business.

At the mid-cycle briefing which took place on 17 January 2025, the core group received a briefing from York and Scarborough NHS Foundation Trust on the delivery of haematology services in Scarborough.  There are currently national staffing challenges which have made changes to the service necessary, which were first communicated in writing on 5 December 2024, but the Trust are still committed to providing a haematology service from Scarborough.  The Trust have agreed to communicate regularly with Scrutiny of Health members.

Report of the Senior Democratic Services Officer, updating the committee on progress made against matters arising at the previous meeting.

The Committee considered the report of the Senior Democratic Services Officer, updating on progress on issues and actions raised at the last committee meeting.

Resolved: That the committee note the report, and that no further action is required.

Members of the public may ask questions or make statements at this meeting if they have given notice to Edward Maxwell of Democratic Services (edward.maxwell@northyorks.gov.uk) by midday on Tuesday 4 March 2024, three working days before the day of the meeting.  Each speaker should limit themselves to 3 minutes on any item.  Members of the public who have given notice will be invited to speak:

·         at this point in the meeting if their questions/statements relate to matters which are not otherwise on the Agenda (subject to an overall time limit of 30 minutes);

·         when the relevant Agenda item is being considered if they wish to speak on a matter which is on the Agenda for this meeting.

If you are exercising your right to speak at this meeting, but do not wish to be recorded, please inform the Chair who will instruct anyone who may be taking a recording to cease while you speak.

No public questions or statements had been received.

Report presented by Louise Wallace, Director of Public Health.

The Committee received a report from Louise Wallace (Director of Public Health), outlining the Public Health Grant for North Yorkshire and how it is spent.  This included a range of statutory functions, and some discretionary spending, which were outlined in detail in the report.

Members asked further questions on the allocation and use of the grant, addressing key concerns around deprivation, health inequalities, and operational challenges.  The Committee explored the historical basis of the funding formula and its reliance on past deprivation data, and noted the limited flexibility for discretionary spending once mandatory services were covered.  Questions were raised about how resources are allocated to address rural and urban deprivation, and whether current programmes adequately reflect local needs.  Officers acknowledged disparities in funding between North Yorkshire and other areas and outlined efforts to lobby for increased resources while working within existing constraints. 

Obesity and physical inactivity were highlighted as priorities for the next few months, with members calling for a stronger focus on preventative initiatives, particularly for children.  Officers detailed current programmes, such as the National Child Measurement Programme and partnerships with schools and leisure services, aimed at addressing these challenges.  They also emphasized ongoing efforts to integrate public health work with other council directorates and external stakeholders, ensuring a comprehensive approach to improving health outcomes.

The meeting underscored the importance of robust data collection and health assessments to inform decision-making. Members expressed a desire for clearer evidence of the impact of public health initiatives, particularly in tackling inequalities and delivering long-term outcomes.  It was agreed that further information would be provided on eligibility of immunocompromised people for Covid-19 vaccinations, and the funding model used to determine the level of the grant.  A future report was agreed to share insights from the recently completed Peer Review.

Resolved:  That the report be noted.

Report presented by Lisa Pope, Humber and North Yorkshire ICB.

The Integrated Care Board (ICB) provided an update on Neighbourhood Health in North Yorkshire, outlining NHS policy and planning, and work with Local Care Partnerships (LCPs) and Community Anchor Organisations (CAOs) to improve health outcomes for residents.  Recent guidance drew on the national “three shifts” to identify seven target components on Neighbourhood Health which were set out in the report.

Members discussed the involvement of the voluntary and community sector, which were noted to vary across regions, developing organically based on local engagement.  The ICB confirmed continued collaboration with community organisations like Community First North Yorkshire, and emphasised efforts to integrate with local providers.  The transition from analogue to digital services was also discussed, with assurances that support and alternatives are provided for individuals less comfortable with online platforms.

The Committee explored access to Community Diagnostic Centres (CDCs), highlighting the difficulties some residents face due to location and transport with the Eastfield centre outside Scarborough.  While the NHS does not commission transport, work was ongoing with community transport organisations to improve access.  Financial and data challenges were also raised, including questions about budget allocation and population health intelligence.  The development of the Catterick Integrated Care Campus was cited as an example of targeted intervention driven by specific health data needs and discussed their pragmatic approach to balancing local footprints with broader service needs.

Concerns around the challenges facing GP practices into neighbourhood teams and addressing the challenges posed by modernising primary care services, with surgeries in Whitby and Selby selected for participation in a national trial.  Ongoing collaboration with partners, a focus on streamlining services, and commitment to improving public health outcomes across North Yorkshire were also emphasised.

Resolved:  That the report be noted.

Briefing from Tony Collins of North Yorkshire Hospice Care.

North Yorkshire Hospice Care provided an update on the ongoing financial challenges in palliative and end-of-life care, highlighting the widening funding gap.  While a recent 4.15% funding uplift was noted as a positive step, representatives emphasized the need for sustained pressure to secure fairer funding, particularly in line with neighbouring ICBs adopting tariff-based systems.  Disparities in per bed-day funding were highlighted, with examples like St. Leonard’s showcasing significant inconsistencies in allocation.  The importance of partnerships with the ICB and active involvement in local care structures was also stressed, as hospices seek to embed themselves within community frameworks.

ICB representatives acknowledged the financial pressures and committed to ongoing collaboration with hospice providers.  It was agreed that a tariff-based approach would be considered alongside a range of options during the 2025/26 period.  Quarterly face-to-face meetings with Place Directors were also introduced to improve communication and coordination.  While financial constraints limit the ability to fully address the funding gap, the ICB affirmed its dedication to supporting hospices and adapting funding models to meet growing demands.

Committee members underscored the critical role hospices play in delivering specialist care and their potential to complement compassionate community initiatives.  They expressed concerns about the funding shortfalls, workforce retention challenges, and the need for consistent dialogue between providers and the ICB.  The discussion reinforced the importance of integrating end-of-life care into LCPs, ensuring equitable access and properly funded services.  The commitment to continued communication and collaboration was universally supported as a pathway to addressing the challenges ahead.

Resolved:  That the report be noted.

The committee’s outline programme of work for 2024/25 was considered.

Members discussed how information from Cumbria and South Lakes ICB should be reported to the committee, and agreed that where possible written reports should come to the Scrutiny of Health Committee.

It was agreed that when the report outlining the result of the recent peer review for Public Health was completed, the Director of Public Health would attend a future meeting.

Resolved:  That the committee approves the proposed programme of work and incorporation of suggestions for future items.

Friday 4 July 2025 at 10:00, in the Grand Meeting Room at County Hall, Northallerton.

Friday 14 July 2025, at 10:00, in the Grand Meeting Room, County Hall, Northallerton, DL7 8AD.