Agenda item

Louise Wallace and Naomi Smith presented the report, emphasising that the North Yorkshire Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy was designed to be actively overseen and reviewed by the Board.

Naomi gave a presentation outlining the Strategy’s overarching ambition, its three key priorities, and the context behind its development. She provided an overview of the delivery plan, noting that an update had previously been presented to the Board in March. The plan sets out actions for the coming year and is intended to assure the Board that progress is being made. While updates will be provided throughout the process, it was acknowledged that the full impact will only become clear upon completion.

Naomi described the cyclical approach to monitoring the Strategy. Each year, the Board will be presented with the intended actions for the year ahead. A mid-year update is proposed for 19 November, followed by an annual review the following July, which will reflect on the previous year’s actions and introduce the delivery plan for the upcoming year. She highlighted the Board’s commitment to hosting spotlight sessions throughout the year to explore specific topics in greater depth.

Naomi clarified that the purpose of the report was to agree the monitoring approach, approve the delivery plan for the coming year, and consider the draft impact measures. Members were invited to share their thoughts on potential spotlight session topics and asked to note the report. Additionally, Members were encouraged to consider nominating Champions to focus on particular areas of the Strategy and to reflect on how the voice of lived experience could be effectively incorporated into the Board’s work.

During the discussion, the following points were raised.

·         A question was raised about whether the full scope of the Strategy could realistically be delivered. Naomi responded that it is for colleagues and the Board to determine priorities and what is achievable. She emphasised that regular reporting will keep the Board informed of progress, and meetings provide a forum to raise any concerns if delivery is not on track.

·         It was noted that the Strategy aligns well with the NHS 10-Year Plan.

·         The importance of considering rural health across all themes was highlighted. Rather than focusing on rurality in a single spotlight session, it was suggested that rural considerations should be embedded throughout the Strategy’s implementation.

·         Concerns were raised about oral health, particularly access to urgent dental care. It was proposed that this issue be explored further through a dedicated spotlight session.

Resolved

a)    That the approach for monitoring and evaluating the progress of the North Yorkshire Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2023–2030 outlined in this report is agreed, and the items are added to the Health and Wellbeing Board work programme.

b)    That the draft Strategy Delivery Plan for 2025-2026 and draft suite of impact measures are agreed (Appendix A).

c)    That suggestions for spotlight session topics are made.

d)    That the additional options outlined in section 6 are considered during the course of 2025/2026, aligned if appropriate to the forthcoming review of the Health and Wellbeing Board’s role within the wider health and care landscape in North Yorkshire.