Agenda item

The Chairman welcomed Vin Diwakar, Regional Medical Director for NHSE, to give a presentation on the development of the NHS Long Term Plan, which is expected to be published in November 2018.

During his presentation Vin raised the following points:

·         That the NHS working closely with Public Health England in establishing the long term plan as well.

·         That despite the NHS being a national organisation the transformation and improvement of the NHS would need to happen at a local level.

·         The Board was informed that the deadline for submissions to the 13 work streams of the NHS Long Term Plan would be 28 September.

·         It was emphasised that the cost of the NHS would continue to rise as would the cost of care.

·         That there would be a particular focus on the elderly and healthy ageing.

·         It was raised that widening health inequalities was a great concern and that the NHS Long Term Plan would focus on personal lifestyle choices including smoking and diet.

·         Delays in the diagnosing autism would also be looked into as a part of the long term plan.

·         Innovative uses of digital technology and data would also be explored as a part of the long term plan.

·         The need for integrated care systems centred on the person was emphasised, with joining these services up raised as a key challenge for the sector going forwards.

In the discussion that followed, the following points were raised:

·         Following a query as to whether access to adult social care records would be beneficial for the NHS, Vin confirmed that this would be highly beneficial and help counter a range of problems.

·         There is an ever growing demand for research. Was any work being done on the causes of autism? Vin confirmed that the NHS works closely with International Health Regulations to ascertain where further research is needed.

·         A view was expressed that a shared culture across the sector would be required for integration to progress, and for the democratic deficit in the NHS to be addressed. Vin agreed there needed to be improvements in local accountability.

·         Following a concern raised as to why an NHS Assembly was being considered while Health and Wellbeing Boards could carry out a similar role Vin responded that the NHS Assembly would be different in that it will operate at a national level. Vin also raised that it was still in development at and will draw representation from Councils and Health and Wellbeing Boards.

·         A concern was raised that health centres are an unused resource, in response Vin confirmed that the NHS Property Board would be looking into this.

·         Regarding a concern raised that the use of digital technology might result in inequalities in treatment, Vin confirmed that the NHS long term plan would look to use digital to enhance information and not restrict it.

·         Vin informed the Board that the divide between purchaser and provider at the NHS would need to change.

·         Vin also informed the Board that integration had been inconsistent nationally and the NHS long term plan would seek to resolve this.

Alyson Morley, Senior Adviser, brought to the Community Wellbeing Boards attention to the accompanying report which proposes for discussion the key strategic messages that the LGA will promote in working with NHS England in the development of the Long Term Plan. In particular Alyson raised that the LGA would write to Simon Stevens to highlight these key messages and emphasised that the LGA was grateful for how we’ve been included in the early stages of the NHS long term plan.

In response to the proposed key messages in the report, the following points were raised;

·         That point 10.5. should include a greater reference to Health and Wellbeing Boards.

·         That point 10.6 should be strengthened.

·         A view was expressed that the Community Wellbeing Boards key messages should highlight the role of the voluntary sector more.

·         A view was also expressed that the importance of proper accommodation on health should be brought into these key messages.

Decision

The Community Wellbeing Board discussed and agreed the LGA’s proposed key messages with regard to the NHS Long Term Plan.

Actions

The  Chairman of the Community Wellbeing Board to write to Simon Stevens

outlining the LGA’s key strategic messages in relation to the NHS Long Term Plan.

Officers to continue to contribute to all relevant NHS Long Term Plan work streams inorder to influence its development.