Presentation from SCC Lead Cabinet Members for People and Place, Tim Oliver and Colin Kemp, on working together with district and borough councils, with a key focus on health and wellbeing. They will be joined by Sarah Parker, Director of Transformation, Surrey Heartlands Health and Care Partnership.
Minutes:
Declarations of Interest: None
Officers/members attending: Tim Oliver, SCC Lead Cabinet Member for People; Sarah Parker, Director of Transformation, Surrey heartlands Health and Care Partnership
Petitions, Public Questions/Statements: None
Member discussion –key points
Tim Oliver and Sarah Parker gave a presentation on changes to support the health and wellbeing of residents. As is well known, the County Council has significant budget pressures, arising from increased costs in adult social care and special educational needs, which account for a significant portion of the budget. In order to manage cost a process of transformation is underway to focus on early help and prevention, whilst maintaining front line services. Members have already seen the vision and going forward the County Council will be looking to have a greater understanding of residents priorities and be more transparent. Tim Oliver will also be presenting some of this information as part of a series of events for local residents which he is attending as Leader of the Borough council
Only 20% of health needs are influenced by health care, the remaining 80% are influenced by other factors. He reported that 51.9% of Elmbridge residents are recorded as being overweight or obese and that this can affect the demand for services. Members requested more information on the obesity statistics. Although Elmbridge is the 2nd least deprived of the 11 Surrey Boroughs and Districts there are still significant pockets of deprivation.
In 2011, 73% of Elmbridge households were owner-occupiers, whilst 15% rented-privately. The amount of social rented housing is limited, at 10%, well below the national rate of 18% so there is a challenge to provide affordable housing in the Borough. There is also a need to improve public transport in order to reduce the reliance on car use.
Surrey Heartlands is looking at changing systems so they are not centred around hospitals and integrating with other agencies by joining up computer systems and co-locating staff. The emphasis will be on partnership and working together rather than on competition between providers.
Members were concerned that the Citizens Advice Bureau which provides an important service is having to relocate from its current premises. It was reported that their current office is located in a building which has come to the end of its life. They have been offered limited space in the Civic Centre and at outreach venues around the Borough, but it is for them to decide how and where they wish to operate.
Members were aware that many GP practices and NHS dentists were full and not accepting new patients and how this would be addressed with a growing population. It was acknowledged that there is a shortage of qualified staff to fill posts, however consideration is being given to changes in processes to allow GPs to spend more time with patients. It was raised that a GP practice is being relocated to a premises with limited parking and no bus service and it being suggested that patients should walk or cycle. This was not thought to be helpful. Sarah Parker was unable to comment on the reasons behind the decision, but acknowledged that primary health services should be accessible.
The Committee thanked Tim Oliver and Sarah Parker for the presentation.