The Health and Wellbeing Board of Doncaster Council met on Thursday 4 June 2026 to discuss a range of important public health matters. Key topics included the council's annual report, the Better Care Fund, and strategies for improving the health of minority communities. The meeting also covered plans for a neighbourhood health model and the ongoing work of the Doncaster Health Determinants Research Collaborative.

Health and Wellbeing Board Annual Report 2025-2026

Rachael Leslie, Director of Public Health, was scheduled to present the Health and Wellbeing Board's Annual Report for 2025-2026. This report was intended to provide an overview of the Board's work over the past year, highlighting progress made in relation to the Health and Wellbeing Strategy's priorities. The report was expected to detail how resident feedback had informed discussions and decisions, with a focus on case studies demonstrating the Board's commitment to principles such as health equity in all policies, evidence-informed decision-making, and a compassionate, trauma-informed approach. The Board was asked to endorse this annual report.

Better Care Fund 2026-2027

Ailsa Leighton and Kate Anderson Bratt were scheduled to present the plan for the Better Care Fund (BCF) for 2026-2027. The report outlined how the BCF aims to ensure more integrated care for residents, reducing the need for them to repeat their stories to different services and supporting independence through prevention and early help. The plan focused on neighbourhood teams providing health, care, and community support closer to home, and ensuring smoother hospital discharge processes. The Board was asked to endorse this plan.

Neighbourhood Health Model and the Role of the Health and Wellbeing Board

Ruth Bruce was scheduled to provide an update on the Neighbourhood Health Model and the role of the Health and Wellbeing Board in its implementation. Following the publication of national guidance, the Board was to receive an update on current submissions to the South Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) and ongoing engagement activities. The Neighbourhood Health arrangements are intended to be a key mechanism for delivering integrated, place-based priorities and supporting the Board's strategic aims. The Board was asked to note the update, approve identified actions, and continue to provide oversight of neighbourhood health, including the development of neighbourhood health centres.

Team Doncaster Dementia Strategy

Dr Nabeel Alsindi, Laura Tilston-Buzzard, and Hannah Baines were scheduled to present the Team Doncaster Dementia Strategy for 2026-2031. The report highlighted that dementia is a growing concern, with an estimated increase in the number of people living with the condition in Doncaster by 2035. The strategy aims to address prevention, early intervention, and support for those living with dementia and their carers. It was co-produced with people living with dementia and their carers, incorporating insights from surveys and co-production sessions. The Board was asked to endorse the strategy and influence greater system involvement and backing for its delivery.

Evidence Informed: HDRC Impact Report

Dr Faye Esat was scheduled to present the impact report from the Health Determinants Research Collaborative (HDRC) Doncaster. The report aimed to demonstrate how the HDRC's approach fosters an evidence-rich culture in local government, influencing decision-making and improving lives. It included case studies on the Women's Health Initiative, Gambling Harms, and the Ageing Friendly Survey, showcasing how evidence, grounded in resident voice, can support the Health and Wellbeing Board's priorities. The Board was asked to consider how these evidence-informed approaches could be systematically embedded in its work.

DBTH Health Inequalities Strategy

Dr Kelly Mackenzie was scheduled to present the Health Inequalities Strategy from Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (DBTH). The report detailed DBTH's work to tackle health inequalities across Doncaster and Bassetlaw, directly contributing to the Health and Wellbeing Board's three priority areas: closing the women's and children's health gap, improving the experience of ageing, and creating healthy places to live, grow and play. The report highlighted the Trust's commitment to embedding health equity into its operations, supported by data, training, and partnership working. The Board was asked to note DBTH's progress, reaffirm its commitment to tackling health inequalities, and support improved cross-organisation sharing of population health data.

Annual Report on Improving the Health of Minority Communities in Doncaster, 2026

Dr Victor Joseph was scheduled to present the Annual Report on Improving the Health of Minority Communities in Doncaster for 2026. This report provided an update on the progress, challenges, and lessons learned from the multi-agency action plan for improving the health of minority communities. The plan, approved by the Board in March 2025, covers themes such as leadership, healthcare access, adult social care, translation services, data, community development, Citizens Advice, and RDASH contributions. The report highlighted progress in governance, initiatives to improve healthcare access, the development of a data dashboard, financial support for minority communities, and RDASH's work on its promises related to improving the health of minority backgrounds. The Board was asked to note the progress and challenges and endorse the recommendations for improving the health of minority populations in Doncaster.