The Health and Wellbeing Board met on Thursday 18 January 2024 to discuss a range of important public health matters. Key decisions included the approval of the Better Care Fund quarterly review and noting the demand and capacity plans for intermediate care. The Board also reviewed annual reports on child death overviews, safeguarding children, and the Combatting Drugs Partnership, alongside updates on the SEND Futures Plan and the South West London Mental Health Strategy.

Better Care Fund

The Board approved the Better Care Fund (BCF) quarterly review for Quarter 2 of 2023-24. The BCF is a government initiative aimed at integrating health and social care services. The report confirmed that the national conditions for the BCF have been met. The Board also noted the refreshed intermediate care demand and capacity plans for November 2023 to March 2024. While most metrics for the BCF are on track, the discharge to normal place of residence metric is not currently on track to meet its target. Issues with equipment availability for patient discharge were discussed, with the Council and NHS England monitoring the situation. The income received from the Discharge Fund element of the BCF for Richmond was noted as low compared to other boroughs.

Richmond Child Death Overview Panel Annual Report

The Board received the annual report from the South West London Child Death Overview Panel (CDOP), which summarises operational activity, statistical data, and commentary on child deaths across Croydon, Kingston, Richmond upon Thames, Merton, Sutton, and Wandsworth. Lorraine Beckford, who introduced the report, highlighted that while Richmond's statistics were similar to other London boroughs, there were significantly higher numbers of self-harm incidents and a high child population. The report indicated an increase in domestic violence, parental mental health concerns, and physical chronic conditions among reviewed cases. Ian Dodds, Director of Children's Services, requested that future CDOP annual reports include borough-specific data and commentary for Richmond, as the combined South West London report was too generic and skewed by larger boroughs. Lorraine Beckford agreed to take this request forward.

Combatting Drugs Partnership

An update was provided on the work of the Richmond and Wandsworth Combatting Drugs Partnership (CDP), which was established in September 2022 following the government's 'From Harm to Hope: a Ten Year Drug Strategy'. The partnership has developed a strategic delivery plan, now being implemented by four subgroups. The Board noted the progress of the CDP and was asked to offer advice on filling remaining gaps in representation, particularly from Primary Care. The Board welcomed the idea of an annual report from the Combatting Drugs team.

South West London Mental Health Strategy

Jen Allen presented an update on the South West London Mental Health Strategy, a collaborative effort involving system partners and service users. The strategy aims to address population mental health needs across South West London, with a focus on prevention, early support, equity of access, and improved workforce models. Key challenges identified include increased service demand, workforce recruitment and retention issues, and lower NHS financial spend on mental health in the region compared to other areas. The strategy has a five-year lifespan, with a focus for 2023-2024 on improving services for children and young people and embedding community transformation for adults with serious mental health conditions. The Board noted and supported the strategy, agreeing to align local Richmond place plans with its objectives.

SEND Futures Six Month Update

Ashley Whittaker provided an update on Richmond's SEND Futures Plan, which aims to improve outcomes for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and enhance the financial sustainability of the SEND system. The report highlighted a positive Ofsted and CQC inspection, meaning the next full inspection will be in approximately five years. Three areas for improvement were identified: reducing waits for autism or ADHD diagnoses, ensuring all expectant parents receive an antenatal health visitor contact, and improving the quality of information in Education, Health, and Care (EHC) plans. The draft updated SEND Futures Plan, which incorporates learning from the inspection and the 'Safety Valve' Agreement, was presented for feedback. The Board congratulated Ashley Whittaker on the achievements and the positive inspection outcome.

Kingston and Richmond Safeguarding Children Partnership Annual Report 2022/23

Ian Dodds and Daksha Mistry introduced the annual report of the Kingston and Richmond Safeguarding Children Partnership (KRSCP). The report, co-produced with young people, outlines the partnership's work towards its strategic objectives, including addressing parental vulnerabilities, supporting children's mental health, ensuring safety outside the home, and improving the identification and support for children experiencing abuse. The partnership has identified four local priorities for 2022-2024: Contextual Safeguarding, Child Sexual Abuse, Mental Health, and Parental Vulnerabilities-Early Help, alongside Disproportionality, diversity and anti-racism. Two new priorities for the coming year are neglect and implementing changes in statutory guidance. The Board noted the report and considered areas where it could contribute to the safeguarding children agenda.

Social Prescribing Seminar Feedback

Lynn Wild presented feedback from a seminar on social prescribing held in November 2023. The seminar acknowledged the benefits of social prescribers and the voluntary and community sector in supporting residents and the wider health and care system. Areas for further development were identified, including the need for more consistent investment in the programme across all Primary Care Networks (PCNs), increased capacity in areas of high demand, more rigorous evaluation of the service's impact, and more stable, long-term funding for voluntary and community sector providers. The Board noted the report and recommendations, which included hosting networking events, raising awareness of social prescribing, and lobbying for sustainable funding models.

Programme of Future Meetings

Lynn Wild outlined the Health and Wellbeing Board's work programme, detailing planned meetings and seminars for the upcoming year. The Board noted the work programme.