The Kingston Partnership Board met on Wednesday 20 March 2024 to discuss the Annual Report of the Director of Public Health, Aging Well in Kingston, and to receive an update on a new vision for Adults and Health. The Board also reviewed the statutory business undertaken by the Health and Wellbeing Board.

Launch of the Annual Report of the Director of Public Health, 2023: Aging Well in Kingston

The Board received an introduction to the 2023 Annual Report of the Director of Public Health, titled Aging Well in Kingston. The report highlights that Kingston is a relatively old borough, with approximately 24,900 residents aged 65 and over. Projections indicate this number could rise to 37,000 within 20 years. A key focus of the report is the importance of maintaining good health for as long as possible to improve quality of life and reduce reliance on health and social care services.

The report notes a concerning trend of decreasing healthy life expectancy at age 65 for men in Kingston since a peak in 2013-2015, although the picture for women is more positive, with some recent improvements. The report also identifies significant health inequalities, with residents in more affluent areas experiencing good health for considerably longer than those in deprived areas. For example, at ages 50-54, around 90% of residents in affluent areas reported good or very good health, compared to 65% in poorer areas. By ages 75, this gap persists, with 70% in affluent areas reporting good health versus 50% in poorer areas.

Several factors contributing to poorer health in older age were discussed, including smoking, with smokers requiring care approximately 10 years earlier than non-smokers. The report also highlights that 57.2% of Kingston adults are overweight or obese, increasing the risk of conditions like diabetes and heart disease. Lack of physical activity and excessive alcohol consumption were also identified as significant issues.

The report outlines a strategy to add life to years by focusing on key risk factors such as smoking, alcohol, diet, and physical activity, particularly in areas of greatest need. It also emphasises encouraging uptake of preventive services like vaccinations and screenings, and supporting people to regain good health after illness or hospital stays. The report stresses that while action in younger adulthood is beneficial, it is never too late to make changes.

Kingston is working towards becoming an Age Friendly borough, guided by recommendations covering the eight domains of Age Friendly Communities. This initiative will involve the Kingston Age Friendly Working Group, partners, and resident Age Friendly Ambassadors in developing a four-year action plan. The report also mentions the Kingston Arch initiative, a partnership with the voluntary sector to provide timely support and guidance to residents. The Connected Kingston platform, launched in 2018, continues to help residents find local services and activities, supported by trained champions and community connectors.

The report also touched upon ethnic disparities in health, noting that national data indicates higher risks for certain ethnic groups, such as South Asians with diabetes, and that targeted services will be offered to these communities. The Board thanked Iona Lidington, the Director of Public Health, for her work, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Update on Statutory Business of the Health and Wellbeing Board

The Board received an update on the statutory business conducted by the Health and Wellbeing Board during 2023/24. This included the approval for publication of the Kingston Safeguarding Adults Board Annual Reports for 2020-2021 and 2021-2022, and the approval and review of the Draft Kingston Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) 2023. The Board also considered the Kingston and Richmond Safeguarding Children Partnership Annual Report 2022-23 and approved the Better Care Fund End of Year Report 22/23, along with Q2 and Q3 reporting templates. Future statutory business will include the refresh of the Health & Care Plan for Kingston and the Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment.

A New Vision for Adults and Health

The Board received an update on the development of a new vision for Adult Social Care and Health. This vision aims to address the significant challenges facing the health and care sector, including increasing demand and reducing resources, while maintaining a commitment to delivering good outcomes and quality services. The vision has been developed through extensive engagement with over 150 staff, the Kingston Place Partnership, the voluntary and community sector, care providers, and residents.

The core of the vision places residents at the centre, focusing on emotional wellbeing through prevention and resilience. The Council commits to listening to and understanding residents to build strengths, reduce inequalities, and increase healthy life expectancy, drawing on its insight into diverse communities. Collaboration with partners is central to creating healthier communities, delivering joined-up care, and preventing, delaying, and reducing the need for care. This partnership approach will also embed innovation and learning, ensuring a financially sustainable and resilient health and care system.

The Board discussed the vision, with comments made regarding the importance of respect for both staff and residents, and the need to ensure diversity and inclusion, particularly in reaching hard-to-reach communities. The Adult Social Care team is preparing for an imminent Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection as part of the new inspection regime for local authorities delivering adult social care.

Public Questions

There were no public questions submitted for this meeting.

Apologies and Declarations of Interest

Apologies were received from Councillors Rowena Bass, James Giles, and Sabah Hamed. It was noted that the Board was not quorate. There were no declarations of interest made by attendees.

Minutes

The minutes of the last formal Kingston Partnership Board meeting held on 7 February 2023 were approved as a correct record.