The Staffordshire Health and Wellbeing Board met on Wednesday 10 September 2025 to discuss the review of the Board's structure and operations, and to receive an update on the Better Health Staffordshire programme. The Board agreed to a number of recommendations from the review, including the appointment of a co-chair from the Integrated Care Board and the development of a revised Forward Plan.

Staffordshire Health and Wellbeing Board Review

The Board discussed the findings and recommendations from a review of its own structure and operations. The review, which involved an internal assessment and engagement with the Local Government Association, aimed to clarify the Board's role, improve strategic focus, and enhance evidence-based decision-making. Key recommendations agreed upon by the Board include the appointment of an Integrated Care Board representative as a co-chair, alongside the current Chair, Dr Rachel Gallyot, Interim Chief Medical Officer of the Integrated Care Board. The Board also approved revised Terms of Reference and a Forward Plan for Board meetings, which will focus on prevention, reducing inequalities, and neighbourhood health.

Better Health Staffordshire Programme Update

Tony Bullock provided an update on the Better Health Staffordshire programme, highlighting the significant challenge of excess weight among both children and adults in Staffordshire. The report indicated that 10% of reception-age children and nearly 25% of Year 6 children are overweight, while a concerning 69% of adults in Staffordshire are overweight or obese, a figure higher than the national average. The programme aims to address this through a long-term, partnership-based approach, working with a range of organisations including district and borough councils, third sector groups, and the NHS.

Discussions during this item focused on the complexity of tackling the issue, with speakers noting that there are no quick fixes and that a generational change may be needed. The impact of new weight loss medications like Munjaro was also discussed, with concerns raised about potential inequalities for those who cannot afford private prescriptions and the lack of adequate support for individuals using these medications without professional guidance. The programme's strategy involves encouraging engagement with existing opportunities for healthy eating and exercise, supporting grassroots organisations, and developing information, advice, and guidance. The Board was asked to continue its support for the programme through policy initiatives, plans, and day-to-day support for maintaining partnerships.

Better Care Fund Update

Roseanne Corrin and Heather Rycroft presented an update on the Better Care Fund (BCF). The Board was informed about the allocation of the remaining £1.8 million from the 24-25 ICB discharge fund, with £600,000 designated for health tasks and £1.2 million for mitigating discharge to assessment cost pressures. For the 25-26 plans, a caveated plan was submitted and approved in June, with a key condition being the resolution of an apportionment issue regarding the ICB grant. The council advocates for apportionment based on the adult population, while the ICB believes the current apportionment should remain. NHS England has directed the parties to resolve this issue internally, with the ICB committing to explore options for a population split in the next planning round.

The Board also noted that Cabinet approval had been granted to enter into Section 75 agreements, with the ICB's board due to sign off in October. A contingency budget of £2.8 million has been set aside for 25-26 cost pressures, initially intended for health tasks and NHS funding for health needs assessment, though this may change. A review of BCF schemes and services is ongoing, with Phase 2 focusing on a deeper dive into specific elements to ensure resource utilisation is effective.

Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment

Emma Sambach and Harrison provided an update on the Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA). The draft PNA was published and went out for a 60-day public consultation. Overall, Staffordshire has a good number and choice of pharmaceutical services that largely meet the population's needs, with good coverage of pharmacy-first services. However, some gaps were identified in Sunday availability in specific areas, particularly in Leek. The consultation received 61 responses, with members of the public and pharmacy colleagues highlighting the value of additional services and requesting more variety. The need for better awareness of existing pharmacy-first services was also noted. The consultation findings will be fed back into the PNA.

Concerns were raised about the practicality of pharmacy-first initiatives when access to pharmacies, especially on Sundays, is limited due to issues like lack of transport in areas like Leek. The discussion highlighted the difference between having services available and ensuring contractual services with government funding that enable providers to cover operational costs and maintain opening hours.

Other Items

The Board also noted the Director of Public Health Annual Report 2026, which focused on healthy weight in childhood, and received quarterly data updates for the Health and Wellbeing Board Strategy. The date of the next meeting was confirmed as Wednesday 10 December 2025 at 2pm at the Outram County Building, Stafford. The Board also agreed to exclude the public from the meeting for subsequent items of business that involved the likely disclosure of exempt information.