The Director of Public Health will submit a report (Document “R”) which provides an update to the January 2023 Public Health report on health and wellbeing and focuses on activity to support good Mental Health and Healthy Weight in the Bradford South area.

Recommended –

(1)           That Bradford South Area Committee considers the contents of this report and further information provided at the meeting.

(2)           That Bradford South Area Committee continues to encourage the communities and residents of Bradford South to take up all available and relevant wellbeing offers in order to maximise their health and wellbeing.

Overview and Scrutiny Area: Health and Social Care

(Angela Hutton – 07582 109265)

The report of the Director of Public Health (Document “R”) provided an update to the January 2023 Public Health report on health and wellbeing and focussed on local activity to support and promote good Mental Health and Healthy Weight in the Bradford South area. The report drew attention to health inequalities in Bradford South and highlighted the importance of local organisations to signpost towards early intervention and support. The Senior Public Health Specialist summarised the report and drew attention to the table that contained data with the estimated percentage rate (prevalence) of depression in people aged 18 plus by Ward in the Bradford South constituency.

A Member questioned the data contained within Table 1 that contained data with the estimated (prevalence) of depression in people aged 18 plus by Ward in the Bradford South constituency. The Senior Public Health Specialist was asked particularly about Wibsey and was told that the access to GPs in the ward was poor so people suffering from depression may struggle to get diagnosed and find the correct support. A Member drew attention to various community groups that helped people with depression and told the Senior Public Health Specialist that such groups were well attended and therefore expressed scepticism regarding the data contained within the table. The Committee were informed that it may be a possibility to work with community groups in order to bridge the gap.

The Committee asked about the face-to-face stop smoking clinic at Tong Medical Practice detailed in the report and were advised that the project was currently on pause as there was an opportunity to set up a broader offer.

A Member asked about the Living Well BEEP Service and what was done to follow up on people who took part but did not return for the 12-week consultation. The Senior Public Health Specialist explained that whilst trying to make contact via phone or email was pursued there were limitations in follow up.

The Senior Public Health Specialist was asked if the interventions detailed within the report had impacted on life expectancy. It was explained to the Committee that stark inequalities remained, and it would require a long period of time to measure changes in life expectancy. The Senior Public Health Specialist addressed the adverse impact that poverty and the cost-of-living crisis would have on life expectancy and health inequalities.

A Member asked about vaping and the Senior Public Health Specialist acknowledged that whilst it was an alternative to smoking it was not without health risks particularly due to the prevalence of illicit vapes and the lack of long-term research surrounding the usage of vapes.

Resolved –

(1)           That Bradford South Area Committee considered the contents of Document “R” and the further information provided at the meeting.

(2)           That Bradford South Area Committee continues to encourage the communities and residents of Bradford South to take up all available and relevant wellbeing offers in order to maximise their health and wellbeing.

(3)           That a progress report be submitted in 12 months’ time.

To be actioned by: Director of Public Health

Overview and Scrutiny Area: Health and Social Care

(Angela Hutton – 07582 109265)