Archived decisions

Contact : Penny Velander Ext 7479, [email protected]

1. Summary and Purpose of Report

1.1. This report contains progress accounts for the two reviews considering health of looked after children and health of school age children.

1.2. Health of looked after children commenced in May and is led by Cllr Mrs Banks

1.3. Health of School age children had a more recent start in October. This review is being led by Cllr Mrs McNair Scott

1.4. The January 2004 meeting of the Health Review Committee will be entirely dedicated to receiving presentations and reports from each of these reviews. After full consideration a decision will need to be made on recommendations and future actions

1.5 The work outlined in this report support Aim 5 of the Corporate Strategy (Improving Services) through the overview and scrutiny of health services in the Hampshire County Council area.

2. Progress in examining health care of looked-after children

2.1. Questionnaire responses have been received from professionals and carers working with looked after children. The results have been collated, analysed and the main findings identified. This information has been drawn together in an `issues report' and a copy sent to each of the respondents. Besides giving feedback to those who have contributed it is hoped that they will have further ideas and suggestions on how the findings of the report can help shape future changes to the service

2.2 The issues report also includes the results of a separate consultation with looked after children which was led by the CAT team

2.3 A very successful stakeholder workshop was held on 24 November at Marwell Hotel. The event brought together key professionals, carers and three young people who are in residential care. After several presentations which `set the scene' participants broke into three task groups to discuss and feedback ideas for future improvements to the service. All feedback will be considered for inclusion in the final report.

3. Progress in examining health of school age children.

3.1. A questionnaire has been sent to each Primary Care Trust requesting information on their involvement with the Healthy Schools scheme and how this work is embedded into their Local Development Plan

3.2. A meeting was held with Ian Piper, Chief Executive of Fareham and Gosport PCT, to discuss the work of the review and establish who the most relevant links are within each PCT. It was recommended that the Directors of Public Health should be the main links. Subsequent meetings have been held with Community Dieticians and Directors of Public Health.

3.3. Further research into current issues has been undertaken for a second briefing paper presented to the review workgroup to consider at it's meeting on 4 December. Additional information was also tabled on School Travel Plans and Out of School Clubs. Glynn Wright, Hampshire Healthy Schools Scheme co-ordinator, made a presentation and answered questions. A suggested improvement plan was discussed and approved but it was noted that an equalities impact assessment would need to be carried out before presentation to the Health Review Committee.

Recommendation

· That the progress of each review workgroup be noted