Contact: Penny Velander, ext 7479, [email protected]

1. Introduction

1.1. This report sets out the findings and recommendations of the first two reviews of services undertaken by the Health Review Committee (the Committee) under the broad thematic heading of `the Health of Our Children and Young People'. The findings and recommendations presented here focus on:

_ The role of health scrutiny (Appendix A)

_ The Health of Children Looked After in Hampshire (Appendix B)

_ The Health of School Age Children in Hampshire (Appendix C)

1.2. Emphasis has been placed on identifying good practice and opportunities for improvement in the delivery of these services. The different agencies involved in providing services and the separate national policy framework underpinning each topic area, required that each working group adopted a flexible approach to the conduct of the review process. This has resulted in the application of different methods to obtain feedback and identify action. The premises supporting this approach are included in the methodology described for each review.

1.3. A common theme has been the real enthusiasm and support from those involved in providing these services to local children. This has enabled the working groups to build their understanding of the issues facing the services and draw out areas where improvement can be made as well as recognising achievements to date. Each report therefore includes a number of recommendations for consideration by the agencies concerned. The response to these will be shared with the Committee at its meeting on the 30 March 2004.

1.4. Reports back on progress with action taken will be included in subsequent reports to the Committee.

2 Summary of the Health of Children Looked After in Hampshire

2.1 This first part of the review reports the findings of the working group for the health of children looked after in Hampshire.

2.2 The working group decided the review scope would focus on the physical, emotional and mental health of children who are looked after, excluding respite care. The key question the review set out to address was `how are children who are looked after able to access health care'.

2.3 From the stakeholder analysis it was apparent that there was a well-established and professional team of staff and carers in Hampshire. However it was also recognised that there was room for improvement to the existing systems especially in light of the recommendations made in the Care Standard Act. The review approach was to target a variety of professional views to identify what changes and improvements could be made to the service. The views of children and young people being cared for were also sought.

2.4 National statistics show that children in care are recognised as being seriously disadvantaged in all walks of life. In addition the `care' life cycle perpetuates patterns of behaviour and expectations.

2.5 The number of children looked after in Hampshire is above the national average and increasing. Disparities in care exist across the county according to local expertise, staffing and facilities

2.6 All professionals are in agreement that communication and transfer of information need to be improved. Mental health issues need to have higher profile and children in care should have priority access to support services.

2.7 Children who are looked after state that the annual health assessment needs to be less stigmatising, they want consistent support from an appropriate adult and more influence over lifestyle advice.

2.8 The review recommendations are based on the issues and solutions that arose from all stakeholder surveys and events

3 Summary of Health of School Age Children

3.1 This second part of the review reports the findings of the working group for the health of school age children in Hampshire.

3.2 The review scope was set through a mapping exercise and focused on diet and physical activity of children aged four to sixteen. The key questions for the review were `how healthy are school age children in Hampshire?' and `how can we improve health levels?'

3.3 Due to a lack of local information the review primarily focused upon national research and findings, supported by interviews with staff within the County Council and Health Service.

3.4 All organisations shared a common concern that, for today's children and young people the combination of low levels of physical activity and unhealthy diets will create a huge demand on the health service in the future.

3.5 Although no overall data is kept which demonstrates children's health levels, pockets of good practice exist across the county that could be built upon and shared.

3.6 The review recommendations advocate a partnership approach by lead agencies to map information, share good practice and promote healthy eating and physical activity in schools

1 Members

1.1 The following members participated on the Health of Children Looked After review team

· Cllr Mrs Banks (Chairman)

· Cllr Beagley

· Cllr Mrs Dickens

· Cllr Mrs McNair Scott

· Cllr Searle

· Cllr Mrs Randall

1.2 The following Members participated on the Health of School Age Children review team

· Cllr Mrs McNair Scott (Chairman)

· Cllr Chapman

· Cllr Mrs Peskett

· Cllr Mrs Randall

· Cllr Mrs West

2 Recommendations for the Health of Children Looked After in Hampshire

1. A top-level multi-agency group is established to co-ordinate, develop, manage and monitor all care and support arrangements for children who are looked after in Hampshire taking into consideration the findings from this review.

2. Establish a health information scheme which will enable children who are looked after to maximise their health and care choices

3. Provide a comprehensive, responsive and supportive multi-agency network of services to support children looked after

4. That key professionals who are responsible for collating and transferring information should design, establish and monitor a transferral system that meets the needs of children, carers and professionals

5. Develop clear guidance and procedures for health assessments and GP practices

6. Establish a training and support network to enable continual professional development and improve communication

7. Maintain an overall involvement and responsibility for review recommendations

3 Recommendations for the Health of School Age Children

1. A top level multi-agency strategy and planning group is established to focus on improving eating habits and physical activity levels for all children and young people across Hampshire

2. Establish baseline information on the health and wellbeing of children and young people across Hampshire

3. Develop a county wide health promotion strategy for healthy eating

4. Develop a county wide health promotion strategy for physical activity

5. Maintain an overall involvement and responsibility for review recommendations

N.B. The list excludes:

1. Published works

2. Documents which disclose exempt or confidential information as defined in the Act.