Doncaster Metripolitan Council
Councillors:
56
Wards:
22
Committees:
25
Meetings (2025):
88
Meetings (2024):
113
Meeting
Health and Wellbeing Board - Doncaster
Meeting Times
Scheduled Time
Start:
Thursday, 13th March 2025
9:00 AM
Thursday, 13th March 2025
9:00 AM
End:
Thursday, 13th March 2025
1:00 PM
Thursday, 13th March 2025
1:00 PM
Actual Time
Started:
Thursday, 13th March 2025
12:00 AM
Thursday, 13th March 2025
12:00 AM
Finished:
Thursday, 13th March 2025
12:00 AM
Thursday, 13th March 2025
12:00 AM
Meeting Status
Status:
Confirmed
Confirmed
Date:
13 Mar 2025
13 Mar 2025
Location:
Council Chamber, Civic Office, Waterdale, Doncaster DN1 3BU
Council Chamber, Civic Office, Waterdale, Doncaster DN1 3BU
Meeting Attendees
Vice-Chair
Executive Place Director - Doncaster
Anthony Fitzgerald
NHS South Yorkshire ICB
Apologies
Co-Optee
Executive Director of Adults, Wellbeing and Culture
Phil Holmes
Executive Director of Adults, Wellbeing & Culture (DASS), Doncaster Council
Present, as expected
Co-Optee
Chief Executive of RDaSH
Toby Lewis
RDaSH
Apologies
Co-Optee
Executive Director of Place
Dan Swaine
Executive Director of Place
Apologies
Co-Optee
Dr Nabeel Alsindi
GP and Place Medical Director, NHS South Yorkshire ICB
Present, as expected
Co-Optee
Chief Operating Officer, Healthwatch Doncaster
Fran Joel
Healthwatch Doncaster
Present, as expected
Co-Optee
Lucy Robertshaw
Health and Social Care Forum
Present, as expected
Co-Optee
Chief Executive
Laura Sherburn
Primary Care, Doncaster
Apologies
Officer
PA to Chief Executive
Pamela John-Lewis
Expected
Public
Group Manager
Nick Abbott
South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue
Present, as expected
Co-Optee
James Woods
Citizens Advice Doncaster
Present, as expected
Co-Optee
Peter Thorp
South Yorkshire Police
Absent
Co-Optee
Toni Illman
Doncaster Culture and Leisure Trust
Present, as expected
Co-Optee
Chris Margrave
Chief Executive, St Leger Homes of Doncaster
Present, as expected
Committee Member
Portfolio Holder for Early Help, Young People and Children's Social Care
Councillor Lani-Mae Ball
Apologies
Committee Member
Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care
Councillor Sarah Smith
Present, as expected
Co-Optee
Director of Public Health
Rachael Leslie
Director of Public Health, City of Doncaster Council
Present, as expected
Co-Optee
Chief Executive of Doncaster and Bassetlaw Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Richard Parker
Chief Executive of Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Apologies
Chair
Portfolio Holder for Public Health, Communities, Leisure and Culture
Councillor Nigel Ball
Present, as expected
Co-Optee
Executive Director of Children, Young People and Families (DCS)
Riana Nelson
Executive Director of Children, Young People & Families (DCS), Doncaster Council
Present, as expected
Agenda
1
Welcome, introductions and apologies for absence
Minutes
Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Lani-Mae Ball, Councillor Glynis Smith, Anthony Fitzgerald, Toby Lewis, Richard Parker, Laura Sherburn and Dan Swaine.
2
Chair's Announcements.
Minutes
There were no Chair’s announcements.
3
To consider the extent, if any, to which the public and press are to be excluded from the meeting.
Minutes
There were no items where the press and public were to be excluded from the meeting.
4
Declarations of Interest, if any.
Minutes
There were no declarations of interest made.
5
Public questions.
(A period not exceeding 15 minutes for questions from members of the public.)
Minutes
Mr Brown, a Doncaster resident explained that he was in attendance once again and this was something he had raised for a number of years, which was about his lived experience of racism in Doncaster. He said that he had been coming here for many years and had seen no change, just the same rhetoric, raising the same issues, talking about 30 yrs of raising legitimate concerns of racism and how that impacts his family, his community and nothing has been done about it. He stated that he went to the last meeting to raise concerns about the BME health needs assessment, the 2 distinct questions that he asked was around the extent of the engagement of people who look like him. He continued that in the report it talks about the Caribbean community, which was not a homogeneous group, and he leads on the Doncaster African Caribbean Support Group, which was one of a number of Caribbean groups in Doncaster. He outlined that he thought that someone would have engaged with them as an entity so that the legitimate concerns that had been raised over a number of years can be addressed. He said that he had contacted Dr Joseph, the Chair and the Vice Chair with no response, passed onto Damian Allen by the Director of Public Health with no response. He asked where he needed to turn, and what did he need to do and who was accountable?
He referred to the people in the room and asked where was the commitment to racism or anti-racism? He asked why he had to come here and be humiliated, year after year after year, when nobody in the room can provide him with an answer to a simple question. He asked since the BME Health assessment process had begun, what improvements had been made?
He stated that he was not the problem, yet he had been placed under a SPOC used to stop people like him from raising concerns. He referred to the former Mayor of Doncaster, Peter Davies sees the injustice of all of this, who wanted to reach out to the Council and had asked what we were doing with this SPOC and been ignored. Mr Brown referred to having a proper process so he could at least articulate what he wanted to say. He felt that it suggested that racism was not taken seriously in Doncaster because the issues raised by him corroborates the matters that have been raised for a number of years that had still not been addressed. Mr Brown continued that since then, there has been a situation whereby our most vulnerable black girls at Hesley Children’s home have been subjected to horrific abuse, and might say what has that got to do with Doncaster Council? He explained that it was only when reading the report that people who cared for those girls, contacted Doncaster Council, the LADO on over 69 separate occasions (reported in the public domain) and that nobody did anything about it. Mr Brown stated that he was a parent and asked how women’s hair could be allowed to be cut and not do anything about it, not come out to the community and say what lessons have been learnt.
Mr Brown stated that he has seen how racism in Doncaster impacts on black people and that his ask was that the H&WB do something about it and engage with those who were interested, and it was unacceptable from Dr Joseph, although not just blaming him, he felt that he was prevented like many of the black people that work for the Council before himself from doing the right thing. Mr Brown stated that he was interested in where the learning was, and if the issues weren’t addressed then there would be a continuation of racism and its impact.
Mr Brown referenced that at full council meeting, 19th September 2024 there was an acknowledgement of racism, on YouTube and questioned how was those issues were being addressed, was not reflected in the Health and Well-being agenda and no one had come out to those who were interested, to say that they were acknowledging the racism, and needed those with lived experience to help them address those issues, but that’s never happened and in that context it was asked how were things ever going to get better in Doncaster. Mr Brown asked those in the room and Members of the Board to maybe take an anti-racism pledge and that he could help them to understand what that might look like and engage with Black Minority Ethnic people who were interested in racism and the impact that that might have on the health and wellbeing.
The Chair thanked Mr Brown for his statement and responded that.
The SPOC process should be followed accordingly by those involved.
Regarding the Hesley investigation, it was noted that it was still an ongoing investigation and therefore not for discussion at the meeting.
Racism exists in wider society and recognises that the development of an anti-racism pledge could be considered.
That Item 7 Action Plan for Improving the Health of Minority Communities in Doncaster would address some of the points made within the public statement.
He referred to the people in the room and asked where was the commitment to racism or anti-racism? He asked why he had to come here and be humiliated, year after year after year, when nobody in the room can provide him with an answer to a simple question. He asked since the BME Health assessment process had begun, what improvements had been made?
He stated that he was not the problem, yet he had been placed under a SPOC used to stop people like him from raising concerns. He referred to the former Mayor of Doncaster, Peter Davies sees the injustice of all of this, who wanted to reach out to the Council and had asked what we were doing with this SPOC and been ignored. Mr Brown referred to having a proper process so he could at least articulate what he wanted to say. He felt that it suggested that racism was not taken seriously in Doncaster because the issues raised by him corroborates the matters that have been raised for a number of years that had still not been addressed. Mr Brown continued that since then, there has been a situation whereby our most vulnerable black girls at Hesley Children’s home have been subjected to horrific abuse, and might say what has that got to do with Doncaster Council? He explained that it was only when reading the report that people who cared for those girls, contacted Doncaster Council, the LADO on over 69 separate occasions (reported in the public domain) and that nobody did anything about it. Mr Brown stated that he was a parent and asked how women’s hair could be allowed to be cut and not do anything about it, not come out to the community and say what lessons have been learnt.
Mr Brown stated that he has seen how racism in Doncaster impacts on black people and that his ask was that the H&WB do something about it and engage with those who were interested, and it was unacceptable from Dr Joseph, although not just blaming him, he felt that he was prevented like many of the black people that work for the Council before himself from doing the right thing. Mr Brown stated that he was interested in where the learning was, and if the issues weren’t addressed then there would be a continuation of racism and its impact.
Mr Brown referenced that at full council meeting, 19th September 2024 there was an acknowledgement of racism, on YouTube and questioned how was those issues were being addressed, was not reflected in the Health and Well-being agenda and no one had come out to those who were interested, to say that they were acknowledging the racism, and needed those with lived experience to help them address those issues, but that’s never happened and in that context it was asked how were things ever going to get better in Doncaster. Mr Brown asked those in the room and Members of the Board to maybe take an anti-racism pledge and that he could help them to understand what that might look like and engage with Black Minority Ethnic people who were interested in racism and the impact that that might have on the health and wellbeing.
The Chair thanked Mr Brown for his statement and responded that.
The SPOC process should be followed accordingly by those involved.
Regarding the Hesley investigation, it was noted that it was still an ongoing investigation and therefore not for discussion at the meeting.
Racism exists in wider society and recognises that the development of an anti-racism pledge could be considered.
That Item 7 Action Plan for Improving the Health of Minority Communities in Doncaster would address some of the points made within the public statement.
6
Minutes of the Health and Wellbeing Board held on Thursday 16th January 2025. (Attached)
Attachments:
- Document Minutes , 16/01/2025 Health and Wellbeing Board 05 Mar 2025
Minutes
RESOLVED that: The minutes of the Health and Well-being Board held on 16th January 2025 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.
7
Action Plan for improving the health of minority communities in Doncaster
Attachments:
- Document 7. Report Cover Sheet HWB MHAP 13.03.25 05 Mar 2025
- Document 7. app Minority Health Action Plan - Overview for HWBB item 13.03.25 05 Mar 2025
- Document 7. app 2 Doncaster Minority Health Action Plan Feb 2025 05 Mar 2025
Minutes
The Director of Public Health introduced this item and explained that previously the Board had reviewed the action plan to improve the health of people from minority backgrounds in Doncaster. It was explained that there were two areas that had been addressed which included the following and covered as part of a presentation.
1. Questions around the context and the process in developing the action plan and outcomes from the previous action plan.
2. Detail and clarification within the action plan including actions assigned to named persons.
Discussion
The Chair sought reassurance that there was a range of organisations represented on the Minority Partnership Board that offered a positive outlook in improving health and that worked well together. Reference was made to the progress and development of the Minority Partnership Board, and it was questioned what the issues were.
The organisations included on the Minority Partnership Board were listed and it was questioned whether there were any other groups who could be involved. It was clarified that in addition to the work that had been done, the dedicated community public health officer would be able to access other community groups as part of an ongoing piece of work. It was explained how this would support a mechanism that would bring those voices to the Minority Partnership Board.
Regarding the development of the Minority Partnership Board, it was explained that there was an intention to use the action plan as the focus of its work, and for the Board to receive updates through those identified in the action plan on a quarterly basis. It was outlined that the group had been meeting since Covid, at a time of day designed to maximise attendance. It was noted that the values of the group included the need to respect each other as well as honesty. It was commented that engagement with groups should be undertaken proportionally.
In terms of communication, it was questioned whether feedback had been provided back to the groups that had been engaged with. It was responded that when the first health assessment was undertaken, it had been agreed to make the community representative part of the steering group in order to facilitate that. It was stated that community engagement would be continued, and feedback would be provided on what was being undertaken to help identify further improvements.
The Executive Director of Adults Wellbeing and Culture thanked officers for taking on feedback regarding adult social care. It was noted that there was now a Service Director leading the work of adult social care in the plan which significantly strengthened the work. It was noted that the plan should not be viewed as the limit in terms of what was being done around anti-discrimination within health and care in Doncaster. It was noted that from an adult social care perspective, the Local Account had been signed off by Cabinet in January 2025. It was explained that the Local Account included a commitment to cultural competence and a specific commitment to anti-discrimination practice. It was continued that Cabinet had also signed off 4 areas to focus on this year that included equality, diversity and inclusion which were all fundamental to adult social care practice.
1. Understanding more the people that we support and our diverse workforce.
2. Commitment to trauma informed support.
3. Creating deliberate spaces for people to connect with each other and build that humility and trust.
4. To continue to support the diversity networks in the Council in bringing people with protected characteristics together to provide support and influence policy.
In terms of communicating the work undertaken within communities, the Director of Public Health noted that this was an area that could be strengthened further. Reference was made to a potential HDRC research and collaboration role being undertaken. An example was used of a Muslim wellness conference and what could be achieved through developing a toolkit approach and improving the learning of what was recorded through that.
It was stated that since the first Health Needs Assessment, the Minority Partnership Board was meeting regularly then more frequently since Covid. It was stated that much effort had been put into improving and protecting the health of minority groups. It had been recognised by colleagues within the health system as a commendable piece of work. It was felt that the work needed building on through a process of continuous improvement and by sharing it across the region. It was noted that positive things had been seen in Doncaster and now it was about taking that forward and making sure that all the elements were connecting with one another. Reference was made to a group established as an anti-racism alliance involving all major organisations in Doncaster which had undertaken three pledges around training on the racism agenda, how we communicate those messages and recruitment.
The Chair acknowledged this as a very pertinent issue, noted the positive work being undertaken and requested a progress update in 6 months’ time.
RESOLVED: That the Committee endorse the action plan for improving the health of minority population in Doncaster.
1. Questions around the context and the process in developing the action plan and outcomes from the previous action plan.
2. Detail and clarification within the action plan including actions assigned to named persons.
Discussion
The Chair sought reassurance that there was a range of organisations represented on the Minority Partnership Board that offered a positive outlook in improving health and that worked well together. Reference was made to the progress and development of the Minority Partnership Board, and it was questioned what the issues were.
The organisations included on the Minority Partnership Board were listed and it was questioned whether there were any other groups who could be involved. It was clarified that in addition to the work that had been done, the dedicated community public health officer would be able to access other community groups as part of an ongoing piece of work. It was explained how this would support a mechanism that would bring those voices to the Minority Partnership Board.
Regarding the development of the Minority Partnership Board, it was explained that there was an intention to use the action plan as the focus of its work, and for the Board to receive updates through those identified in the action plan on a quarterly basis. It was outlined that the group had been meeting since Covid, at a time of day designed to maximise attendance. It was noted that the values of the group included the need to respect each other as well as honesty. It was commented that engagement with groups should be undertaken proportionally.
In terms of communication, it was questioned whether feedback had been provided back to the groups that had been engaged with. It was responded that when the first health assessment was undertaken, it had been agreed to make the community representative part of the steering group in order to facilitate that. It was stated that community engagement would be continued, and feedback would be provided on what was being undertaken to help identify further improvements.
The Executive Director of Adults Wellbeing and Culture thanked officers for taking on feedback regarding adult social care. It was noted that there was now a Service Director leading the work of adult social care in the plan which significantly strengthened the work. It was noted that the plan should not be viewed as the limit in terms of what was being done around anti-discrimination within health and care in Doncaster. It was noted that from an adult social care perspective, the Local Account had been signed off by Cabinet in January 2025. It was explained that the Local Account included a commitment to cultural competence and a specific commitment to anti-discrimination practice. It was continued that Cabinet had also signed off 4 areas to focus on this year that included equality, diversity and inclusion which were all fundamental to adult social care practice.
1. Understanding more the people that we support and our diverse workforce.
2. Commitment to trauma informed support.
3. Creating deliberate spaces for people to connect with each other and build that humility and trust.
4. To continue to support the diversity networks in the Council in bringing people with protected characteristics together to provide support and influence policy.
In terms of communicating the work undertaken within communities, the Director of Public Health noted that this was an area that could be strengthened further. Reference was made to a potential HDRC research and collaboration role being undertaken. An example was used of a Muslim wellness conference and what could be achieved through developing a toolkit approach and improving the learning of what was recorded through that.
It was stated that since the first Health Needs Assessment, the Minority Partnership Board was meeting regularly then more frequently since Covid. It was stated that much effort had been put into improving and protecting the health of minority groups. It had been recognised by colleagues within the health system as a commendable piece of work. It was felt that the work needed building on through a process of continuous improvement and by sharing it across the region. It was noted that positive things had been seen in Doncaster and now it was about taking that forward and making sure that all the elements were connecting with one another. Reference was made to a group established as an anti-racism alliance involving all major organisations in Doncaster which had undertaken three pledges around training on the racism agenda, how we communicate those messages and recruitment.
The Chair acknowledged this as a very pertinent issue, noted the positive work being undertaken and requested a progress update in 6 months’ time.
RESOLVED: That the Committee endorse the action plan for improving the health of minority population in Doncaster.
8
Working in partnership
Attachments:
- Document 8. working in partnership Cover Sheet HWBB SY ICP and DHWB 130325 05 Mar 2025
- Document 8. working in partnership SY ICP Strategy DHWB 13.03.25 05 Mar 2025
Minutes
The Chair informed the Board that due to unforeseen circumstances, Gavin Boyle, Chief Executive of NHS South Yorkshire was unable to attend the meeting of the Health and Wellbeing Board to present the Working in Partnership Report.
RESOLVED: That the Board is asked to note the report and ask Gavin Boyle, Chief Executive of NHS South Yorkshire to a return to a future meeting to provide the report.
RESOLVED: That the Board is asked to note the report and ask Gavin Boyle, Chief Executive of NHS South Yorkshire to a return to a future meeting to provide the report.
9
Health and Well-being Board Terms of Reference
Attachments:
- Document 9. Report Cover Sheet HWB TOR 13.03.25 05 Mar 2025
- Document 9. app HWB TOR Draft v2 13.03.25 05 Mar 2025
Minutes
The Board was advised that the Terms of Reference for Doncaster's Health and Wellbeing Board had been reviewed in readiness for its approval at Annual Council in May 2025. It was explained that the Terms of Reference had been updated to reflect the new Health and Wellbeing Strategy for Doncaster and the ways of working articulated in the strategy. It was outlined that the Terms of Reference included the following.
· The wider determinants of health and building blocks for good health as described in the new Health and Wellbeing Strategy.
· The statutory responsibilities that the Health and Wellbeing Board need to undertake.
· The membership of the board (and associated statutory responsibilities membership) and locally determined members that can be chosen subject to the local context.
RESOLVED: That the Board review and endorse the revised Terms of Reference for approval at Full Council.
· The wider determinants of health and building blocks for good health as described in the new Health and Wellbeing Strategy.
· The statutory responsibilities that the Health and Wellbeing Board need to undertake.
· The membership of the board (and associated statutory responsibilities membership) and locally determined members that can be chosen subject to the local context.
RESOLVED: That the Board review and endorse the revised Terms of Reference for approval at Full Council.
10
Director of Public Health Annual Report
Attachments:
- Document 10. Report Cover Sheet HWB DPH annual report 13.03.25 05 Mar 2025
- Document 10. DPH Annual Report 05 Mar 2025
Minutes
It was reported that Directors of Public Health in England had a statutory duty to produce an independent annual report on the health of the population each year. It was noted that in Doncaster, the report had been presented at Council in January 2025. It was explained that this year's report aligned with the "Creating Healthy Places to Live, Grow, and Play" priority within Doncaster's new Health and Wellbeing Strategy. It highlighted the significance of the structural determinants of health, which were the focal point of the Health and Wellbeing Board's efforts. Additionally, the report detailed the work of Doncaster's Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC), a brief overview was provided on the background of the HDRC and the positive work that had been undertaken shown within the annual report.
The Chair provided thanks the Public Health team and in particular to Susan Hampshaw in Public Health for the work undertaken on the HRDC.
Councillor Sarah Smith referred to the positive work embedding this research culture into the workforce and Council as a whole, for example, seeing how the researchers worked with community members and being able to bring methods that really connect people in place.
The Director of Public Health referred to staff retention highlighted within the report recommendation.
A member of the Board raised ketamine bladder as a potential subject for research.
RESOLVED: That the Board note the Director of Public Health report 2024.
The Chair provided thanks the Public Health team and in particular to Susan Hampshaw in Public Health for the work undertaken on the HRDC.
Councillor Sarah Smith referred to the positive work embedding this research culture into the workforce and Council as a whole, for example, seeing how the researchers worked with community members and being able to bring methods that really connect people in place.
The Director of Public Health referred to staff retention highlighted within the report recommendation.
A member of the Board raised ketamine bladder as a potential subject for research.
RESOLVED: That the Board note the Director of Public Health report 2024.
11
Health Protection Annual Report 2024/25
Attachments:
- Document 11. Report Cover Sheet HWB_ Health Protection Annual Report 2025 05 Mar 2025
- Document 11. app 1 Health Protection Assurance Annual Report 2025 v2 05 Mar 2025
- Document 11. app 2 Health Protection Annual Report 2025 Slides HWBB 13.03.25 05 Mar 2025
Minutes
The Board received the Annual Health Protection Assurance Report for Doncaster produced by the Health Protection Assurance Group, covering the financial year 2024/25 prior to it going to the Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Panel. Members were informed that over the past year, a great deal of work had been undertaken by various partner agencies to protect the health of Doncaster residents within the scope of the following key highlights.
1. Doncaster Community Wide Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Service.
2. MMR and Pertussis.
3. Breast Screening.
4. Sexual Health Services
Discussion
Concern was raised around preventative work particularly around MMR and whether that was going to improve.
The Chair also raised concerns that the uptake for breast screening in Doncaster was at 66.8% whereby 70% target was deemed as “acceptable”. Similarly, it was noted that the uptake for cervical screening in Doncaster was at 71% when the target was 80%. These were acknowledged as particular issues when ‘Improving Women’s Health’ was a priority within the Health and Wellbeing Strategy. Regarding the breast screening campaign, it was felt that further work was needed, particularly for the most impoverished deprived communities where a greater focus was required.
The Director of Public Health reminded members how the role of the Local Authority was one of assurance, making sure that the systems were in place and to challenge where appropriate. It was shared that there was a small amount of funding available for women’s health hubs and health vans that provided screening and had been very successful. Regarding vaccinations, it was acknowledged that there were certain individuals that benefitted from having a discussion with the clinician, and that there would always be a small group of people who did not want the vaccination. It was noted that cases of measles had occurred last year and responded to quickly. Other areas referred to include a commissioned prevention and control service which had been stepped up during Covid and retained whilst keeping a focus on the prevention element.
In terms of women’s health, it was commented that a community response was needed as well as a health response. It was felt that community organisations were well placed to provide support to women to their appointments and that the Voluntary Community Sector should be considered as part of these campaigns.
It was noted that Councillor Nigel Ball and Councillor Sarah Smith had maintained an active interest in the uptake of breast screening and cervical screening over a period of approximately 2 years. It was commented that the situation appeared to be getting worse rather than improving and that a significant level of people was not coming forward to undertake their screening. Reference was made to work undertaken with a local food bank, using the Well Doncaster cancer communication fund which had managed to reach 12 people who had not been screened for some time, through bringing in a fun element that helped build trust. Councillor Smith expressed an interest in learning more about different ethnic groups as data indicated that those living in more deprived communities, showed up at a later stage with more advanced stage of a disease and therefore facing more challenges and experiencing poorer outcomes. It was felt that this needed to be made a greater priority that should return to the Health and Wellbeing Board.
Issues were also raised around Hepatitis A, whereby residents needing a Hepatitis A vaccination for foreign travel was not being provided by their GP. It was also commented how in terms of breakouts of hospital acquired flu and covid there was no reference to issues around airflow and the use of filters. It was felt that when there was a high rate of infection that masks should be worn by staff.
Dr Nabeel Alsindi shared that as a Women and Children Sponsor, he would take earlier points regarding breast screening appointments to a sponsor session. It was asked whether it was known why take-up was low and felt that this should be looked into further through appropriate engagement as discussed earlier in the meeting.
It was explained that a GP contract for 2025/26 had been agreed for the first time in 4 years with changes regarding vaccinations for children. It was reported that payment would be provided to GPs and therefore provide an increased incentive. It was explained that there would be a fundamental change in when some of the vaccinations were given and also that there would be varicella chicken pox vaccination for first time. It was outlined that there was an opportunity to carry out some partnership work with GP practices to support them to hit the targets where possible.
Reference was made to a health inclusion event around A&E and vulnerable groups, including sex workers. It was noted that communication had come out of GP practices regarding a syphilis outbreak but there had been no update provided. The Director of Public Health responded that Doncaster continued to have a high number of syphilis cases and would like to bring a new approach to look at it across a wider population. It was explained that there had been challenges over the last 18 months that had included a shortage and availability of GUM Sexual Health Consultants. It was continued that now there was a more settled Sexual Health service, an intention for a campaign around syphilis and that testing, contact tracing and communications would be continued.
Assurances were provided around the areas of focus taking place from a cancer perspective, for example, a South Yorkshire wide strategy known as “Shows Up” to Cancer, that worked with employers from Doncaster and promoted awareness of different cancers. In terms of timely presentations, it was explained that some great work had been achieved at a community level through volunteering sector organisations with a small amount of funding which helped individuals to recognise signs and symptoms and by supporting them through to screening.
The Chair noted how information, advice and guidance was often best provided as part of everyday conversations at a community level. It was recognised that in addition to the work being undertaken by the NHS, there was pre-emptive work that could be undertaken within the community to enable the individual to develop a greater confidence. Also, it was felt that there was a need for more innovative work to be undertaken, particularly within community settings working more closely with GP practices which would be explored further.
Regarding MMR, it was explained that there was a need to get the data right because without the correct denominator the right figure would not be achieved. As an example, children on the list may not be in the GP practice but also could not be removed from the denominator due to certain reasons which may affect the uptake.
RESOLVED: That the Board endorse the Health Protection Annual Report 2024/25 for Doncaster.
1. Doncaster Community Wide Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Service.
2. MMR and Pertussis.
3. Breast Screening.
4. Sexual Health Services
Discussion
Concern was raised around preventative work particularly around MMR and whether that was going to improve.
The Chair also raised concerns that the uptake for breast screening in Doncaster was at 66.8% whereby 70% target was deemed as “acceptable”. Similarly, it was noted that the uptake for cervical screening in Doncaster was at 71% when the target was 80%. These were acknowledged as particular issues when ‘Improving Women’s Health’ was a priority within the Health and Wellbeing Strategy. Regarding the breast screening campaign, it was felt that further work was needed, particularly for the most impoverished deprived communities where a greater focus was required.
The Director of Public Health reminded members how the role of the Local Authority was one of assurance, making sure that the systems were in place and to challenge where appropriate. It was shared that there was a small amount of funding available for women’s health hubs and health vans that provided screening and had been very successful. Regarding vaccinations, it was acknowledged that there were certain individuals that benefitted from having a discussion with the clinician, and that there would always be a small group of people who did not want the vaccination. It was noted that cases of measles had occurred last year and responded to quickly. Other areas referred to include a commissioned prevention and control service which had been stepped up during Covid and retained whilst keeping a focus on the prevention element.
In terms of women’s health, it was commented that a community response was needed as well as a health response. It was felt that community organisations were well placed to provide support to women to their appointments and that the Voluntary Community Sector should be considered as part of these campaigns.
It was noted that Councillor Nigel Ball and Councillor Sarah Smith had maintained an active interest in the uptake of breast screening and cervical screening over a period of approximately 2 years. It was commented that the situation appeared to be getting worse rather than improving and that a significant level of people was not coming forward to undertake their screening. Reference was made to work undertaken with a local food bank, using the Well Doncaster cancer communication fund which had managed to reach 12 people who had not been screened for some time, through bringing in a fun element that helped build trust. Councillor Smith expressed an interest in learning more about different ethnic groups as data indicated that those living in more deprived communities, showed up at a later stage with more advanced stage of a disease and therefore facing more challenges and experiencing poorer outcomes. It was felt that this needed to be made a greater priority that should return to the Health and Wellbeing Board.
Issues were also raised around Hepatitis A, whereby residents needing a Hepatitis A vaccination for foreign travel was not being provided by their GP. It was also commented how in terms of breakouts of hospital acquired flu and covid there was no reference to issues around airflow and the use of filters. It was felt that when there was a high rate of infection that masks should be worn by staff.
Dr Nabeel Alsindi shared that as a Women and Children Sponsor, he would take earlier points regarding breast screening appointments to a sponsor session. It was asked whether it was known why take-up was low and felt that this should be looked into further through appropriate engagement as discussed earlier in the meeting.
It was explained that a GP contract for 2025/26 had been agreed for the first time in 4 years with changes regarding vaccinations for children. It was reported that payment would be provided to GPs and therefore provide an increased incentive. It was explained that there would be a fundamental change in when some of the vaccinations were given and also that there would be varicella chicken pox vaccination for first time. It was outlined that there was an opportunity to carry out some partnership work with GP practices to support them to hit the targets where possible.
Reference was made to a health inclusion event around A&E and vulnerable groups, including sex workers. It was noted that communication had come out of GP practices regarding a syphilis outbreak but there had been no update provided. The Director of Public Health responded that Doncaster continued to have a high number of syphilis cases and would like to bring a new approach to look at it across a wider population. It was explained that there had been challenges over the last 18 months that had included a shortage and availability of GUM Sexual Health Consultants. It was continued that now there was a more settled Sexual Health service, an intention for a campaign around syphilis and that testing, contact tracing and communications would be continued.
Assurances were provided around the areas of focus taking place from a cancer perspective, for example, a South Yorkshire wide strategy known as “Shows Up” to Cancer, that worked with employers from Doncaster and promoted awareness of different cancers. In terms of timely presentations, it was explained that some great work had been achieved at a community level through volunteering sector organisations with a small amount of funding which helped individuals to recognise signs and symptoms and by supporting them through to screening.
The Chair noted how information, advice and guidance was often best provided as part of everyday conversations at a community level. It was recognised that in addition to the work being undertaken by the NHS, there was pre-emptive work that could be undertaken within the community to enable the individual to develop a greater confidence. Also, it was felt that there was a need for more innovative work to be undertaken, particularly within community settings working more closely with GP practices which would be explored further.
Regarding MMR, it was explained that there was a need to get the data right because without the correct denominator the right figure would not be achieved. As an example, children on the list may not be in the GP practice but also could not be removed from the denominator due to certain reasons which may affect the uptake.
RESOLVED: That the Board endorse the Health Protection Annual Report 2024/25 for Doncaster.
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