Doncaster Metripolitan Council
Councillors:
56
Wards:
22
Committees:
25
Meetings (2025):
88
Meetings (2024):
113
Meeting
Health and Adults Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Panel - Doncaster
Meeting Times
Scheduled Time
Start:
Thursday, 20th March 2025
2:00 PM
Thursday, 20th March 2025
2:00 PM
End:
Thursday, 20th March 2025
6:00 PM
Thursday, 20th March 2025
6:00 PM
Actual Time
Started:
Thursday, 20th March 2025
12:00 AM
Thursday, 20th March 2025
12:00 AM
Finished:
Thursday, 20th March 2025
12:00 AM
Thursday, 20th March 2025
12:00 AM
Meeting Status
Status:
Confirmed
Confirmed
Date:
20 Mar 2025
20 Mar 2025
Location:
Council Chamber, Civic Office, Waterdale, Doncaster DN1 3BU
Council Chamber, Civic Office, Waterdale, Doncaster DN1 3BU
Meeting Attendees
Guest
UNISON
Jim Board
UNISON
Absent
Chair
Councillor Glynis Smith
Present, as expected
Committee Member
Councillor Laura Bluff
Apologies
Committee Member
Councillor Bev Chapman
Absent
Committee Member
Councillor Linda Curran
Present, as expected
Committee Member
Councillor Yetunde Elebuibon
Present, as expected
Committee Member
Councillor Sean Gibbons
Apologies
Committee Member
Councillor Sue Knowles
Present, as expected
Agenda
1
Apologies for Absence
Minutes
Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Sean Gibbons and Councillor Laura Bluff.
2
To consider the extent, if any, to which the public and press are to be excluded from the meeting.
3
Declarations of Interest, if any
Minutes
There were no declarations of interest made.
4
Public Statements
[A period not exceeding 20 minutes for
Statements from up to 5 members of the public on
matters within the Panel’s remit, proposing action(s)
which may be considered or contribute towards the
future development of the Panel’s work programme].
Statements from up to 5 members of the public on
matters within the Panel’s remit, proposing action(s)
which may be considered or contribute towards the
future development of the Panel’s work programme].
Minutes
There were no public statements made.
5
Health Protection Assurance Annual Report for 2024/25
Attachments:
- Document Health Protection Assurance Annual Report 2025 Ver 2 200325 12 Mar 2025
Minutes
The Consultant in Public Health provided an overview of the report focusing on the following key areas of health protection:
A Emergency preparedness, resilience and response;
B Infection prevention and control.
C Air quality.
D Sexual health.
E Substance misuse; and
F Immunisation and screening programme.
The following areas were addressed as part of the discussion.
B. Infection, Prevention and Control
Gloves Off Campaign - It was explained that the ‘Gloves Off’ campaign was launched during the Infection Prevention and Control week in October 2024, with the aim of reducing unnecessary glove use. It was recognised that not all staff wear the necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required in certain situations and others who were using it more than that was needed. Members heard that this campaign originally began in Great Ormond Street in response to gloves that were often being worn too late and hands not being washed properly. It was outlined that an awareness campaign had been rolled out by NHS England with an ambition to continue it on an annual basis involving other organisations to promote best practice. It was noted that it was also about preventing the unnecessary waste of plastic as well as its impact on costs.
It was clarified that Doncaster had commissioned an Infection Prevention Control Service funded by Public Health which began prior to the Covid pandemic and had been retained. It was explained that this service provided the Local Authority with resources and assurances through a small team based in the hospital. It was noted that the team was connected into national networks in respect of what was the best infection prevention control practice and to ensure that training and knowledge reached the wider staff base. It was continued that their skills and knowledge would be used to advise when there were outbreaks in the hospital and other settings.
It was explained that it had been difficult to measure the impact of the campaign as there were so many variables involved when reducing infections (that was already considered part of normal practice). Members heard that hand hygiene was promoted continuously, and it was believed that this was a result of the campaign for more handwashing. It was stated that hand hygiene competence was assessed in both acute and in care home settings with staff taught how to wash their hands using a specific technique. It was continued that hand hygiene compliance measured within the acute trust was at 96% when hand washing was observed. It was noted that PPE audits were undertaken as necessary although in general, there were no concerns.
Infection Outbreaks - Members were informed that the three COVID infection outbreaks and two Norovirus infection outbreaks reported at the Doncaster Royal Infirmary between January and December 2024, were not linked. It was explained that preventative measures had been put in place which included hand hygiene, PPE and doors on bays, all with the aim of minimising the risk towards infection passing from patient to patient. It was noted that it was challenging as there were so many variables in relation to such outbreaks, for example different patient immune systems, how infectious it was and an incubation period of 7 days.
C. Air Quality
A question was raised around air quality monitoring particularly around Doncaster’s City Centre. There was a discussion around Air Quality Monitoring Areas (AQMAs referenced as 1-7b) that included an area covering part of the town centre (part of A630 referred to as Church Way). It was outlined that the Council was required to develop and agree an action plan that covered those areas on an annual basis and submit that to the government Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). It was explained that it described a number of measures to put into those areas of poor air quality, for example, a more environmentally friendly council fleet, cycling and walking strategy, road vents or cleaner taxis. It was clarified that Public Health did not make decisions on any proposal, but it was their role to provide advice and evidence to ensure that all Council decisions had taken account of health and wellbeing impacts.
D, Sexual Health
Home Testing Kits - It was asked what was done to keep home testing kits at an optimum condition to ensure the most effective results. It was recognised that home testing kits had experienced a positive uptake due to their convenience and removing the need to attend appointments. It was explained that there were full instructions provided with the test kit including how to store and return the test to ensure its best quality. It was acknowledged that most testing would have a degree of sensitivity and that no test was 100% accurate.
It was explained that if the test was positive then a referral would be made through the normal sexual health pathways. Members heard that the Sexual Health Service and active contact tracing undertaken would review the sexual health of that person. Regarding false positives, it was explained that it would not necessarily be known if it was a false positive, for example, a finger prick test at home might not get the right amount of blood to be processed.
F. Suicide Prevention
Current Picture - It was reported that during the last 3 years there had been a steady decrease in the number of suspected suicides across Doncaster, although men were still three times more likely to die by suicide. It was noted that women remained the same although there was a concern that women’s death would rise. Members were reminded of the Let’s Talk campaign used in the previous year that had been highly viewed although no longer available due to General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) requirements. It was added that short, animated clips were better for using on social media as they could be reused throughout key dates during the year to target people at risk of suicide, for example, experiencing social isolation or domestic abuse.
Training The Chair spoke about the Zero Suicide Awareness Training which she had found to be a positive experience. It was explained that there was a large programme of training taking place this year which included the following:
· 450 free places available as part of citizen training in Doncaster. It was explained that this training was for residents and volunteers in Doncaster, offering a combination of online and face-to-face training sessions that would teach people the basic skills to give them the confidence to spot the signs and help people seek support.
· 20 places for specialist suicide awareness training for LGBT that would target frontline workers.
· Training planned in Urdu.
· 200 places across South Yorkshire for preventing suicides in Adult Social Care. It was explained that this was a 3-day programme that had been developed by Suicide Prevention Leads and had been delivered online. It was noted that the majority of attendees were from Sheffield and therefore the course was being rolled again to target and raise awareness more in Doncaster.
It was clarified that this training had not been developed for people who were aged 18 years and below. The Panel heard that there were resources in place for children and young people and reference was made to ChilyPep which had received awards at the Local Government Awards. It was advised that there was a new release of an easy read toolkit that an adult can use with a child, or the child or young person can use themselves. It was outlined that the toolkit included ideas around communicating that a loved one has died by suicide and the support that can be provided.
Immunisation and Screening Programmes
Age Limit for Screening Programmes – Clarification was sought on the age limit for cervical and breast screening. The Panel was informed that national screening programmes were developed and decided upon by the UK National Screening Committee (NSC) based on the prevalence of the disease. It was reported that the evidence of when cancer was most likely to happen in an age group and by gender was different for cervical and breast cancer which was constantly reviewed. It was explained that there was usually an option to opt back in if you had concerns.
In regards to why there was no male breast screening as part of the national programme, it was explained that 400 men were diagnosed each year compared with 50000 women. It was suggested that if a male had transitioned to female there was always the option to be referred to Breast Screening through the GP. Members were reminded that evidence was considered across all populations and if an organisation or party believed that there was a case then they would present that through to the UK National Screening Committee. It was noted that for screening programmes, the risk was more prevalent in certain genders and down to that cost benefit analysis and benefit.
“Fixed Appointments” Model - In terms of how the Fixed Appointments Model operated, it was explained that every screening programme worked differently. Members were informed that in line with the service specification, all users were invited to attend for their initial screen between their 51st and 53rd birthdays and would continue on a three yearly cycle from the last screening. It was noted that work was being undertaken with providers to bring the screening closer to the individuals 50th birthday. Concern was raised that 3 years was a big gap, and Members heard that the UK National Screening Committee had made the decision on how frequently the screening should take place. It was recognised that risks were kept as low as possible through screening being undertaken within those three years.
It was stated by the Chair that she felt positive that the DBHFT provided staff support for cervical screening and had seen the Health Van (with the Cervical Screening Service) across Doncaster. In terms of other advertising to promote this service, it was explained that the Health Van had been funded from additional Women’s Health funding. A member of the Well Doncaster Team in a communications/community engagement type role had used short clips with individuals using the service to promote confidence. It continued how those various social media avenues had been used, alongside word of mouth, retweets and being opportunistic.
Avoidable Repeats of Blood Spot Tests - It was also hoped that the improvement of available repeats of blood spot test would continue. In respect of whether Doncaster was at the same level of meeting the standard as others in South Yorkshire, it was noted that Doncaster was not an outlier in the region and work had continued to maintain improvements.
The Chair commented on the Director of Public Health’s recent appearance on the news talking about breast screening.
RESOLVED That the Panel note the achievements, challenges, and mitigations across the breadth of health protection areas in 2024/25, and the priorities and work planned for the forthcoming year.
A Emergency preparedness, resilience and response;
B Infection prevention and control.
C Air quality.
D Sexual health.
E Substance misuse; and
F Immunisation and screening programme.
The following areas were addressed as part of the discussion.
B. Infection, Prevention and Control
Gloves Off Campaign - It was explained that the ‘Gloves Off’ campaign was launched during the Infection Prevention and Control week in October 2024, with the aim of reducing unnecessary glove use. It was recognised that not all staff wear the necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required in certain situations and others who were using it more than that was needed. Members heard that this campaign originally began in Great Ormond Street in response to gloves that were often being worn too late and hands not being washed properly. It was outlined that an awareness campaign had been rolled out by NHS England with an ambition to continue it on an annual basis involving other organisations to promote best practice. It was noted that it was also about preventing the unnecessary waste of plastic as well as its impact on costs.
It was clarified that Doncaster had commissioned an Infection Prevention Control Service funded by Public Health which began prior to the Covid pandemic and had been retained. It was explained that this service provided the Local Authority with resources and assurances through a small team based in the hospital. It was noted that the team was connected into national networks in respect of what was the best infection prevention control practice and to ensure that training and knowledge reached the wider staff base. It was continued that their skills and knowledge would be used to advise when there were outbreaks in the hospital and other settings.
It was explained that it had been difficult to measure the impact of the campaign as there were so many variables involved when reducing infections (that was already considered part of normal practice). Members heard that hand hygiene was promoted continuously, and it was believed that this was a result of the campaign for more handwashing. It was stated that hand hygiene competence was assessed in both acute and in care home settings with staff taught how to wash their hands using a specific technique. It was continued that hand hygiene compliance measured within the acute trust was at 96% when hand washing was observed. It was noted that PPE audits were undertaken as necessary although in general, there were no concerns.
Infection Outbreaks - Members were informed that the three COVID infection outbreaks and two Norovirus infection outbreaks reported at the Doncaster Royal Infirmary between January and December 2024, were not linked. It was explained that preventative measures had been put in place which included hand hygiene, PPE and doors on bays, all with the aim of minimising the risk towards infection passing from patient to patient. It was noted that it was challenging as there were so many variables in relation to such outbreaks, for example different patient immune systems, how infectious it was and an incubation period of 7 days.
C. Air Quality
A question was raised around air quality monitoring particularly around Doncaster’s City Centre. There was a discussion around Air Quality Monitoring Areas (AQMAs referenced as 1-7b) that included an area covering part of the town centre (part of A630 referred to as Church Way). It was outlined that the Council was required to develop and agree an action plan that covered those areas on an annual basis and submit that to the government Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). It was explained that it described a number of measures to put into those areas of poor air quality, for example, a more environmentally friendly council fleet, cycling and walking strategy, road vents or cleaner taxis. It was clarified that Public Health did not make decisions on any proposal, but it was their role to provide advice and evidence to ensure that all Council decisions had taken account of health and wellbeing impacts.
D, Sexual Health
Home Testing Kits - It was asked what was done to keep home testing kits at an optimum condition to ensure the most effective results. It was recognised that home testing kits had experienced a positive uptake due to their convenience and removing the need to attend appointments. It was explained that there were full instructions provided with the test kit including how to store and return the test to ensure its best quality. It was acknowledged that most testing would have a degree of sensitivity and that no test was 100% accurate.
It was explained that if the test was positive then a referral would be made through the normal sexual health pathways. Members heard that the Sexual Health Service and active contact tracing undertaken would review the sexual health of that person. Regarding false positives, it was explained that it would not necessarily be known if it was a false positive, for example, a finger prick test at home might not get the right amount of blood to be processed.
F. Suicide Prevention
Current Picture - It was reported that during the last 3 years there had been a steady decrease in the number of suspected suicides across Doncaster, although men were still three times more likely to die by suicide. It was noted that women remained the same although there was a concern that women’s death would rise. Members were reminded of the Let’s Talk campaign used in the previous year that had been highly viewed although no longer available due to General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) requirements. It was added that short, animated clips were better for using on social media as they could be reused throughout key dates during the year to target people at risk of suicide, for example, experiencing social isolation or domestic abuse.
Training The Chair spoke about the Zero Suicide Awareness Training which she had found to be a positive experience. It was explained that there was a large programme of training taking place this year which included the following:
· 450 free places available as part of citizen training in Doncaster. It was explained that this training was for residents and volunteers in Doncaster, offering a combination of online and face-to-face training sessions that would teach people the basic skills to give them the confidence to spot the signs and help people seek support.
· 20 places for specialist suicide awareness training for LGBT that would target frontline workers.
· Training planned in Urdu.
· 200 places across South Yorkshire for preventing suicides in Adult Social Care. It was explained that this was a 3-day programme that had been developed by Suicide Prevention Leads and had been delivered online. It was noted that the majority of attendees were from Sheffield and therefore the course was being rolled again to target and raise awareness more in Doncaster.
It was clarified that this training had not been developed for people who were aged 18 years and below. The Panel heard that there were resources in place for children and young people and reference was made to ChilyPep which had received awards at the Local Government Awards. It was advised that there was a new release of an easy read toolkit that an adult can use with a child, or the child or young person can use themselves. It was outlined that the toolkit included ideas around communicating that a loved one has died by suicide and the support that can be provided.
Immunisation and Screening Programmes
Age Limit for Screening Programmes – Clarification was sought on the age limit for cervical and breast screening. The Panel was informed that national screening programmes were developed and decided upon by the UK National Screening Committee (NSC) based on the prevalence of the disease. It was reported that the evidence of when cancer was most likely to happen in an age group and by gender was different for cervical and breast cancer which was constantly reviewed. It was explained that there was usually an option to opt back in if you had concerns.
In regards to why there was no male breast screening as part of the national programme, it was explained that 400 men were diagnosed each year compared with 50000 women. It was suggested that if a male had transitioned to female there was always the option to be referred to Breast Screening through the GP. Members were reminded that evidence was considered across all populations and if an organisation or party believed that there was a case then they would present that through to the UK National Screening Committee. It was noted that for screening programmes, the risk was more prevalent in certain genders and down to that cost benefit analysis and benefit.
“Fixed Appointments” Model - In terms of how the Fixed Appointments Model operated, it was explained that every screening programme worked differently. Members were informed that in line with the service specification, all users were invited to attend for their initial screen between their 51st and 53rd birthdays and would continue on a three yearly cycle from the last screening. It was noted that work was being undertaken with providers to bring the screening closer to the individuals 50th birthday. Concern was raised that 3 years was a big gap, and Members heard that the UK National Screening Committee had made the decision on how frequently the screening should take place. It was recognised that risks were kept as low as possible through screening being undertaken within those three years.
It was stated by the Chair that she felt positive that the DBHFT provided staff support for cervical screening and had seen the Health Van (with the Cervical Screening Service) across Doncaster. In terms of other advertising to promote this service, it was explained that the Health Van had been funded from additional Women’s Health funding. A member of the Well Doncaster Team in a communications/community engagement type role had used short clips with individuals using the service to promote confidence. It continued how those various social media avenues had been used, alongside word of mouth, retweets and being opportunistic.
Avoidable Repeats of Blood Spot Tests - It was also hoped that the improvement of available repeats of blood spot test would continue. In respect of whether Doncaster was at the same level of meeting the standard as others in South Yorkshire, it was noted that Doncaster was not an outlier in the region and work had continued to maintain improvements.
The Chair commented on the Director of Public Health’s recent appearance on the news talking about breast screening.
RESOLVED That the Panel note the achievements, challenges, and mitigations across the breadth of health protection areas in 2024/25, and the priorities and work planned for the forthcoming year.
6
Overview and Scrutiny Work Plan and the Council's Forward Plan of Key Decisions
Attachments:
- Document MASTER WORK PLAN FINAL 202425 12 Mar 2025
- Document Forward Plan 12 Mar 2025
Minutes
The Panel gave consideration to the Overview and Scrutiny Work Plan and the Council’s Forward Plan of Key Decisions. The Senior Governance Officer noted that this was the last scheduled meeting.
RESOLVED: that the report, be noted.
RESOLVED: that the report, be noted.
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