Agenda item

To consider the Annual Report of the Director of Public Health 2017/18 which describes what lies behind a fall in life expectancy for women and a static position for male life expectancy.

(Report attached)

Dr Ian Cameron presented his report – the Annual Report of the Director of Public Health – highlighting the key issues for Leeds as being infant mortality, alcohol related mortality, female alcohol related mortality, male drug related deaths and specifically in older heroin users, male suicides and self-harm by young women.

Dr Cameron also sought to ensure that the work of the Leeds Health and Wellbeing Board fed into the 12 Big Ideas contained in Leeds Inclusive Growth Strategy. In respect of specific statistics and issues contained in the Annual Report, the Board considered the following:

Chronic Vascular Disease (CVD) – In response to a query over what was being done to address CVD as the statistics showed Leeds to record a quarter more incidences than the national average, Dr Cameron provided assurance that Leeds had made improvements during the last 10 years, the gap had narrowed between the most deprived and the most well-off leading to some health improvements

Dental health and tooth decay – Dr Cameron reported that an Oral Health Strategy had been presented to Scrutiny Board (Adults, Health and Active Lifestyles), with work planned to review and compare Leeds results with other authorities – the findings to be reported to the Chair in the first instance with a view to reporting to the Board in the future

Cancer statistics – The lack of improvement in cancer was noted, along with the report that as national definitions were changing, it was not yet possible to undertake comparative work with other authorities

Suicide rates – It was noted that some initiatives were being undertaken, but their success on a local level had yet to be measured. Every suicide where the person was known to service providers triggered an investigation; however, the numbers involved were too low to undertake a meaningful assessment of whether enough was being done to support those prior to taking their own lives. The Board also noted comments that there were lots of factors to each individual suicide. Looking ahead to the proposed July 2019 workshop (Held jointly with the Health and Wellbeing Board and the Children and Families Trust Board), consideration of the effect of parental suicide, parental health and choices on the children of the family was noted as a theme for discussion.

The Board also noted that the report sought support from members and partners to further reflect on gender differences in health within the services and monitoring arrangements provided by their individual organisations, having regard to the findings of the Annual Report.

RESOLVED –

a)  To note the content of the Annual Report of the Director of Public Health and support the recommendations on infant mortality, alcohol related mortality, female alcohol related mortality, male drug related deaths, suicides in men; and self-harm by young women.

b)  To request that Public Health consider the findings of the Public Health England national review into life expectancy and report back to the Board on any implications for Leeds.

c)  To seek to ensure that gender differences in health, experiences and outcomes are incorporated into the forthcoming Joint Strategic Assessment and the subsequent recommendations

d)  To consider how Board member organisations currently reflect gender differences in health in their services and what further actions are needed in relation to the Director of Public Health report.

e)  To consider how Board member organisations currently reflect gender differences in health in their monitoring arrangements and what further actions are needed in relation to the Director of Public Health report.