Report attached.

Contact: Rod Thomson, Director of Public Health, Tel: 01743 258918.

        Rod Thomson, the Director of Public Health introduced and amplified his Annual Health Report 2016/17, attached at Appendix A (copy attached to the signed Minutes) which gave an overview of the health and wellbeing of the population.  The key message was that the population of Shropshire were generally healthier overall however there were areas were more could be done.

        In comparison to other local authorities, Shropshire performed really well with people being generally healthier than other communities with higher average life expectancy.  Areas where improvements could be made include smoking in pregnancy and childhood obesity.

        In response to a query the Director of Public Health confirmed that there was an opportunity for the increased use of technology and he gave an example of an app for pregnant women being used to promote healthy maternity. 

        In response to a query, the Director of Public Health reported that there were small pockets of deprivation within Shropshire highlighted in the report and he explained the actions that were being taken to address this.

        The Chairman congratulated the Director of Public Health on the performance highlighted in the report, and in relation to the increased use of technology, he drew attention to the Tech 7 Conference taking place in July and agreed to send details to Dr Povey, Clinic Chair, Shropshire CCG.

        A brief discussion ensued in relation to levels of homelessness, including the increase in 16 and 17 year olds becoming statutorily homeless.

        In response to a query, the Director of Public Health confirmed that a joint policy on developing data management for public health was being developed and it was hoped to have a discussion on this later in the year.

        RESOLVED: That the contents of the Annual Director of Health Report 2016/17 be noted.