Agenda item

The Joint Strategic Needs Assessment of Tobacco Smoking provides a report of the risk factors associated with smoking, impact of tobacco smoking in Leicester, current services, service gaps and recommendations.

Helen Reeve (Senior Intelligence Manager, Public Health, LCC) presented this JSNA on the risk factors associated with smoking, impact of tobacco smoking in Leicester, current services, service gaps and recommendations.

The following points were noted:

•           The latest Health and Wellbeing Survey (carried out in 2018) shows:-

o          Around 17% of men and 9% of women smoke in the City.

o          The highest tobacco smoking prevalence is in men aged 25-44 who are routine/manual workers or long-term unemployed.

o          White and Mixed ethnic groups have higher prevalence.

o          The smoking cohort also has a high prevalence of long-term mental health conditions.

o          The west and south of the city have higher prevalence.

•           The rate of smoking-attributable hospital admissions in Leicester is significantly higher than the national rate (over 2,800 admissions per year). Life lost can be equated to around 2500 years.

•           There has been a decline in smoking rates locally and nationally.

•           Smoking at Time of Delivery (SATOD) has reduced significantly in Leicester in recent years (from 14% to just under 10%) – and is now in line with national levels.

•           In Leicester we are meeting government guidelines for access to cessation support. Services offered are listed in the report and include the Live Well offer, support in hospital settings (Maternity and Acute) and tackling illicit tobacco (via Business Regulation at LCC and HMRC).

•           Tobacco Harm reduction is part of the NHS Long Term Plan.

•           Entrenched smokers are hard to target – and innovative methods of engagement are required to reach these groups and reduce inequalities. In addition, monitoring of niche tobacco products (including e-cigarettes, smokeless tobacco and waterpipe smoking) is an acknowledged service gap.

•           The presenting officer asked that the Board note the unmet needs and service gaps - and provide comment on areas identified for improvement.

Comments and questions from the Board:-

•           The Chair noted that “White Other” has significantly high rates of smoking; if this relates to Eastern European migrants the lessons learnt from Covid indicate this group access health messages less than other communities – and have less religious/community leaders or Champions (and no Radio stations) in the City.

•           The DPH noted that there is Government intention to introduce legislation to make smoking illegal for people born after 2009. If this legislation is brought in it will hopefully bring about a tobacco-free generation. In addition, the current Government have announced funding to double cessation services for the next five years (but this may be dependent on future political party changes).

•           Dr Packham noted that trusted health professionals (particularly GPs) telling patients to stop smoking is a powerful intervention – and urged this to continue.

•           The DPH felt that when national policy, local partnerships and funding comes together there can be a huge impact; this is evident in the significant improvement to SATOD rates in Leicester, and he paid tribute to the staff involved in this.

•           The COO of the ICB noted that chewing tobacco impacts on head/neck cancers – so felt that should be embedded into business cases. The DPH agreed – and noted that there is an Action Plan following an Oral Cancer Needs Assessment (which is being presented to LCC Scrutiny in the near future). The Plan will also be presented - as part of a prestation on “Fluoridation and Oral Health” - at a future Health & Wellbeing Board.

RESOLVED:

•           That the Board thanked the Officer for the presentation and asked them to take Members comments into account.

•           That Members will consider the best methods to get health messages to Eastern European communities.