Agenda item

The Director of Public Health submits a report to provide the Board with a summary of public health work to address undiagnosed hypertension amongst adults in Leicester City, where this work is aligned with other programmes to detect and manage hypertension locally and nationally, and future proposed work.

The Board received a presentation from the Programme Manager for Long Term CoThe Board received a presentation from the Programme Manager for Long Term Conditions. 

It was noted that:

·       Hypertension was identified as the most prevalent cardiovascular condition among Leicester residents and the leading risk factor for cardiovascular-related mortality and morbidity, contributing to higher than average mortality rates in those under 75.

·       There were 50,000 people already diagnosed and on Hypertension registers, but there were an estimated further 24,000 undiagnosed cases.

·       Two factors underpinned the work:

o   High blood pressure was often symptomless and therefore people were less likely to access help.

o   Most risk factors were highly preventable and were in line with other cardiovascular diseases. It was vital to reach people who may be at risk.

·       The most widely used mechanisms were the Community Pharmacy Hypertension Case Finding Model (a blood-pressure checking drop-in service for those aged 40+) and the NHS health check which included a blood-pressure check. Both had excellent uptake rates.

·       A task and finish group had focussed on addressing health inequalities linked to Hypertension development.

·       Data indicated that priority should be given to those aged 40 and over, with slightly higher rates observed in men and Black and Asian populations. Areas most affected geographically were associated with lower uptake of NHS Health Checks and fewer individuals recorded on hypertension registers. It was noted that hypertension risk was strongly linked to deprivation, with Westcotes and Central Leicester being the most affected areas.

·       A Multi-strand approach had been developed utilising expertise across partners in Public Health, Community Wellbeing Champions, Leicestershire Partnership Trust, the ICB, Primary Care Community Pharmacy and the Roving Health unit.

·       Public engagement had taken place through large-scale events, including the Caribbean Carnival, engagement with mosques during Ramadan, and the Annual Public Health Conference. GP registrars had undertaken placements with Public Health.

·       Scoping work with the NHS Health Check Service had focussed on targeting areas of deprivation.

·       A standard operating procedure had been developed to enable non-clinical public health team staff to offer non diagnostic blood pressure checks with signposting to pharmacies, GPs and the NHS Health Check.

·       A Making Every Contact Count conversation provided advice and signposting.

·       Outcomes to date over the first year were as follows:

o   Over 400 blood pressure checks had taken place

o   Approximately 30% were above the normal range.

o   Around 5-10% had not had blood pressure checks before.

·       Working in partnership had been effective and had reached people in isolation.

·       It was noted that the task and finish group was likely to evolve into an ongoing, scaled-up working group. A continued focus on training for the Public Health Team would increase capacity to offer blood pressure checks.

·       There had been a pause on work with the targeted health checks, but this could now be re-visited.

·       A scheme was in its early stages to introduce blood pressure monitors within libraries, with a planned launch in Autumn 2026.

In response to questions and comments from members, it was noted that:

·       There had been growth in working?age adults presenting to emergency care. Further analysis of the data was needed to identify the key drivers.

·       Communities were not accessing available services consistently. There was a need to tackle inequalities and ensure equitable access was recognised.

·       An ICB priority was the transition of individuals from identification into treatment pathways, with robust tracking arrangements.

·       Members suggested looking at ways to increase group work activity. A meeting would be held with MP Jonathan Ashworth and neighbourhood work was of consideration. The ICB would examine its approach to representation and strategic priorities.

·       There were opportunities to consider staff health. LPT was a large employer with many staff living within the city.

·       The Chair noted that the Licensing Team might potentially be able to assist in cases where taxi drivers were reluctant to seek support due to concerns affecting their licence. This was also a possibility with the Council’s School Transport team of drivers.

·       The Chair requested a verbal update from the Programme Manager at the next meeting to include the engagement with licensing and possibly with the Police and Fire Authority.

AGREED:

1.     That the presentation be noted.

2.     For a verbal update to come to the next meeting.

3.     For the Chair to make contact with the Licensing department to discuss support for drivers with Hypertension issues.