Agenda item

a)      Health Issues

Ivan Browne, Public Health Consultant with Leicester City NHS, introduced himself to the meeting.

He advised the meeting that seasonal flu, which occurred every winter, affected approximately 10 – 15% of the population, the majority of whom recovered in about two weeks.  However, in the recent Swine Flu pandemic a lot more people had been affected and the flu experienced was more severe than usual seasonal flu.  More people were hospitalised and a higher mortality rate was experienced during the pandemic.  Those dying as a result of Swine flu had mostly been aged 0 – 44, but largely under 14.  There had been lower hospitalisation and death rates amongst older people.   

Nationally, a pandemic flu telephone line had been established, although initially there had been some criticisms of the way this was run.  The government had prioritised the production of a vaccine, but anti-viral medication also had been produced and anti-viral distribution centres set up.  The public had been encouraged to help reduce the pandemic through adopting good hand and respiratory hygiene practices.

Levels of flu activity in Leicester had been higher than the national average, with Stoneygate Ward being in the epicentre nationally in June 2009.  However, over recent weeks there had been a significant reduction in flu activity internationally and in this Ward.  In view of this, the national flu pandemic telephone line would be stepped down after 11 February 2010.  After that date, anyone who thought they had flu would have to visit their GP.

Ivan Browne also reported that the NHS would be providing a Vascular Risk Assessment for anyone aged between 40 and 74.  This would assess the risk of that person developing conditions such as heart disease or diabetes, or suffering from things such as strokes and encourage people to have a fuller, active lifestyle.  It was anticipated that these checks should be fully established by 2012/13, but some work on them would start immediately.

These had been introduced as there was concern about low life expectancy levels and the contribution made to this by poor diet and lower levels of exercise.  It was estimated that vascular-related illness cost the country approximately £25–28 billion per year.  At present, Leicester was not amongst the areas with the highest rates of death from cardio-vascular disease, but improvements in these rates could be made.

In addition, some people were known to be at higher risk of certain conditions, such as a greater propensity amongst some ethnic minority communities to develop diabetes.  A programme therefore was underway to try to identify those at low, medium and high risk and those who already had developed such conditions. 

Agreement had been reached that GPs would provide the new health checks.  They would ask questions about the patient’s health, test their cholesterol level, take their blood pressure and test for diabetes.  From this, an analysis of that patient’s health would be given to that person and support and treatment would be offered where appropriate.  All participants in the programme would be recalled on a five-year basis to have a check up.

The following points were made during the ensuing discussion:-

·              Many people felt that they were rushed out of GPs’ surgeries.  In reply, Ivan Browne explained that all GPs who signed up to the programme were obliged to take the necessary time to complete the assessment;

·              Facilities such as exercise classes, sport provision, or fresh produce (such as that sold at the City’s market) could be difficult for some people to access;

·              TB was returning to this country.  Had this been seen in this Ward, or Leicester in general?  In reply, Ivan Browne explained that TB rates in Leicester had always been high compared to the national average, partly due to the number of new entrants to the country coming to the City;

·              The NHS needed to be pro-active in helping people to live a healthier lifestyle.  Some parts of Stoneygate Ward were the most deprived nationally.  It therefore could be useful for the NHS to work with Councillors to identify targeted funding for this work; and

·              If people experienced problems at surgeries they were welcome to contact their Ward Member, who would be happy to liaise with the NHS.

In reply, Ivan Brown stressed that work undertaken in an area had to be specific to that particular community.  The NHS therefore tried to work as a facilitator.

The Community Meeting was invited to pass any ideas or concerns about health initiatives to the Ward Members, who would liaise with Ivan Browne on these.

b)     City Warden Service

Rick Harrold, City Warden with Leicester City Council, tabled details of the latest 6-month plan, a copy of which is attached at the end of these minutes for information.

In response to queries, the meeting was advised that:-

·              interviews currently were being held to find additional City Wardens and it was hoped that the new Wardens should start in April 2010;

·              it was known that residents were concerned about green boxes being blown and kicked about in the street, which caused a lot of mess, so green boxes had been included in the scheme to get bins off the street; and

·              a review of waste collection currently was being undertaken by the Council, which it was hoped would be completed by May 2010.  This included a review of the recycling service provided by the Council.

c)         Leicester Market

The Chair advised the meeting that the City Council’s Cabinet had approved an application for a Sunday market to be held at the Walkers Stadium.  However, as there was concern that this would have a serious impact on traders at Leicester Market, some Members had “called in” this decision.  This meant that the decision now would be debated and decided by the whole Council.

d)     Trees

The Ward Members advised the meeting that the Council had to undertake some pruning of trees, but if they were cut right down, Ward Members could be advised.  They then could find out why the tree had been cut down and, if necessary, seek its replacement.