Minutes:
This item was added to the agenda, to enable the views of members of the community to be sought to help develop the Braunstone Park and Rowley Fields Health Strategy.
Christina Broad, the Consultant employed for the launch of the Strategy, introduced herself to the meeting. She explained that nationally the two biggest causes of death were cardio vascular disease and cancer, but the rates of these in Leicester were higher than the national average. Leicester also had higher rates of teenage pregnancy, levels of obesity and smoking than the national average. It therefore was hoped that a “visioning day” could be held, at which various agencies could discuss how to address this situation.
Christina Broad therefore asked those present for their views on various issues. These, and the responses received, were as set out below:-
· What were the key issues affecting the health of residents?
o Access to doctors’ surgeries. (For example, some use an 0844 telephone number and there was a lack of choice of surgery)
o To get an appointment for that day or the next at the Merrydale surgery you had to go there in person. It also was not possible to book appointments very far in advance. (For example, an appointment could not be booked for three weeks’ time)
o When attending a surgery you often did not see your own doctor and there was no consistency in which doctor you saw
o Exercise and access to open space were a key issue. For example, residents could use local allotments or the grounds of the site of the former Riverside College
o Lack of bus services. There were long gaps between buses and people often had a long walk to get to a bus stop
o Poor education of children regarding smoking and eating
· What strategies were in place to help improve the health of residents?
o None
o Two new doctors had been employed at the local surgery
o The creation of the Merrydale health centre
o Having no buses after 5.30 pm meant people had to walk more than they used to
· The Braunstone Park and Rowley Fields Health Strategy aimed to identify positive approaches to good health. What were the barriers to good health in this area?
o Finding out where information could be obtained from and what facilities were available, (for example, for dance classes). They often were not advertised
o Being able to get to the locations used for things such as classes
o Limited leisure facilities for children and adults
o Attitude. Many people just spent their time watching television or using a computer
o Co-ordination between services and data transference. For example, GPs sent reminders that things such as blood tests were needed. When done, hospitals sent the information back to the GPs’ surgery, but the surgery did not appear to record this
o Doctors could recommend active pursuits to people, (for example, having an allotment provided exercise and could be a food supply)
· What were the biggest barriers to a healthy lifestyle?
o There were no facilities such as youth clubs for young people
o Schools had stopped doing sports. Even when they kept their sports fields, they could not be accessed for general use
o There had been no centre / focus for the community since Riverside School had closed. There was a lot of land on the site, but there was no incentive to use it. Community facilities were needed to stimulate activity
o There was a lack of both formal and informal community facilities, such as children’s play areas
o There was a lack of funding for people to run groups, (for example, at the Manor House)
o Volunteers had to go through a long process to be able to help with anything, (for example, police clearances)
· Were the following things issues in Rowley Fields?
o Deprivation, in general? No
o Child poverty? No
o Heart disease / stroke? Yes, as there was an aging population
o Teenage pregnancy? No, as there were not many teenagers in the area
o Lifestyle? This was an issue for the whole population
o Access to healthcare? In general, yes
o Take up of the healthcare on offer? Yes, as it was hard to get appointments
· Did people have a perception that health care had improved in the last 10 years?
o It could not improve, due to the amount of traffic pollution
· What could individuals do to help themselves? And how could they be encouraged to help themselves?
o Community activities
o Being aware of local people, so that any problems could be identified, (for example, checking on neighbours)
Following this discussion, residents asked what action would be taken on this information. In reply, the Chair explained that a “visioning day” would be arranged to discuss this further. A report would then be made back to this meeting and actions established for the six areas of the Ward. This was important, as the parts of the Ward were different to each other and this needed to be reflected in the strategy. Public funding was available to help implement actions and Councillors were keen to ensure that this was used.
Christina Broad then thanked everyone for their participation.
AGREED:
That, following the forthcoming “visioning day”, a further report on the Braunstone Park and Rowley Fields Health Strategy be made to this meeting so that actions can be established for the six areas of the Ward.