Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillor Bernadette Parkinson and Councillor Dad (Portfolio Holder for Health and Communities) and Dave Parkins (Co-optee).

Councillor Dawson acted as substitute representative for Councillor Bernadette Parkinson.

There were no declarations of interest or dispensations.

To submit the minutes of the Communities and Wellbeing Overview and Scrutiny Committee for the meeting held on 28^th October 2016 for approval.

The Minutes of the Communities and Wellbeing Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 13^th December 2015 be submitted for approval as a correct record.

Recommended        -             That the Minutes be received and approved as a                                      correct record.

Matthew Stanton, Public Health Practitioner to provide a presentation on infant mortality in Hyndburn. 

Matthew Stanton, Public Health Practitioner, provided a presentation on infant mortality in Hyndburn. 

He referred to:

·      project work on infant mortality which had been centred in Preston from which keys facts had been established.

·      how infant mortality was recorded and calculated

·      and gave a definition of infant mortality (deaths of infants before their first birthday). 

·      data taken during different time periods of infant deaths

·      factors given consideration which related to neighbourhoods and communities. 

·      the calculation of infant deaths as a proportion of the number of live births in the same population during the same period of time (usually a year).

·      districts such as Burnley, Pendle, Blackburn and Chorley which had worse than average rates of death but pointed out that the numbers were so small that they had to be measured over a 3 year period.   

Data was provided on the number of infant deaths in Hyndburn over a 10 year period, the inclusion and effect of deprivation and the correlation between infant mortality and deprivation.

It was pointed out that two wards showed a significantly higher rate of infant mortality, Central ward and the Altham ward.  In respect of Central Ward there was a high rate of infant mortality but also a high birth rate in a high density ward.  In respect of the Altham ward it revealed there was a high rate of infant death but a low birth rate.  The Committee discussed reasons for the higher rate of infant deaths reflected in these wards than in other areas of Hyndburn but although reasons such standards of social housing could be relevant to explanations, there was no clear reason why these wards had a higher infant mortality rate than other wards in Hyndburn. 

Matt Stanton referred to the use of Mosaic groups to assist in providing factors towards an explanation for higher rates of infant mortality.  Modifiable factors included deaths of under 18 year olds and reasons why.  Studies showed that the cost of intervention work and for every pound spent saved in the long term.

He indicated that they used all opportunities to educate and reduce risk and these included campaigns such ‘Safer Sleep’ and campaigns to stop smoking.  Data on the ‘quit rate’ was provided.  East Lancashire External Genetics service had carried out a pilot scheme in Pendle to reach communities higher in risk and this had become a case study.  Councillor Ayub requested further information on the genetics service.  He referred to the standards of social housing and risk factors associated with this and a consequent aim to use regulation such as the selective landlord licence scheme to compel landlords to provide a standard of housing.

Members reflected their concern about the risk factors but acknowledged the action that had been taken through campaigning.  They referred to the importance of media campaigns and the forum being used to target those at highest risk.  It was suggested that social media would be the most appropriate forum to use in reaching those most at risk.  Councillor Higgins  ...  view the full minutes text for item 280.