To consider the contents of the report.

Tessa Lindfield, Strategic Director of Public Health outlined the above titled report. Members were told that it was a requirement for local councils to publish an independent annual public health report from their Director of Public Health. The annual report was the Director of Public Health’s views on the health and wellbeing of the local community and outlined opportunities to improve the public’s health. The report looked at reconnecting professions, communities and landowners and highlighted opportunities for collaborative work to support public health through the creation and maintenance of accessible high quality green spaces and natural environments. The report outlined information and evidence that could support placed based strategies and the potential of green and natural spaces for the health and wellbeing of local residents and communities. It was highlighted that there were working examples of how local communities were using national environments to stay health and to improve the health and wellbeing of local residents.

It was highlighted that the natural environment could be used as a wider determinant of health and presented an opportunity to improve health and wellbeing, both physically and mentally. The report focussed on green and blue spaces, green spaces included open fields and forests and blue spaces included the sky, river and lakes. Members were told that both spaces could be utilised for exercise, time in nature, leisure and relaxation. It was noted that there was evidence to show that the natural environment was beneficial to having a positive influence on both physical and mental health. The report outlined four recommendations and ways in which the Royal Borough had committed to making progress in the following areas;

·         Make the most of natural space available to improve mental health, physical activity and strengthening communities.

·         Improvement of existing green spaces and design developments with green spaces and active travel in mind.

·         Planning guidance for new developments to specifically consider the use of green and blue space to improve health and wellbeing.

·         Fostering new relationships with organisations aiming to improve the natural environment and its use.

Members were told that there were a range of determinants that affect individual health. It was outlined that at the wider population level that there were a diverse range of economic, environmental and social factors that affected individual health and influenced their choices and lifestyles. At the conclusion of the verbal report, Councillor Mills queried whether there would be an extension of open spaces in hospices, intensive care units and specialist units and that there were plans for outdoor wards. It was confirmed that there would be a benefit to increased accessibility to open spaces and that there was much evidence to support speedier recovery with the use of green space. Councillor Lenton commented that the extension could be made in hospices and that this would be an increased benefit to wellbeing. It was also noted by Councillor Lenton that the writing within the report should be amended as green was not an accessible colour to read for many.

Members felt that this was a good and strong report and endorsed the recommendations.

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY; That the Director of Public Health Annual Report be noted and that the local actions identified within the report be endorsed.