To receive a presentation.

Anna Richard, Consultant in Public Health, explained that the Board had considered the Health and Wellbeing Strategy at the April 2021 meeting. Within that strategy, four priority areas were identified, with one of these being ‘investing in the borough as a place to live in order to reduce inequalities’. It was planned that at each of the Health and Wellbeing Board’s four meetings a year, one priority would be considered at every meeting.

The four priorities were:

·         Coordinating integrated services around those residents who needed it most.

·         Championing mental wellbeing and reducing social isolation.

·         Targeting prevention and early intervention to improve wellbeing.

·         Investing in the borough as a place to live in order to reduce inequalities.

The Public Health team, in partnership with CCG, had pulled together some data to provide a deep dive into the health inequalities that existed within the borough. Discussions had taken place at the Place Committee around this data, the team was currently in the process of using this information to understand the work that would be needed to underpin the strategy. One area of work that had taken place was around the Covid-19 vaccination roll out and making sure that everybody in the borough was able to access and receive a vaccine. Another area of work that had taken place was around system insights, data and how it was used to address inequalities.

Caroline Farrar, Executive Place Managing Director CCG, explained that a lot of work had taken place around vaccine inequalities. One key area of work was around the communications and engagement campaign, where the CCG and RBWM Communications teams had worked collaboratively together. 287 articles had been shared and nearly 55,000 residents had been reached via e-newsletters. There were also a number of radio interviews with radio stations which had a significant minority ethnic audience. 150 community champions had been recruited, who shared key Covid messages to the community on their channels.

Anna Richards continued by explaining that one group that was a concern was the younger generation, particularly as during the course of the pandemic there had been significant infection rates in this age group. Focus groups had been held to understand some of the barriers which could have prevented some young people from taking the vaccine and how these barriers could be overcome. A ‘summer unlocked’ campaign was launched, which focused on the vaccine being a way to encourage young people and show them what they could do again. This campaign was really positively received, along with the mobile vaccination bus which helped to reach some communities and helped as many people as possible take the vaccine. The community champions scheme had also been particularly successful and could be used when thinking about other health and wellbeing issues around the borough.

The Public Health team had worked closely with community groups, for example Maidenhead Mosque, and a myth debunking session had taken place to ensure that the correct information was being given out. As Caroline Farrar had mentioned, there were also monthly slots on Asian radio, where conversations took place with the local community. The Berkshire Public Health website had also been improved and there was lots of additional information available along with various other materials and resources. This information was also available in different languages too. Another campaign that Anna Richards highlighted was undertaken during Ramadan, which was working on advice given by the British Islamic Medical Association. Any Muslim who was vaccinated during the period would not invalidate the fast and it was important that this message was getting through.

Huw Thomas, Clinical Chair NHS Frimley CCG, explained that various reasonable adjustments could be made to allow those with learning disabilities to receive their vaccine. This could include quieter times, being in a quiet room or even having the vaccine administered from the persons car. Around 97% of those with learning disabilities in the borough had been vaccinated. Considering those that were homeless in the borough, steps had been taken with the housing team and the rough sleeper team to support those that needed their vaccinations. Reasonable adjustments were also made for this group, to ensure that the service was accessible and convenient. Huw Thomas passed on his thanks to Tracy Hendren and her team for all their work with this.

Another group of people that had been focused on was those working in social care. The borough had managed to get to around the 80% vaccinated mark but had then hit a brick wall. Staff sessions had been run where accurate information was shared, while also respecting everyone’s right to an opinion and to make their own informed decision.

Anna Richards explained that there were some challenges that still remained. Men were less likely to take the vaccine and some age groups had a much lower uptake rate than others. RBWM had established a small grant scheme to support voluntary and community groups who had good ideas that would help increase the uptake of the vaccine. Applications could be made through the website, with the scheme closing on Sunday 21^st November 2021.

The Chairman asked how many vaccine doses had been administered by the mobile bus.

Caroline Farrar said that she did not have an exact figure but the bus was currently aimed at first and second doses, rather than the booster jabs.

Councillor Singh joined the meeting.

Huw Thomas said that he had recently had some residents come in for their first doses, it was important that people knew it was never too late. The volunteers who had helped to run the vaccine programme were fantastic and he thanked those that had been part of the process.