Agenda and minutes

There were no declarations of interest.

To approve the minutes of the last meeting held on 27 November 2024

RESOLVED that the minutes be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

Members considered a report that provided the Board with an update on Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA).

It was explained that there was a requirement that a new Assessment be published by 1 October 2025 and a PNA Steering Group had been established to assist this process.

The Board noted that since the last PNA there had been a boundary review; 23 ward boundaries changes, and an additional ward had been created. Therefore, for the PNA 2025 there was a need to review localities.

Stockton-on-Tees PNA Review Steering group considered several options related to localities for the PNA 2025 and proposed using 4 localities. Factors that influenced this included that; the 2 localities used in 2022 may have masked variation of pharmaceutical needs in some parts of Stockton-on-Tees (particularly Thornaby and Billingham), pharmacy closures* that had occurred since PNA 2022, variation in deprivation, local knowledge of steering group and to avoid the document being too complex and lengthy.

There had been several changes since the last PNA was published.

• Three pharmacies closed in Stockton-on-Tees – from 39 to 36 (Rowlands Billingham, Boots Thornaby and Sainsburys (Elm Tree))

• Application approved on appeal by NHS Resolution to reopen a pharmacy in Elm Tree, the applicant had been given until 4th September 2025 to open. This was likely to be on the Elm Tree Parade.

Details of the revised localities was provided to members.

It was explained that a residents’ and pharmacy contractors’ survey was underway to help inform PNA 2025.

Discussion and points raised:

- It was suggested that the Fairfield Park Pharmacy was currently experiencing considerable pressure following the closure of Elm Tree Pharmacy.

- The PNA identified need in areas of the borough and applications for pharmacies were dealt with by NHS England.

RESOLVED that:

1.    The revised localities be approved and be used to develop the PNA 2025.

2. A draft PNA 2025 to be presented to the Board’s March meeting for approval, ahead of its statutory 60 day consultation, with stakeholders.

Members considered a report relating to a new approach to shaping the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA).

It was explained that the JSNA was a continuous process of strategic assessment and planning; it collated and analysed data and information on local needs, to create intelligence and evidence that informed decision making and prioritisation of local priorities and collective actions across the local health and wellbeing system.

It was proposed to strengthen the governance arrangements of the JSNA, through the Health and Wellbeing Board, to ensure collective ownership and support for the development of the JSNA content, across partners. To facilitate this, it was proposed a further update was brought to the Board on progress, in November 2025 and then subsequent updates agreed.

It was also proposed that the format and hosting arrangements for the JSNA website be revised and members received a presentation on this together with an example of draft content for the smoking topic.

RESOLVED that the proposed approach, to refresh and improve the Stockton on Tees JSNA, be approved.

The Board considered a report about the Joint Stockton on Tees Health and Wellbeing Strategy and considered the final design proof version.

The plan would be underpinned by a joint delivery plan and outcomes framework which would be presented to a future Board meeting. The delivery plan would be overseen by the Board to ensure closer alignment across initiatives.

Discussion:

- There was some concern about the colours being used in the document and the font size, in terms of accessibility. There was a suggestion that a short video could be made. It was agreed that these issues be considered further.

- NHS Planning Guidance, or the ICB allocation, had not been received and there was concern about alignment of the JHWS with the ICB Strategy. This would be considered in terms of shared priorities.

- VCSE should be referenced in each of the focus area commitments and an infographic on page 4.

RESOLVED that the final design proof version of the Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy be approved, subject to the above potential changes and any minor amendments being necessary.

Members received a presentation that highlighted support that the LGA could provide to assist with the Board’s development. It was explained that the support would be free of charge and included developmental workshops and follow up work that would assess how much progress had been made.

The workshop sessions, that had been held by the Board at the end of 2024, would not be duplicated but would help inform any LGA support.

RESOLVED that the Board agree, in principle, to using the LGA support, with a scope to be prepared and emailed to members, for comment/agreement, ahead of the Board meeting in March.

There was a brief update on the Healthwatch review of dentistry. The final regional report would be published in March and could be presented at Board soon after this.

Reference was made to the Healthwatch Ambassador Programme and workshops/focus groups looking at migrant health and mental health.

Catalyst had the Social Subscribers Volunteers Support Programme up and running.

NHS Planning to be added.

RESOLVED that the forward plan be noted.