Issue - meetings

9.1       The Board considered the Director of Public Health’s Annual Report for 2023/24 ‘Creativity for Healthier Lives’ which was introduced by Darrell Gale, Director of Public Health. He outlined that the Director of Public Health Annual Report is a statutory instrument to put on record the work that is being done on the health and wellbeing of the local population. This is the fourth report in a series of reports that focus on the wider co-determinants of health, and that joy, love and happiness are really important co-determinants of health. The Annual Report is not in its final form due to the delays brought about by the pre-election period for the general election but will be finalised shortly. The report also covers next year’s Annual Report which will be focussed on coastal health and the impact of being a coastal county.

9.2       The Board thanked Darrell and the Public Health Team for an excellent and inspiring report. The Board commented that they were very excited by the creative approach to health and noted that projects could be taken into hospitals as well as communities. The projects provide love and joy, and there is no better way than visiting projects to see the impact they have on people’s lives.

9.3       Councillor Ungar thanked Darrell for the Annual Report which had enthused him and shows the strength and enthusiasm of the Public Health Team in delivering their work. He outlined the work that the People Scrutiny Committee is undertaking on healthy ageing. The evidence heard as part of the review demonstrates how well Public Health staff are working which also gives a greater presence in communities. The work being undertaken is a proactive way of improving healthy ageing with a modest amount of funding and shows the strength and depth of the work.

9.4       The Chair endorsed the report and the comments made by the other Board members. He thanked Darrell for the report.

9.5       Ashley Scarff welcomed the report and commented that NHS Sussex supports the work of the Public Health Team, particularly the work on the wider determinants of health and the importance of prevention. It also showcases the vital contribution the voluntary sector makes to the health and wellbeing of the local community.

9.6       Darrell Gale thanked the Board for their positive feedback on the Annual Report and the work of the Public Health Team, which illustrates the breadth and depth of work that is undertaken.

9.7       The Board RESOLVED to review and champion the 2023-24 Annual report of the Director of Public Health in East Sussex - Creativity for Healthier Lives, ahead of wider dissemination and publication.