Issue - meetings

To consider the report.

Sophia Callaghan introduced the report, which set out the work being undertaken on the Health Checks programme.

Officers responded to Board Members’ comments and requests for clarification, details included:

• A flexible approach was being used, that allowed NHS Dorset to work with Primary Care Networks (PCN’s) in different ways, that were appropriate to the area.
• The service was due to ‘go live’ in April and it was suggested that the board reviewed the process after it had been operating for approximately six months, when data would be available surrounding delivery.
• There were some PCN’s that hadn’t yet replied to the consultation because they were awaiting further information on the agreed weighted payment.
• A key objective of the programme was to deliver health checks of value, which meant that areas of highest deprivation and risk would be focussed on as a priority, where such health checks would benefit most.
• Each GP surgery was being asked to provide Public Health with a delivery plan to demonstrate how they were going to manage this programme within their respective areas. The majority of pharmacies in the area has also signed up to the programme.
• LiveWell were already well established in Dorset and were highly capable in reaching those who needed support.
• A mixture of both models would allow for delivery targets to be met.
• Contract monitoring would need to be in place, this would be managed by the contract manager and would be reported back to the board.
• A pack was being developed to disseminate to community groups and stakeholders. There was an importance to engage directly with communities, as opposed to just communicating out.
• This was a public mandated health programme, it was important that the board monitored the uptake and reacted accordingly if required.
• Whilst there wasn’t an easy way to get data from private providers, unless such providers were directly approached, it may be possible to approach voluntary organisations or charities.
• There was strong governance within the public health team, which included a health checks task group and management was carefully monitoring. In addition to this there were several other bodies that regularly reviewed the programme.

DECISION

That the following recommendations be agreed:

(i)     Increase payments to participating general practices to £3.50 per invitation, providing payment upfront to support programme administration option.

(ii)    Implement a two-tier payment structure for NHS Health Checks delivered, paying £28 per check for patients not meeting target criteria and paying £35 per check for enhanced payments.

(iii)   Allocate £400,000 of the NHS Health Checks budget to primary care to cover the cost of sending out invitations, delivering checks and programme admin.

(iv)  Allocate £200,000 of the NHS Health Check budget to LiveWell Dorset to mobilise and develop their targeted NHS Health Check programme in 2023/4.