Cllr. Brookbank informed the Board that at the Kent County Council (KCC) Health and Overview Scrutiny Committee (HOSC) a report had been presented on Emotional Wellbeing Strategy for Children, Young People and Young Adults. West Kent Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) was the lead for Kent on mental health.  A further report at the end of the year would provide the direction for the new children’s mental health contract which KCC would be commissioning. Adult Mental Health Services were provided by the Maudsley NHS Trust. There was also an update on Stroke Services in West Kent. Members were informed that the critical time period was 4 hours after the stroke occurred for the best recovery.

He also advised that The Ambulance Service for Medway Hospitals could be diverted to Darent Valley, Maidstone or Pembury Hospitals to elevate pressures on Accident and Emergency services, although this could then affect the other hospitals.

Cllr. Mrs. Parkin advised that she was taking forward a Governance structure at Darent Valley Age Concern for the Care Centre which was moving ahead.

Cllr. McArthur reported that following the closure of the residential care home facility in Edenbridge, all of the residents were moved into alternative accommodation. She advised that Abbeyfield, the care home provider, had been invited to attend an Edenbridge Town Council meeting but did not attend. It was understood that Abbeyfield were working to keep this site as a older persons care facility. 

Cllr. Dyball advised that she had attended the Dementia Friendly Café in Swanley and there was a high number in attendance and an excellent initiative. She also advised that she would be volunteering there in the future.

Cllr. Clark informed Members that there had been an event in New Ash Green on 5 September 2015 which was well attended.  He congratulated Age Concern for the successful event in New Ash Green with the Jubilee Medical Practice and Sheltered Accommodation. He also advised the Board that Arriva had cut the number of buses to New Ash Green and this issue was trying to be addressed. The reduction in buses also affected Hartley and transport to Darent Valley Hospital. There were no buses before 9.50am and although the service was intended to be every 2 hours on many occasions it could be up to a 3.5 hour wait.  Members discussed the implications this would have on residents trying to access the hospital service, especially with the lack of parking facilities at the Hospital. It was reported that the Director of the Darent Valley Hospital Trust and the Parish Council had been lobbying Arriva but to date, no information had been received. Cllr. Clark advised that pressure needed to be put on Arriva for the service which would in turn reduce the pressures of parking at the Hospital. Gareth Johnson MP had also written to Arriva. The Health and Communities Manager informed Members there was also a wider issue around employment as unfortunately due to the intermittent service a restaurant owner in Bluewater had to let some of his staff go, who live in the district, as they could not guarantee they would be at work on time.

Cllr. Brookbank advised that part of KCC’s Members Grant Scheme was provision of a service on Sundays to Bluewater by ‘Go buses’ which also provided transport to the Hospital. It was a successful and popular service but unfortunately something that could not be run indefinitely. Members suggested that this should be an issue that was discussed at the Sevenoaks Joint Transportation Board meeting.

The Chief Officer, Communities and Business advised that she had attended the Dartford Gravesham and Swanley Health and Wellbeing Board (HWB) where Kent Fire and Rescue Service had been in attendance. A ‘Fire Fit’ programme was run for young people. Smoke and fire alarms and fire safety aids were also being given to elderly residents.  The Health and Wellbeing Board requested they were consulted about local CCG priorities before they commissioned services so local priorities and comments could be fed in to the commissioning of services and partnership working could be considered.

Members were also informed that the Ebbsfleet and Paramount developments could impact the North of the District and put pressure on services. Members discussed the importance of Officer and Member involvement to ensure that health was considered in the planning process. Cllr. Abraham indicated his willingness to get involved in consultations about developments at Ebbsfleet and the Paramount Development. NHS England had launched a new initiative for ‘Healthy New Towns’. Currently applications for funding for projects could be submitted. Members were advised that the Portfolio Holder for Housing and Health was keen to support the bid.

The Chairman advised that she had attended her first West Kent Health and Wellbeing Board meeting a brief overview of the key priorities and how these would be achieved with reduced funding had been given. Obesity was a key priority with an obesity campaign taking place in the future.

The Chairman thanked the Board for their feedback.