Issue - meetings

This report updates members on progress following the disaggregation of Public Health Dorset in April 2025 and the establishment of two separate Public Health teams within Dorset Council and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council. It also sets out the proposed future direction for how Public Health functions and services will be delivered and commissioned, including where joint working between the two councils should continue.

The Health and Social Care Overview & Scrutiny Committee is asked to consider the report and make recommendations to Cabinet that endorse the progress made to date, agree the proposed principles for future joint commissioning, and support the recommended future direction for Public Health services

The Director of Public Health presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'D' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

The report updated Members on progress following the disaggregation of Public Health Dorset in April 2025 and the establishment of two separate Public Health teams within Dorset Council and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council. It also set out the proposed future direction for how Public Health functions and services would be delivered and commissioned, including where joint working between the two councils should continue.

The Health and Social Care Overview & Scrutiny Committee was asked to consider the report and make recommendations to Cabinet that endorse the progress made to date, agree the proposed principles for future joint commissioning, and support the recommended future direction for Public Health services.

The Committee discussed the report, including:

·       In response to a query, it was confirmed that a place-based commissioning approach would be the default, with joint commissioning only pursued where there were clear benefits in quality, performance or value. 

• Officers highlighted that commissioning decisions would consider local need, service models and potential economies of scale. 

·       Members explored opportunities arising from having an in-house public health function, particularly the ability to tailor services more closely to local population needs. 

·       It was noted that place-based commissioning could better reflect demographic differences and reduce inequalities that might be obscured in wider commissioning arrangements. 

·       It was highlighted that there were opportunities to strengthen partnership working with the NHS and to increase delegation of commissioning to place level. 

·       Members emphasised the importance of addressing complex needs of vulnerable groups, including people experiencing homelessness and addiction, through locally responsive services. 

·       Clarification was provided on the “Live Well” service, confirming it was a public health-led, council-commissioned service delivered via Dorset Council, with NHS partners utilising facilities where appropriate. 

·       It was noted that Live Well provided services including health checks, stop smoking support, weight management and health coaching, with referrals often made by GP practices and other providers. 

·       Members queried arrangements where NHS services appeared to be delivered through commissioned services, and Officers clarified this reflected integrated commissioning and delivery models. 

RESOLVED that the Committee:

1.    Endorse the work completed to establish the Public Health teams within BCP and Dorset councils and the continued good performance in line with statutory responsibilities for Public Health as set out in the 2012 Health and Social Care Act.

2.    Agree the proposed principles for the planned joint commissioning of Public Health services where is makes sense to continue to do so to maintain service quality, performance, efficiency and value for money for the residents of Dorset.

3.     Agree the proposed future direction for the delivery of public health functions and services through the two Public Health teams in Dorset and BCP council.

Voting: Nem. Con.