Agenda item

The Health and Wellbeing Board gave consideration to a report which provided an update on tobacco control across Oldham.  On 14^th March 2017, the Board agreed outcomes and actions for Oldham’s Tobacco Control Action Plan and a vision to create a smoke free borough.  The outcomes were to reduce the number of tobacco users in Oldham; reduce exposure to second-hand smoke (focussing on children and young people) and reduce tobacco related health inequalities. 

The Board were requested to note progress against the three actions set out in the Tobacco Control Action Plan.  The tree actions were:

·         To complete the first phase of the CLeaR process;

·         Review the Council’s smoking policy; and

·         Reduce the number of women who smoke during pregnancy.

The Board were requested to commit continued support of the Tobacco Control agenda which included:

·         Consideration of the next steps of the CLeaR self-assessment process;

·         Support to the implementation of the CURE project in Royal Oldham Hospital;

·         Support to the continuation of the Supporting a Smokefree Pregnancy Scheme; and

·         Support to the improvement of access to stop smoking treatments including e-cigarettes.

The report provided a current position on the three priorities which included the option to invite a ‘peer-assessment team’ to make a report for the Council to decide how to move forward, the Council smoke free policy which would go live on 1^st April 2019 and support for a Smokefree Pregnancy Scheme (SaSFPS).

The report also outlined CURE (Conversation, Understand, Replace, Experts and Evidence-base treatments).  The Greater Manchester tobacco control plan, Making Smoking History (MSH) advocated a comprehensive whole system approach to tackling tobacco.  The CURE programme was an integral component of delivering the plan and was included in its strategy.  Rollout had begun with the launch of CURE at Wythenshawe Hospital in October 2018.  Royal Oldham Hospital was in the first wave of hospitals asked to rollout out CURE and an initiation meeting had been scheduled for 10^th April 2019. 

In October 2018, Oldham had launched the annual Stopober campaign with an event hosted by the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS), Turning Point, Positive Steps and Oldham Council.  The event included an official signing of a partnership agreement between the organisations which encouraged close partnership working and a set out a number of objectives.

The report also set out the latest findings related to E-cigarettes which concluded electronic cigarettes generated higher quit rates than nicotine replacement therapies (NRT), e-cigarettes achieved this at a much lower cost; and e-cigarettes starter packs should become one of the Stop Smoking Services (SSS) treatment options.

It was noted that the number of people accessing the stop smoking services had decreased year on year, both locally and nationally.  Stop smoking services had been in existence for almost 20 years, models of delivery had evolved but some of the processes and mechanisms that supported delivery had not developed.  People who continued to smoke were some of the most addicted smokers who required more intensive support and easier access to services and treatments.  Access could be improved through the utilisation of pharmacies.  Another option could be to disaggregate the costs of stop smoking treatments from the prescribing budget.  The options would be explored as part of the Thriving Communities and Health Improvement workstream of Oldham Cares.

The Board were informed that according to the latest data Oldham was in line with the national average but reductions were not significant in manual occupations and those with long term mental conditions.  Progress was noted against actions and an assessment had been undertaken.  The Board were informed of the smoke free initiative and the next stage in terms of a peer assessment.  The Board were also informed smoke free pregnancy scheme, additional training being provided.  The Board were also informed about the CURE Programme and support to those to quit whilst in acute care. The stop smoking model had not changed and a different model of support may be needed.

Members asked if people who smoked cannabis were classed as smokers or if it was categorised differently.  It was explained that it depended on how individuals identified themselves. 

Members asked about the smoking ban on sites and how this was going to be policed and in terms of the Council ban if this included vaping and if Tommyfield Market was included.  Members were informed that the ban included all Council spaces and no smoking would be encouraged in all public places.  Members asked about the possibility of banning e-cigarettes.  E-cigarettes were being kept under review.  Members asked if chewing tobacco was monitored and it was not. 

The Board were informed of engagement with the voluntary sector and private businesses.  The Board also discussed support to residential workers in stressful situations and children looked after where there was a high incidence of smoking.   Support would need to be thought through and staff taking on leadership roles for young people.  Members also commented on smoking ban in schools.  The Board were informed of a full communications plan and a refresh to keep momentum going.

RESOLVED that:

1.            The progress on the three key actions as set out in the Tobacco Control Action Plan be noted.

2.            A commitment of continued support of the Tobacco Control Agenda be supported which included:

a.      The next steps of the CLeaR self-assessment process.

b.      The implementation of the CURE project in Royal Oldham Hospital.

c.      The continuation of the Supporting a Smokefree Pregnancy Scheme.

d.      The improvement of access to stop smoking treatments including e-cigarettes.