Issue - meetings

The Panel considered and noted the report the Interim Director of Public Health enabling the Panel to discuss the emerging picture with regards to Covid-19 and health inequalities in Southampton.

Dr Debbie Chase - Interim Director of Public Health, Southampton City Council and Kate Lees - Consultant in Public Health, Southampton City Council were in attendance and, with the consent of the Chair, addressed the meeting.

The Panel discussed a number of points including:

·  Resources available to the Interim Director of Public Health to support action to tackle health inequalities in the City;

·  When more robust evidence is anticipated that would enable a base level being established that would help to direct approaches;

·  Whether the Council was listening to the views and evidence provided by Public Health in establishing policy locally; and 

·  What implications were there to the City with the forthcoming abolition of Public Health England.