Issue - meetings

 Report of the Corporate Director of Public Health and Public Protection is circulated

Cllr Keith Humphries, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Protection Services, introduced a report which provided an update on healthcare services at HMP Erlestoke, outline improvements in the performance of health services at HMP Erlestoke and outline strategic changes affecting the commissioning of those services.  The report also sought Cabinet’s approval to plans to undertake a tendering process for psychosocial substance misuse services in the prison.

The Leader introduced Mary-Ann McKibben, Public Health Consultant, who spoke about the on-going Health Trainer Programme, which had been trialled in prisons, and sought to train peers within a community to provide support on a number of health issues, including weight loss and smoking. Councillors considered that this project fitted in well with the overall programme of activities at the prison, and the project was support and endorsed by all.

Councillors were invited to visit the prison and see the various services being provided.

Resolved:

That Cabinet:

1.    Receives the update on healthcare services at HMP Erlestoke, improvements in the performance of health services at HMP Erlestoke and strategic changes affecting the commissioning of these services;

2.    Agrees the plans to undertake a tendering process for psychosocial substance misuse services in the prison; and

3.    Delegates authority to execute the contracts resulting from the tendering activity to Maggie Rae, Corporate Director of Public Health and Public Protection, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder, Solicitor to the Council and the Chief Financial Officer.

Reason for Decision

Wiltshire Council is a key partner in the Wiltshire Community Safety Partnership which holds responsibility for addressing alcohol and drugs issues.  From April 2013, the Public Health team will bring responsibility for commissioning psychosocial and other substance misuse services at the prison with it on transfer to the Council.