Issue - meetings

Reducing rates of smoking in pregnancy is a key priority for the Public Health Department of Stockport Council and for Stockport NHS Foundation Trust. Key stakeholders are committed to reducing the local inequalities that exist and ensuring that all Stockport babies have access to the best start in life.

The report provides a summary of why smoking in pregnancy is an important health issue, current NICE guidance, an update and analysis of the data and an update on more recent work and future plans in this area.

Officer contact: Duncan Weldrake, 0161 474 2443, Duncan.weldrake@stockport.gov.uk

A report of the Deputy Director of Public Health was submitted (copies of which had been circulated) providing the Scrutiny Committee with an overview of the activity of partners in addressing smoking during pregnancy. Representatives of Public Health and the Stockport NHS Foundation Trust attended the meeting to present the report and answer questions.

The following issues were highlighted:-

·        it was estimated that smoking contributed to 40% of infant deaths; increased the risk of premature birth by 12.5% and increased the risk of intra-uterine growth restrictions that was associated with immediate and longer term health consequences;

·        there was a clear correlation between rates of smoking in pregnancy and deprivation, with expectant mothers from the most deprived wards being 6 times more likely to smoke in pregnancy than those from the least deprived;

·        the Foundation Trust had a specialist midwife to whom all women who were smokers were referred, and ‘Stop Smoking Champions’ in all wards of the Hospital;

·        consideration was being given to increased monitoring of expectant mothers through an additional checks at the 36 week midwife appointment to allow for greater opportunities for intervention;

·        efforts were being made to broaden the message to expectant mothers to include other risk factors and to promote a ‘healthy pregnancy’.

Councillors asked questions and made comments on the following issues:-

·        Guidance on the use of e-cigarettes during pregnancy. It was stated that there was no evidence base for their use during pregnancy so they could not be recommended.

·        Opportunities for peer-led support in the most deprived communities. In was stated that it had proved challenging in the past to identify peer educators, but the re-launch of the Family Nursing Partnership may provide opportunities.

·        Members welcomed the proposals for developing a holistic approach to healthy pregnancies.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the Deputy Director of Public Health be requested to provide additional information to Scrutiny Committee members in relation to North West trends in smoking during pregnancy and the correlation to inequalities.