Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Director of Public Health.

The report covers two years (2019-2021) and includes information at the notification stage from 79 death notifications, and at the conclusion of the investigation (case closure) stage from 67 children’s deaths. The main report presents eight recommendations. The death of any child is a tragedy, and this supplementary report is our attempt to ensure and demonstrate that we learn from each death. It will therefore summarise the work currently ongoing in Stockport that responds to the report’s recommendations.

The Board is requested to note the main and supplementary report, and endorse and prioritise the recommendations and actions within.          

Officer contact: Jennifer Connolly on 0161 474 2442 or email: Jennifer.connolly@stockport.gov.uk

The Director of Public Health submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) which covered two years (2019-2021) and included information at the notification stage from 79 death notifications, and at the conclusion of the investigation (case closure) stage from 67 children’s deaths. The main report presented eight recommendations and summarised the work currently ongoing in Stockport that responds to the report’s recommendations.

The following comments were made/issues raised: -

·         That the performance reports considered at Children & Families Scrutiny Committee report the number of mothers smoking during pregnancy and requested that a summary of the Child Death Overview Panel Annual Report is submitted for consideration by Children & Families Scrutiny Committee.

·         Commented on the importance of the recommendations relating to smoking, weight management and co-sleeping outlined in the report.

·         Queried the age range of children that were most at risk of co-sleeping.

·         In response it was stated that co-sleeping was an issue that was predominantly associated to younger children and babies, and they were the area of focus. Whilst there was no quantitative evidence to support this rationale, the feedback from health visitors was that parents understood the risks associated with co-sleeping and whilst parents still practiced co-sleeping, health professionals had to respect their choice as long as they were aware of the risks. However, there was a sense that there could be more risk awareness communication work with other carers such as grandparents to reduce this risk further.

·         That the hidden nature associated with a number of the child deaths was a challenge to how this can be addressed.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the recommendations as outlined in the report be endorsed.