Issue - meetings

The Trust received a report setting out revisions that had been made to the Infant Mortality Strategy following the issuing of new guidance from the Department of Health.

The Trust was advised that the document contained a new section on Housing and this reflected the work being undertaken to address the clear link between poor housing and Infant Mortality. It was noted that in forming this section of the document improved links between the Council’s Housing Team and NHS Haringey had been forged.

In response to a query as to what specific factors associated with poor housing were linked to Infant Mortality the Trust was advised that bed sharing, particularly if a parent had been drinking or taking drugs. Other factors included over heated properties, poor ventilation and a lack of awareness of good sleeping positions.

It was noted that, at its recent Board meeting, NHS Haringey had discussed the need to carry out research work with respect to the causes of premature births and the links to deprivation. This was intended to provide a more targeted approach to addressing the problems that were most prevalent in Haringey.

The Chair noted that report proposed that an update was received in June 2010 following the National Support Team visit in January 2010 and there was agreement that this should be added to the Trusts Work Programme.

RESOLVED:

1. That the report be noted.

2. That an update should be received in June 2010 following the National Support Team visit in January 2010.