Agenda item

The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1       The purpose of this report is:

·        To bring to the Committee’s attention Notices of Motion regarding increasing awareness and understanding of health conditions – specifically anaphylaxis and epilepsy, which were raised by Council at its meetings on 1st February and 5th March, respectively; and

·        Propose action to align awareness raising activities for both conditions to the Staff Health and Wellbeing Strategy

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       The Committee is asked to:

·        Note the content of the report; and

·        Agree to the proposed action outlined.

3.0       Main Report

            Key Issues

3.1       The Notice of Motion regarding better support for people with anaphylaxis, moved by Councillor Nicholl and seconded by Councillor Long, centred on raising awareness of this condition and reviewing support and facilities available for people living with anaphylaxis, within Council amenities.

3.2       Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening, generalised or systemic hypersensitivity reaction, which is characterised by rapidly developing, life-threatening problems involving; the airway and/or breathing and/or circulation (NICE Guidance: CG134). The most common causes of an anaphylactic reaction include: certain foods (including nuts or shell fish), insect stings and drugs and contrast agents (particularly those administered by injection).

3.3       The Food Information Regulations (NI) 2014, introduced legal requirements to ensure consumers are made aware of the allergenic ingredients in foods. The council is the relevant enforcement authority for these regulations. The Food Safety Unit provides guidance and support to all our local food businesses, including those within Council amenities, to build compliance with these requirements. That support  includes:

·        Providing businesses with an allergen compliance toolkit including guidance materials on how to manage allergens as well as information on what to do in the event of an a consumer having an allergic reaction.  An allergen checklist and ingredient matrix are provided to help businesses keep track of potential food allergen risks;

·        The delivery of training and seminars for businesses on allergen management and the provision of allergen information to customers;

·        The Food Safety team monitor the compliance of the allergen requirements during routine inspections, they also investigate consumer complaints including those relating to allergic reactions to food. When necessary officers may use enforcement powers to secure compliance.

·        Where Food Safety Officers detect food that is unsafe, including food labelled with incorrect allergen information, they work collaboratively with the business and the Food Standards Agency to ensure the food is removed from the supply chain and to alert consumers.

3.4       The Food Safety section of Council’s website also provides businesses and individuals with information on food labelling, including links to the FSA website, where individuals can register to receive allergen email or text alerts; information on current and previous allergen alerts; allergen information for businesses, including ‘Think Allergy’ posters and allergen signage and tips on planning an allergen free meal.

3.5       Incidents of allergic reactions as a result of insect stings and risk factors associated with risk of stings are managed by Departments through accident reports and risk assessments. Corporate Health and Safety Unit provide support to Departments, to proactively identify hazards / risks and controls, for example during the recent introduction of new bee hives within Belfast Zoo. These measures aim to ensure adequate steps are taken to minimise the risk of exposure to insect stings and also that appropriate reporting / training / safeguards are in place. Anaphylaxis is also covered in First Aid at Work (Beginner and refresher) as well as Emergency First Aid courses.

3.6       The Notice of Motion regarding the circulation of information to Council staff and facilities, moved by Councillor Dorrian and seconded by Councillor Milne, centred on promoting better understanding of epilepsy and providing advice on how to react if assistance is required in an epileptic situation.

3.7       Within Northern Ireland, approximately 20,000 people have epilepsy. Epilepsy and how to deal with an epileptic seizure is taught as part of the ‘Emergency First Aid at Work’ training, which is a one day course, facilitated by the Corporate Health and Safety Unit. This training is available for staff across Council facilities and is linked to the First Aid Needs Assessment for the facility.

3.8       Through our Staff Health and Wellbeing Strategy, which is led by the Corporate HR & OD Unit, Council has been proactively supporting staff to better understand a range of health related conditions, including coronary heart disease, some forms of cancer, diabetes and mental health. The aim of this has been to enable and encourage staff to make healthier lifestyle choices and better manage their own health. Key to this is increasing staff awareness and knowledge of health and wellbeing related conditions, including anaphylaxis and epilepsy.

3.9       It is proposed that linked to the Staff Health and Wellbeing Strategy, awareness raising activity on both anaphylaxis and epilepsy will be undertaken with staff, through a series of internal communication campaigns, including outreach activities across Council facilities. Associated awareness days linked to both conditions will also be included within the annual programme of health and wellbeing activities.

            Financial & Resource Implications

3.10      The Council’s contribution to this work is being undertaken within existing budgets and there are no additional financial implications.

            Equality or Good Relations Implications

3.11      None.”

            The Committee agreed to the proposed actions to raise awareness of both anaphylaxis and epilepsy.