The Health and Wellbeing Board met on Monday 25 January 2021 to discuss the development of integrated care partnerships, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic response, and the annual public health report. Key decisions included the approval of the Integrated Care Partnership Board Terms of Reference and noting the annual public health report.

BHRUT ICP Governance Update

The Board received an update on the governance arrangements for the Barking and Dagenham, Havering and Redbridge (BHR) Integrated Care Partnership (ICP), which is part of the wider North-East London (NEL) Integrated Care System. The report detailed the refreshed Terms of Reference for the existing Board, which have been updated to expand and clarify responsibilities, ensuring legal compliance. A key aim of the Borough Partnership is to transfer more healthcare responsibilities to the Boroughs over time. Discussions highlighted the need for proper patient representation, managing the workload generated by the governance structure, and the timeframe for implementation. Priorities identified by the Borough Partnership in September 2020 included the health impact of housing overcrowding, mental health, and vaccination. The Board noted the report and approved the Integrated Care Partnership Board Terms of Reference.

Update on the Current COVID Position

Gladys Xavier, Director of Public Health, presented an update on the COVID-19 situation in Redbridge. She reported that the R value was between 0.8 and 1, but this had not yet translated into a reduction in hospital admissions or deaths. Eighty percent of new cases were attributed to the new variant, with little known about the South African or Brazil variants. The vaccination programme had commenced, prioritising individuals on the Joint Committee for Vaccination and Immunisation's list. Redbridge had 670 infections per 100,000 population, ranking 23rd nationally and within the top 8 boroughs in London. Over 60 deaths were recorded in Redbridge in the past week. Actions discussed included greater enforcement of government guidelines, increased testing with PCR and lateral flow sites, and enhanced contact tracing, which had reached 90% efficiency. Collaboration with NHS partners was promoting vaccines, with approximately 22,000 older people vaccinated, including 8,000 over 80s. Dr. Anil Mehta of the BHR CCG commended the vaccination programme's implementation, acknowledging initial delivery issues but expressing optimism for future improvements. The Board noted the report and the comments made.

Update on the NHS Response to the Pandemic

Tracy Welsh provided an update on the NHS response to the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the pressures on hospitals, particularly concerning staffing and workforce. Efforts were underway to encourage attendance at routine appointments, with a focus on cancer and phlebotomy services. A private independent hospital had been identified to serve as a cancer hub for complex cases, and messaging was being developed to assure patients of the safety of attending appointments. Across North East London, approximately 100,000 people had been vaccinated, and a local dashboard was being developed to provide up-to-date information. Fiona Peskett of BHRUT confirmed the redeployment of around 300 healthcare staff to BHR COVID wards and ongoing staff wellbeing initiatives. Bob Edwards of NELFT reported that the Nightingale and Excel wards were operational, with staff from various healthcare sites. Some beds were also being opened at Goodmayes Hospital. Staff immunisation was progressing well, with about 50% of 6,000 staff immunised, and almost all staff in Adult Social Care had received their vaccinations. Mental health services, which had quietened earlier in the pandemic, were becoming busier. The Board noted the written report and verbal updates and agreed that an update on the NHS response to the pandemic would be a standard agenda item.

Annual Public Health Report

Gladys Xavier presented the Annual Public Health Report 2020-2021, which focused on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on communities in Redbridge, particularly concerning inequalities. The report aimed to address the short and long-term impacts of the virus on inequalities and how these could be mitigated. It highlighted how the pandemic had exposed and exacerbated inequalities across ethnicity, deprivation, and gender throughout the life course. The report recommended engaging with high-risk groups to understand their experiences, building on digital strategies to improve accessibility, rebuilding confidence in routine care services, and focusing on reducing long-term COVID-19 risk factors through active travel and environmental improvements. The Board noted and supported the Director of Public Health's Annual Public Health Report.

Redbridge Seasonal Flu Vaccination Update Report

Gladys Xavier also provided an update on the Seasonal Flu Vaccination programme in Redbridge. The local implementation plan aimed to increase uptake across all eligible cohorts to levels higher than in 2019/20, supporting the Stay well this winter campaign amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The report highlighted progress in achieving the plan's objectives, including the breakthrough availability of the COVID-19 vaccination. The highest uptake of the flu vaccine was among those over 65, with 74% uptake. Efforts were being made to achieve 100% uptake going forward, with targeted work involving GPs and an engagement team working to disseminate information. The Board noted the progress being made by the Health Protection Function and agreed to continue supporting the delivery and recommendations for improved uptake of seasonal flu vaccinations and all other vaccinations, including the COVID-19 vaccine.