The Health in Hackney Scrutiny Commission met on Wednesday 10 January 2024 to discuss updates on the implementation of the Metropolitan Police's 'Right Care Right Person' model and future options for soft facility services at Homerton Healthcare. The Commission also reviewed the Integrated Delivery Plan for the City and Hackney Place Based Partnership, received a verbal update from Councillor Christopher Kennedy, and discussed the minutes of the previous meeting and the Commission's work programme.

Update on the implementation of the 'Right Care Right Person' model

The Commission was scheduled to receive an update on the implementation of the Metropolitan Police's 'Right Care Right Person' (RCRP) model. This model aims to ensure that health-related calls are handled by the appropriate agency, rather than the police being the default first responder for concerns about a person's physical or mental health. The RCRP policy, which was implemented by the Metropolitan Police Service on 1 November 2023, applies to four pillars: medical support, concern for welfare, walk-outs from healthcare settings, and transport under Section 136 of the Mental Health Act. The report pack indicated that partner agencies are expected to respond to requests for medical support and welfare checks, with the police only intervening exceptionally in cases of immediate risk to life or serious harm, or where core policing functions are engaged. The Commission was asked to consider the impact of these changes and make any necessary recommendations. Georgina Diba, Director of Adult Social Care and Operations, was scheduled to provide a verbal update.

Future options for soft facility services at Homerton Healthcare

The meeting was scheduled to include an update on the future options for soft facility services at Homerton Healthcare NHS Trust. Soft facilities services typically include catering, portering, cleaning, and security. The Commission had previously discussed this issue in February 2023 and had been informed that the current five-year extension granted to ISS for these services would end in summer 2025. Senior management from Homerton Healthcare, including Chief Executive Louise Ashley and Deputy Chief Executive Basirat Sadiq, were expected to provide a verbal update on the ongoing discussions, including the possibility of insourcing these services. The Commission was requested to consider the update and provide any necessary comments.

Integrated Delivery Plan for the City and Hackney Place Based Partnership

The Commission was scheduled to review the Integrated Delivery Plan for the City and Hackney Place Based Partnership, which operates under the North East London Integrated Care Board. This item, suggested by the Clinical Director of the City and Hackney Place Based Partnership (C&H PBP), aimed to update members on the progress being made by the partnership. The report pack included the Integrated Delivery Plan for 2022-24, a governance chart for the C&H PBP, and information on the NEL ICB System Planning Cycle for 2024/25. The plan outlines strategic focus areas such as giving children and young people the best start in life, improving mental health, and preventing and improving outcomes for people with long-term health and care needs. Key challenges highlighted included the continued impact of the cost of living crisis, high demand on services, and industrial action. Dr Stephanie Coughlin, Clinical Director of C&H PBP, and Amy Wilkinson, Director of Partnerships, Impact and Delivery for C&H PBP, were expected to attend. The Commission was asked to consider the report and discussion and make any recommendations.

Cabinet Member Question Time - Councillor Christopher Kennedy

Councillor Christopher Kennedy, Cabinet Member for Health, Adult Social Care, Voluntary Sector and Culture, was scheduled to attend for a question and answer session. This is a customary part of the scrutiny process, allowing members to ask questions on topics separate from the main review items. Councillor Kennedy was expected to address three specific areas: the progress and challenges of Hackney's Neighbourhoods Programme; the effectiveness of the City and Hackney Place Based System and its governance within the NEL ICB; and potential actions Hackney Council could take to support the five missions outlined in the recent Cancer Research UK Manifesto. No formal papers were provided for this item, with a verbal statement from Councillor Kennedy followed by a question and answer session.

Minutes of the Previous Meeting

The Commission was scheduled to review the draft minutes of its previous meeting held on 20 December 2023, along with an action tracker. Members were asked to agree the minutes as a correct record and note any matters arising from the action tracker.

Health in Hackney Scrutiny Commission Work Programme

The Commission was scheduled to consider its updated work programme for the remainder of the municipal year 2023/24. This document outlines the topics planned for discussion in future meetings. Members were invited to review the programme and propose any amendments.