The Health and Wellbeing Board met on Tuesday 19 September 2023 to discuss the formation of the London-Bangladesh Health Partnership, the inequalities in life expectancy and healthy life expectancy within the borough, and the upcoming autumn/winter vaccination programme. The Board also received an update on the Tower Hamlets Together initiative.

London-Bangladesh Health Partnership

The Board was introduced to the newly formed London-Bangladesh Health Partnership, an alliance of individuals from the VCSE sector, NHS, and statutory bodies. The partnership aims to address significant health disparities experienced by the Bangladeshi community across London, with a particular focus on Tower Hamlets, which has the largest Bangladeshi population. Data presented highlighted that 56% of the Bangladeshi community in Tower Hamlets live in the two most deprived quintiles, contributing to higher rates of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and kidney disease compared to other ethnic groups. The partnership's goals include improving diabetes prevention and management, increasing uptake of immunisations and screenings, and advocating for the community's health needs at a policy level. The partnership plans to collaborate with local organisations, community leaders, and faith groups to build trust and improve access to services.

Inequalities in Life Expectancy and Healthy Life Expectancy

Liam Crosby, Associate Director of Public Health, presented an analysis of life expectancy and healthy life expectancy in Tower Hamlets. While overall life expectancy has improved and is now comparable to national averages, significant disparities persist between more affluent and deprived areas. The data suggests this gap may have widened recently, with circulatory diseases, respiratory conditions, and cancer being the leading causes of death contributing to this disparity.

A particular concern highlighted was the significantly lower healthy life expectancy for women in Tower Hamlets, who live, on average, seven and a half years less in good health than men. This gap is unusual compared to national and London averages. Census data indicates that this disparity is particularly pronounced among women who are long-term unemployed or economically inactive. The presentation emphasised the need for initiatives to focus on this group, improving their health and supporting their social inclusion, rather than solely focusing on employment as a solution. The Board discussed the impact of in-work poverty and the need to consider broader factors beyond employment, such as social connection and access to services, when addressing these inequalities.

Tower Hamlets Together Update

Amy Gibbs, Independent Chair of Tower Hamlets Together, provided an update on the initiative, which brings together the NHS, social care, and the voluntary sector to improve care and preventative interventions. The mission of Tower Hamlets Together is to transform people's health and lives by reducing inequalities. The organisation is refining its priorities to address deeper inequalities post-pandemic and the current cost of living crisis. Key areas of focus include self-care and prevention, placing children and young people more centrally, and strengthening its anti-racist commitment. The update detailed the six main workstreams: Born Well, Growing Well (babies, children, and young people), Living Well (prevention and adult health), Promoting Independence (disabled and older people), Mental Health, and Primary Care Transformation and Urgent Care. Funding has been allocated to address health inequalities, with specific attention to maternity outcomes for Black and Asian women, mental health support for Bangladeshi and transgender young people, and support for the voluntary and community sector.

Autumn/Winter Vaccination Programme

Liam Crosby provided an update on the upcoming COVID-19 and flu vaccination programme for the autumn and winter period. The programme has been brought forward due to the identification of the new BA.2.86 COVID-19 variant. The vaccination drive will prioritise those aged 65 and over, individuals aged six months to 64 in clinical risk groups, care home residents, health and social care workers, and household contacts of immunosuppressed individuals. The child flu programme will also continue. The programme will be delivered through community pharmacies, GP practices, and extended access clinics, with a focus on co-administration of COVID-19 and flu vaccines. Outreach and engagement with voluntary and community sector partners are crucial to ensure equitable uptake and reach into communities. The Board discussed the importance of continued community engagement, building on lessons learned during the pandemic, and ensuring accessible vaccination sites.

North London Sexual and Reproductive Health Strategy

Liam Crosby also alerted the Board to the development of a Sexual and Reproductive Health Strategy for North East London, which will be subject to public consultation in the coming months. The strategy aims to ensure residents can make safe and informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health and to deliver high-quality services across North East London. The strategy will be underpinned by borough-specific action plans, including one for Tower Hamlets.