The Healthier Communities and Older People Overview and Scrutiny Panel met on Monday 29 June 2026 to discuss updates on the CQC well-led review, maternity services at St George's, and the condition of St Helier Hospital. Key decisions included the agreement to request the final Well-Led Action Plan once approved and to receive regular updates on the options appraisal for St Helier Hospital.

St George's CQC and Maternity Services Update

The panel received an update on the CQC well-led review at St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Following 33 listening events and various feedback mechanisms, four priority areas for improvement were identified: leadership capability, behaviour and civility, diversity and inclusion, and staff recognition and celebration. An action plan is being developed, with the final version to be shared with the panel once approved.

In terms of core inspections, the Emergency Department at St George's has improved its rating from Inadequate to Requires Improvement following a reinspection. Surgery services also showed improvement, narrowly missing a Good rating, with a reassessment planned.

Regarding maternity services, 29 out of the previously identified CQC action points have been completed, with two remaining in progress. Focus areas include leadership visibility, workforce development, governance, and improved patient engagement. The panel requested greater public visibility of maternity performance information and noted that a sub-committee to the Trust Board has been established to provide oversight of these services.

St Helier Hospital Estate and Service Continuity

A significant concern raised was the condition of St Helier Hospital. Independent advice confirmed that while current water mitigations are safe, they are not a long-term solution. The long-term plan involves replacing all the piping for water in the building, a process that is expected to be hugely disruptive due to the high likelihood of asbestos. Services cannot run concurrently with this major infrastructure work. Options for decanting services while these works are undertaken are being assessed, with an update on the options appraisal due to be presented to the board on 9 July. The panel requested regular updates on this appraisal, service continuity, and estate plans.

Cancer Screening Access

Concerns were raised about cancer screening access, specifically the absence of mobile screening provision. It was explained that mobile sites are no longer supported, and discussions are ongoing regarding the location of a static site. Breast cancer screening is a specific item on the Healthier Communities and Older People (HCOP) workplan for later in the year, and a further update on cancer screening services and future arrangements will be provided.

Work Programme

The panel agreed to the proposed work programme for the upcoming year.