The Bexley Health and Wellbeing Board is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 16 June 2026 to discuss a range of important health and social care matters affecting the borough. Key topics include the Better Care Fund, an update on the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) reform plan, and the Annual Public Health Report.

Better Care Fund Assurance Return 2026-27

The Board will consider Bexley's Better Care Fund (BCF) Assurance Return for 2026-27. This document outlines how the £97.056 million pooled fund, a joint initiative between the London Borough of Bexley and NHS South East London Integrated Care Board (ICB), will be used to support integrated and preventative care for adults across the borough. The return details planned expenditure, trajectories for national metrics such as non-elective admissions and discharge delays, and confirms compliance with national conditions. The Board is asked to formally approve this assurance return.

Better Care Fund End of Year Return 2025-26

A report will be presented for the Board's sign-off regarding Bexley's Better Care Fund End of Year Return for 2025-26. This return confirms compliance with national conditions and reports on BCF metrics and expenditure for the past financial year. An update on BCF and related metrics will also be provided. The report highlights that Bexley is provisionally assessed as on track to meet its target for emergency admissions of people aged 65 and over, and that new long-term admissions to residential and nursing care for this age group remain below the planned target. However, performance against the discharge delay metric was mixed, with a reduction in the proportion of patients discharged on their Discharge Ready Date in the second half of the year.

Update on the Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND) Reform Plan

The Board will receive an update on the Local Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND) Reform Plan. This plan is being developed in response to requirements from the Department for Education and NHS England to assess local readiness for SEND reforms. The report will outline progress on the Local Maturity Assessment Tool, Data Template, and the SEND Reform Plan itself. The reforms aim to create a more inclusive mainstream system with specialist support for children and young people with SEND, focusing on early intervention, local provision, fairness, effectiveness, and shared working across education, health, and care services. The plan is scheduled for submission on 19 June 2026, with funding expected to be unlocked in the autumn if the plan is accepted.

Annual Public Health Report 2025/26

The Annual Public Health Report (APHR) for 2025-26 will be presented, offering a long-term perspective on Bexley's health up to 2050. The report highlights that factors such as demographic changes, neighbourhood inequalities, environmental conditions, and digital access will significantly shape wellbeing. It identifies obesity, mental health, neighbourhood health gaps, environmental pressures, and digital exclusion as the most significant long-term health risks. The APHR calls for a unified, cross-council, and system-wide approach to prevention, aligning with Bexley's 2050 Vision. The Board will be asked to endorse key prevention priorities, support neighbourhood-based delivery models, embed Health in All Policies across council functions, and approve the development of a shared outcomes framework.

Queen Elizabeth Hospital Care Quality Commission Rating Improvement

The Board will be updated on the Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection outcome for Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH), part of Lewisham & Greenwich NHS Trust. The report indicates that QEH's overall rating has been upgraded to Good, recognising sustained improvement in the quality of care, leadership, multidisciplinary working, and patient experience. While acknowledging this significant milestone, the report also notes areas requiring further improvement, particularly concerning consistency within the Safe domain. The Board is asked to note this outcome and support the continued focus on quality improvement.

Bexley Wellbeing Partnership - Quarterly Summary

A positive update on the Bexley Wellbeing Partnership's delivery will be provided, highlighting progress in three key areas. Firstly, the proposed Strategic Investment Fund delivery plan outlines a neighbourhood-based model focusing on integrator development, frailty and ageing well, long-term conditions, children and young people, prevention, and digital and workforce enablers. Secondly, Bexley's digital transformation programme is showing strong progress, with high NHS App uptake and effective use of Universal Care Plans. Thirdly, investment in primary care and community outreach is supporting earlier intervention and improved access. The report indicates good progress in shifting care towards prevention, neighbourhood delivery, and joined-up community-based support.

Public Questions

A dedicated session will be allocated for public questions, allowing residents to ask questions relevant to the Board's work.

Items for Information and Any Other Business

The Board will consider its draft workplan for 2026/27. This workplan may be subject to change due to potential shifts in the role of Health and Wellbeing Boards.