The Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Committee met on Tuesday 15 September 2026 to discuss a range of important issues affecting residents' health and wellbeing. Key topics included the response to extreme heatwaves, the Camden Safeguarding Adults Board Annual Report, and an update from the Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care. The committee also received the Healthwatch Camden Annual Report, noting the organisation's impending closure.

Deputation Regarding Integrated Care Board Funding and Service Decisions

The committee considered a deputation statement from Ashok Ali, a resident and carer, who raised concerns about the impact of Integrated Care Board (ICB) funding and service reorganisation decisions on vulnerable residents. Mr. Ali highlighted issues with access and continuity of care at Kings Cross Surgery and a reduction in follow-up support from the Camden Memory Service. He requested that the committee examine these case studies to determine if they indicate a wider pattern of service reduction affecting those least able to challenge the system. The committee resolved to request a report from the West and North London Integrated Care Board and North London Foundation Trust to address the points raised in the deputation and asked the deputee if they wished to provide further comment.

Update of the Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care

Councillor Kemi Atolagbe, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care, provided an update on key areas within her portfolio. Discussions covered service pressures within neighbourhood teams, the meaning of defensible risk decisions and proportionate provider enquiries in safeguarding, and the success rates of stop-smoking services. The effectiveness of vaping as a harm-reduction tool and actions being taken to prevent youth smoking were also discussed. The committee heard about efforts to tackle underage vape sales and the development of a youth vaping cessation service.

Regarding adult social care operations, clarification was provided on how assessments are prioritised to avoid duplication, with an emphasis on continuous risk assessment and triage rather than a static waiting list. The positive impact of the Carers Conversations video was noted, and discussions addressed how safeguarding concerns are communicated, particularly to hard-to-reach groups. The Active for Life physical activity campaign for over-65s was reviewed, along with efforts to combat isolation and loneliness. The committee resolved to note the update.

Camden Safeguarding Adults Board Annual Report 2025-26

The committee reviewed the Camden Safeguarding Adults Board Annual Report for 2025-26. Dr. Adi Cooper, Independent Chair of the Board, highlighted the importance of the report and commended its clearer language. Concerns were raised about splitting demographic data for over-65s to identify correlations between self-neglect and cognitive impairment. The report detailed the Board's achievements, including hosting a conference, redesigning branding, launching a YouTube page, and holding community collaboration events. Data presented showed a significant increase in safeguarding concerns, with neglect and acts of omission remaining the largest types of abuse investigated. The report also outlined challenges, such as the increasing complexity of safeguarding concerns and ensuring recommendations from Safeguarding Adults Reviews (SARs) are embedded into practice. The committee resolved to note the content of the report.

Response to Extreme Heat

The committee considered a report summarising heatwave preparedness and response activities across Camden's health and care system, in light of the unprecedented hot weather experienced during summer 2026. Discussions covered the Council's Severe Weather Corporate Response Plan, including the distribution of alerts and incident response arrangements. A workshop held in April 2026 aimed to help services prepare for extreme heat, with follow-up sessions for specific teams. Training materials and resources for staff on Service Resilience in Extreme Heat were made available.

The report detailed efforts to support residents, including a dedicated webpage with guidance and links to Beat the Heat advice, and the Cool Spaces programme, which provides free public spaces for respite. A pilot Cool Kits programme distributed practical items to vulnerable residents. Support for rough sleepers during heat alerts was outlined, along with awareness sessions for adult social care commissioners and care home managers. The committee noted the challenges faced by healthcare providers, such as the Royal Free Hospital Trust and UCLH Trust, regarding inadequate cooling infrastructure and increased patient attendances during heatwaves. The committee resolved to note the report.

Healthwatch Camden Annual Report

The committee received the Healthwatch Camden Annual Report for 2025-26. Stephen Heard, Chief Executive of Healthwatch Camden, explained that the organisation uses a combination of primary and secondary data, with focus groups and interviews proving effective for specific projects. The report highlighted Healthwatch's work on public health campaigns, research into the experiences of seldom-heard groups, and the social value generated by their activities. The impending closure of Healthwatch Camden in March 2027 was acknowledged, with a focus on transferring learnings and ensuring a smooth transition. Councillor Kemi Atolagbe thanked Healthwatch Camden for their contributions. The committee resolved to note the report.

Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Committee Work Programme and Action Tracker

The committee reviewed its work programme for 2026-27 and noted the Action Tracker. Colin Gajewski, Senior Policy and Projects Officer, highlighted the addition of an item on youth smoking and vaping and the request for councillor training on severe weather. Clarification was provided on the North London Foundation Trust merger and the renaming of an item on care home performance. The committee resolved to note the work programme and Action Tracker, subject to amendments.