The Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Wandsworth Council is scheduled to consider updates on the performance of St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, a review of reablement services, and the budget for Adult Social Care and Public Health. The committee will also discuss its work programme.

St George's Trust Performance Update

The committee is scheduled to receive an update on the performance and key issues at St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. A representative from the Trust will be present to discuss various aspects of its operations. The report pack indicates that discussions will cover the Trust's overall performance, including emergency care, elective recovery, and cancer pathways, with a focus on areas such as reducing corridor care and improving diagnostic capacity. The report also highlights the challenges faced during the summer heatwave, the Trust's preparations for winter, and the results of the CQC Adult Inpatient Survey, where patients rated their overall experience at 8.3 out of 10. A significant development to be discussed is the potential for a new mental health emergency department at St George's, following a £1.9 million investment in mental health urgent care in south west London.

Reablement Services Review

A report is scheduled for discussion regarding reablement services, which aim to support residents in regaining independence after illness or hospital admission. The current model, which combines an in-house service called KITE with commissioned providers, is under review. The report suggests a move towards a fully commissioned service model, which is anticipated to protect this preventative service, improve consistency, and deliver an estimated annual saving of £1.150 million. The proposal is a Key Decision to be considered by Cabinet on 12th October 2026. The report pack indicates that the transition to a fully commissioned model is expected to result in the net deletion of 28 full-time equivalent posts, and a formal consultation process with affected staff and trade unions is planned.

Adult Social Care and Public Health Budget

The committee is scheduled to review the Adult Social Care and Public Health revenue forecast for 2026/27 at Quarter 1. The report indicates a predicted overspend of £3.477 million, primarily driven by increased demand for care, the growing complexity of needs, and rising care market costs. The overspend is concentrated in services for older people, sensory and physical disabilities, and adults with learning disabilities. The report highlights that the number of people receiving care and support has increased, with a particular rise in services for older people and those with mental health needs. Management actions and transformation activities are underway to address these pressures, including efforts to reduce avoidable demand, improve independence, and contain care package costs. The report also outlines key risks, such as continued demand growth and provider market pressures, and notes that the Directorate is working with a delivery partner to accelerate implementation and strengthen benefits tracking.

Work Programme

The committee will also discuss its work programme for the upcoming year. The report from the Director of Law and Governance outlines guidance for developing the programme, emphasising the importance of accessing relevant information, applying clear criteria for inclusion, and setting focused objectives. The report suggests various sources of information, including performance data, financial reports, and the Forward Plan of Key Decisions. It also details potential objectives for the committees, such as improving services, policy endorsement, and pre-decision scrutiny of Cabinet decisions. The report pack includes a draft work programme for the Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee, detailing items scheduled for discussion at future meetings, including updates from St George's Trust and SWL & St George's Mental Health Trust, as well as reports on Health Visiting and School Health services.