The Health & Adults Scrutiny Sub-Committee of Tower Hamlets Council convened on Tuesday 04 June 2024 to discuss a range of significant topics impacting the borough's health and adult social care services. Key decisions and discussions included updates on workforce shortages, maternity services, and the empowerment of disabled residents through accessible sports and fitness initiatives.

Workforce Shortages Across the Health and Care Sector

Garrett Noble, Deputy Director of Workforce Programme at NHS North East London, provided an update on the action plan addressing workforce shortages. He highlighted the successful implementation of career ambassador programmes and the signing off of the workforce strategy for North East London in January 2024. Noble emphasised the importance of local collaboration, particularly with Tower Hamlets Together, to scale up workforce supply and support education programmes. Councillor Mark Francis raised concerns about housing allocations for key workers and the potential for council tax relief for NHS workers. Noble acknowledged the complexities and the need for further work to address these issues.

Maternity Services in Tower Hamlets

The sub-committee continued its discussion on maternity services, with presentations from Tom Logan, Divisional Director of Operations for Women’s Health at BARTS Health, and Sabrina Mubiru, Patient Experience Midwife. They detailed the services provided, including the Maternal Medicine Network and the Lotus Birth Centre. Mubiru highlighted efforts to improve patient experience, such as enhancing the online booking system and community partnership work with organisations like 'Sister Circle' and 'Maternity Mates'. Shereen Nimmo, Group Director of Midwifery, discussed funding for projects supporting the Somali community and the recruitment of new midwives. The sub-committee also heard from Momina Begum, who shared her lived experience and urged continued improvements.

Empowering Disabled Residents Through Accessible Sports and Fitness Initiatives

Councillor Ahmad Khan presented a report on empowering disabled residents through accessible sports and fitness initiatives. The report, based on site visits and consultations with various stakeholders, made six key recommendations. These included enhancing disability representation in the leisure workforce, improving data collection on disability access, developing disability campaigns, establishing a Sports and Exercise Disability Forum, collaborating with health partners to increase access for disabled residents, and creating transitional arrangements for specialised fitness to mainstream facilities. The sub-committee agreed to the report and its recommendations.

Reflections and Priorities from Health Partners

Representatives from the Integrated Care Board (ICB), Royal London Hospital, and East London Foundation Trust provided updates on their reflections and priorities. Charlotte Pomery from the ICB discussed the financial strategy and the importance of early intervention and prevention. Roberto Clinic, Director of Primary Care, highlighted efforts to improve access to primary care, including the implementation of digital exclusion policies and additional after-hours appointments. Fiona Peskitt, Director of Strategy and Integration at Royal London, emphasised the importance of workforce retention and the development of new care models. Richard Executive Director from the East London Foundation Trust discussed the pressures on mental health services and the success of the 111 crisis line.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on future work programmes and the importance of aligning with the priorities set out by the health and adult social care leadership team. The sub-committee expressed gratitude for the participation and contributions of all members, co-optees, officers, and external guests.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the Combined Agenda Pack and the Public Reports Pack.