The Health and Wellbeing Board met on Monday 7 October 2024 to discuss critical issues affecting the health and wellbeing of Newham residents. Key topics included the future of maternity and neonatal services in North East London, the impact of diet-related diseases, and initiatives to improve health literacy and equity across the borough. Decisions were made to note the production of a patient information leaflet and to review the strategic approach to maternity and neonatal care.

NEL Maternity and Neonatal Demand and Capacity

The Board reviewed the Case for Change report concerning maternity and neonatal services in North East London (NEL). This report highlights a growing population, increasingly complex pregnancies, and persistent health inequalities impacting mothers and babies, particularly those from global majority communities. Pauline Okhamesan, Head of Midwifery at BHRUT, presented the findings, noting that current capacity is insufficient to meet future demand. The report proposes a strategic approach to reconfigure services, ensuring care is delivered in the most appropriate setting and that staff wellbeing is prioritised. The Board was asked to review the case for change and the public engagement process undertaken by the North East London Integrated Care Board (ICB).

Healthwatch Newham Update

Jasmine Smith, CEO of Healthwatch Newham, presented the organisation's Annual Report for 2023-2024. The report detailed work on improving the SEND diagnosis process, quality assurance assessments of diabetes services, and gathering residents' experiences with healthcare council services. A significant focus was placed on Newham's low health literacy rates, with 56.42% of residents aged 16-65 estimated to be below the health literacy threshold. To address this, Healthwatch Newham has designed a Patient Information Systems Leaflet to help residents navigate the healthcare system. The Board was asked to note the production of this leaflet and agree to its distribution across community, primary, and hospital settings, subject to any amendments.

Newham Health Equity Programme Update

Adeola Agbebiyi presented an update on the Newham Health Equity Programme (NHEP). The programme aims to address the disproportionately poor health outcomes experienced by Newham residents affected by deprivation and poverty, many of whom are from global majority populations. The NHEP supports partners in reducing inequalities in health and care pathways, ensuring all residents have a fair opportunity to achieve optimal health. The presentation highlighted exemplar work and programme tools, with a focus on embedding solutions into routine practice. The Board was asked to note this update for discussion.

Diet Related Diseases Programme: NHS Opportunities and Challenges

The Board discussed the Diet Related Diseases Programme, focusing on NHS opportunities and challenges. Adeola Agbebiyi, Dr Tamara Hibbert (GP and Clinical Lead for Diabetes), and Gabby Ramlan (Clinical Lead Dietitian) presented the findings. The impact of poor diet on premature mortality and ill health in Newham was highlighted, including its links to obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. The discussion covered the challenges and opportunities within NHS commissioned prevention and management service pathways, such as community dietetics, primary care, and diabetes remission programmes. A key challenge identified was the insufficient capacity of community dietetic services in Newham, with only 2.5 full-time equivalent dietitians serving the entire borough. The Board was asked to note the areas of activity and to encourage their organisations and networks to address the challenges and support equitable delivery.

Newham Safeguarding Adult Board Annual Report

The Board received an update on the Newham Safeguarding Adult Board's sponsored Adults Safeguarding Improvement Project. The project is exploring why safeguarding referrals do not reflect the borough's demographic diversity, with a skew towards older, white, and female referrals, despite data suggesting disproportionate safeguarding concerns for Black and Asian residents. The review aims to identify barriers to equitable safeguarding and co-design solutions. The Safeguarding Adults Board (SAB) was asked to support the convening of member stakeholders for insights into referral and safeguarding adult review (SAR) issues.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on the date of the next meeting, which was not yet confirmed.