The Health and Wellbeing Board meeting scheduled for 10 April 2025 was set to cover a range of topics focused on improving community health and care services. Key discussions were expected to include the development of Integrated Neighbourhood Teams, the implementation of the 20 Minute Neighbourhoods concept, and updates on reviews of adult social care services. The Board was also scheduled to consider plans for the Better Care Fund and the findings of a Joint Strategic Needs Assessment on work and health.

Integrated Neighbourhood Teams

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the development of Integrated Neighbourhood Teams (INTs) across North West London, with a specific focus on Ealing. The report outlined the vision for these teams to provide seamless, community-based care, geographically aligned to populations of approximately 50,000 to 100,000 residents. These teams are intended to encompass core services such as General Practice, Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) organisations, and Public Health. The report detailed Ealing's transition from three to eight INTs, aligning with Primary Care Network (PCN) footprints, to strengthen local partnerships and improve care coordination. The initial functions of these INTs were described, covering areas such as Public Health/Inequalities, Frailty, Working Age Adults, Children, and Same Day Access. The next steps for developing these teams included establishing governance agreements, aligning contracts, and developing workforce and digital infrastructure.

20 Minute Neighbourhoods

The Board was scheduled to discuss the 20 Minute Neighbourhoods concept, a principle aimed at boosting local economies, improving health and wellbeing, increasing social connections, and tackling climate change across Ealing's seven towns. This initiative aligns with the Council's Local Plan policy (SP 3.3 Healthy Lives) and is driven by considerations from the Race Equalities Commission, the Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2023-28, and the Ealing Climate and Ecological Emergency Strategy. The report highlighted the potential benefits, including increased high street spending and significant health economic benefits. The approach involves community-centric planning, public and private sector partnerships, integrated infrastructure development, data-driven decisions, and enhanced local services. Specific town priorities, using Southall as an example, were detailed, covering community and health facilities, parks and open spaces, walkable streets and bus connections, and places to work.

CQC and LGA Review Learning

A report was presented on the learning from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and Local Government Association (LGA) reviews of Ealing's Adult Social Care services. Ealing's Adult CQC assessment report, published in January 2025, rated the service as 'requires improvement', detailing strengths and areas for improvement. In contrast, the LGA Review of Ealing's Adult Social Services, also published in January 2025, highlighted outstanding progress and successful meeting of recommendations from a previous Peer Challenge. The report detailed areas for improvement identified in both reviews, including waiting times, data analysis, support for unpaid carers, and Occupational Therapy waiting lists. Strengths identified included culturally competent care, community engagement, a no wrong door approach, and innovation in implementing the Magic Notes system. The report also outlined performance improvements in various Adults Social Care Outcomes Framework (ASCOF) indicators.

JSNA - Work and Health

The Board was to consider the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) report on Work and Health, focusing on how work impacts residents' health and health inequalities. The report highlighted that employment is critical for good health and wellbeing, and that ensuring healthy work practices can reduce sickness absence and improve productivity. Key findings included disparities in educational outcomes for children in care and pupils with special educational needs, and underrepresentation of ethnic minorities and economically disadvantaged groups in higher-level qualifications. Employment rates by ethnicity, employment of adults with learning disabilities, and sickness absence due to musculoskeletal and mental health conditions were also detailed. Recommendations were outlined across seven themes, including overcoming barriers to employment, building community and employer partnerships, improving employer-school partnerships, promoting social value and the London Living Wage, enhancing workplace environments, supporting vulnerable groups, and leveraging the role of anchor institutions.

Better Care Fund 2025/26 Plan Sign-off

An update on the Ealing Better Care Fund (BCF) 2025/26 Plan was presented, including the planning framework, funding, and metrics. The report noted a proposed 50% reduction in NHS additional contributions, equating to approximately £1.3 million, which presented financial planning challenges for the local authority. Consequently, a revised timeline for the submission of the BCF Plan was proposed. The BCF's objectives for 2025/26 were outlined, focusing on a shift from sickness to prevention and from hospital to home, supporting neighbourhood health services and integrated, person-centred care. The report detailed the national conditions for the BCF, including jointly agreed plans, implementation of objectives, compliance with funding conditions, and oversight processes. New metrics for 2025/26 were introduced, focusing on emergency admissions for those over 65, average length of discharge delay, and permanent admissions to care homes. The report also detailed the financial implications, including revenue contributions and the impact of the proposed reduction in NHS additional contributions.