The Health and Wellbeing Board met on Wednesday 20 March 2024 to discuss a range of important public health matters. Key topics included updates on the delivery of inequality priorities, the findings of a joint strategic needs assessment on substance misuse, and the annual public health report on mental health. The board also received updates from Healthwatch Ealing on their maternity project and care home strategy.

Healthwatch Update: Maternity Project and Care Home Strategy

Carleen Duffy from Healthwatch Ealing presented findings from two significant projects. The Maternity Project, which involved research with 24 women, primarily aged 25-49 and from ethnic minority groups, highlighted that while most childbirth experiences were positive, those with mixed or negative experiences often felt unsupported postnatally. Many participants had limited English skills, necessitating translation assistance. The research identified challenges faced by asylum seekers, including inadequate accommodation, financial constraints, language barriers, and a lack of cooperation between healthcare providers and support organisations. Recommendations included improving meal options, providing emotional well-being check-ins, offering financial and essential item support, ensuring adequate language services, and fostering better collaboration between the NHS and voluntary sector organisations.

The Care Home Strategy report detailed the findings from Enter and View visits to eight care homes in Ealing. These visits, conducted by trained representatives, aimed to gather impartial views on service delivery and resident experiences. The report highlighted issues such as capacity constraints, staff retention challenges, and the need for improved access to dental care and cultural sensitivity. Despite rating differences, no major discrepancies in care quality were found between Good and Requires Improvement rated homes. Specific areas for improvement were identified in each Requires Improvement home, including staffing concerns, infection control, risk management, and activity provision. Healthwatch Ealing's insights were noted to complement Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspections by offering a patient-centred perspective.

Delivery of BBP Inequalities Priorities

Anna Bryden, Director of Public Health, provided an update on the Borough-based Partnership's (BBP) efforts to address inequalities. Ealing Cabinet has committed £400,000 from the Public Health Grant to support initiatives aimed at reducing health inequalities. Two funding rounds have allocated £191,854 and £200,000 respectively. Successful bids include a Trading Standards initiative to tackle underage vapes and illicit tobacco, and an Alcohol Partnership group addressing alcohol-related harm. NHS England has also provided recurrent health inequality transformation (HIT) funding to enhance capabilities in addressing health disparities.

The report highlighted promising results from Therapeutic Thinking initiatives in Ealing high schools. While overall suspensions had increased, the ten schools implementing Therapeutic Thinking saw a decrease in suspensions during Autumn 2023. Initial evidence suggests a positive impact on disproportionality among priority minority ethnic groups. Furthermore, eleven nurseries in Ealing's most deprived areas have arranged training with the Speech, Language, and Communication Needs (SLCN) team. A free health check session in Southall, attended by 125 participants, offered various health assessments and advice. Additionally, 442 families participated in School Readiness sessions, with parents reporting high satisfaction with the information provided. An outreach event for asylum seekers provided health services, including vaccinations and blood pressure checks. The Healthy Ealing initiative aims to improve health and wellbeing by enhancing access to services, upskilling the workforce, and organizing events to address health and social inequalities, targeting communities such as asylum seekers, homeless individuals, and ethnic groups experiencing specific inequalities.

Substance Misuse Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA)

Councillor P Mason recused himself from this item. Anna Bryden introduced the report on the Substance Misuse JSNA, which aims to understand drug and alcohol treatment provision and resident needs for both adults and young people in Ealing. The assessment methodology involved quantitative and qualitative analysis, service mapping, and a review of strategies and evidence. Consultations with service users, staff, and stakeholders were integral to informing the recommendations and future service design.

Annual Public Health Report on Mental Health

Rajwinder Hira, Public Health Senior Specialist, presented an illustration on Mental Health in Ealing. The report highlights mental health as a significant concern, influenced by social determinants of health. It aims to foreground the building blocks of health in understanding and addressing mental health inequalities, with a focus on the role of communities in promoting mental wellbeing. The report was co-designed with a visual artist, Ealing Public Health, and a local community organisation, Gosad, incorporating broader community engagement, particularly with underserved communities.

Health and Wellbeing Board Work Programme

Anna Bryden presented the Health and Wellbeing Board Work Programme, outlining upcoming agenda items and strategic work.

Questions from Members of the Public

In response to public questions, the board confirmed that the Careline service would continue for existing users, transferring to Harrow for a more sustainable service. A responder service is being planned, and new systems are in place to minimise backlogs, with staff trained on accessing careline services for residents.