The Adult Social Care and Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on 08 October 2025 to discuss winter preparedness, the development of neighbourhood health services, and the council's work programme. Key decisions included the endorsement of the Bexley Care Plus memorandum of understanding to formalise integrated neighbourhood teams and a commitment to further scrutiny of performance data and budget monitoring.

Bexley Wellbeing Partnership Winter Preparedness and Resilience Planning 2025/26

The committee received an update on the preparedness of the local health and social care system for the upcoming winter. Councillor Rags Sandhu raised concerns about contingency plans if funding were to run out mid-winter and enquired about lobbying for additional funding. Officers explained that winter funding is typically allocated from existing budgets rather than specific winter pots, and that Bexley boroughs do not receive specific winter money. Josh Blatt, Director of Site Operations at Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust, highlighted the positive working relationship with Bexley's adult social care team in supporting patient discharge, noting that discharge delays are minimal. Councillor Peter Reader inquired about the categorisation of housebound individuals and the proposed holistic approach to chronic kidney disease (CKD). Alison Rogers, Director of Integrated Commissioning, explained that the housebound definition is part of ongoing work to ensure consistency. Regarding CKD, she noted it is a pilot led by the GP Federation, with positive early outcomes, and committed to providing more detailed data in the future. Councillor Lisa Moore questioned the discontinuation of the Urgent Community Response (UCR) car service pilot, its impact on stretched services, and the basis for the decision. Mr Blatt indicated that while the UCR car service pilot was discontinued due to value for money considerations, a new system is being implemented where hospital-based consultants will work alongside the London Ambulance Service (LAS) to triage patients. Councillor Moore also shared a personal experience of her daughter struggling to access a blood test, highlighting systemic issues in accessing timely care. Mr Blatt confirmed that as of 1 October, Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust and the GP Federation have taken over the Urgent Treatment Centres (UTCs), aiming to integrate services and offer enhanced diagnostics, including blood tests. Councillor Bola Carew asked about the purpose of pop-up clinics, the commissioning of further carers' corners, and the potential need for an additional hospital in Southeast London. Diana Braithwaite, Strategic Director for Integrated Health & Care, explained that pop-up clinics are primarily for immunisations, such as flu and COVID-19, targeting underserved communities. She noted that the carers' partnership is working to establish more carers' corners, dependent on voluntary sector capacity. Mr Blatt addressed the hospital capacity question, explaining that while building new hospitals is resource-intensive, efforts are focused on operational efficiency and moving care into the community. He also mentioned plans to expand bed capacity at Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) and the development of new wards. Councillor Sandhu raised a query about monitoring the success of the Better Access Bexley campaign. Aisha A1, Head of Communications and Engagement, explained that success is monitored through online engagement, resident feedback, and community champions, citing the Get You Better app and Pharmacy First as examples of successful initiatives. She also highlighted the improved data integration with the new UTC model, which will allow for better tracking of patient attendances and service gaps.

Developing our Neighbourhood Health Service

The committee discussed the development of integrated neighbourhood health services, with Councillor Howard Jackson seeking clarification on how services will look and feel different for constituents and the meaning of equity in the context of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Diana Braithwaite explained that equity in this context refers to the governance structure, ensuring all partners have an equal say in service delivery for the benefit of residents, rather than one organisation dominating. She assured that the council would have a voice and advocate for its constituents, but within a collaborative framework. Councillor Jackson further questioned how to effectively advocate for communities within this system. Ms. Braithwaite elaborated that advocacy would be informed by organisational data, professional knowledge, best practice, and community engagement. She stressed that the MoU is not legally binding but signifies a commitment to collaborative working. She also outlined the four priority areas for the neighbourhood health service: frailty, multiple long-term conditions, integrated child health, and the Queen Mary's Hospital site. Simone Kerr from Bexley Health Watch inquired about the incorporation of the voluntary sector. Ms. Braithwaite confirmed that the voluntary sector is already integral to the model, participating in the Bexley Wellbeing Partnership and delivering elements of pilot programmes. She provided the example of the three long-term conditions pilot, where health and well-being coaches are provided by a voluntary service. Councillor Moore asked for a simple explanation of population health management, which was described as using data to understand people's needs and develop targeted services, rather than creating services based on assumptions. Councillor Rags Sandhu suggested a pop-up clinic at the Sikh temple in Belvedere to reach the Sikh community. Councillor Janice Ward-Wilson, Chair, welcomed the suggestion and confirmed that targeting underserved communities is part of the winter communications plan. Councillor Howard Jackson also offered support for events at Welling Football Club.

Work Programme

The committee reviewed its work programme for 2025/26. Councillor Rags Sandhu proposed adding a focus on reaching the Indian and Sikh communities, suggesting a pop-up clinic at the Sikh temple in Belvedere. Councillor Baljeet Gill also offered support for this initiative. Councillor Janice Ward-Wilson, Chair, confirmed that targeting underserved communities is already part of the winter communications plan and welcomed the councillors' support. Councillor Howard Jackson mentioned an upcoming event at Welling Football Club targeting specific demographics and offered his support. The committee also noted the completion of the CQC inspection of adult social care services, with the report expected in January. Councillor Melvin Seymour, Cabinet Member for Adult Services & Health, expressed pride in the adult social care team, describing them as truly outstanding. The committee also noted updates on the Bexley Status Report, budget monitoring, the Bexley Safeguarding Adults Board Annual Report, and progress against the Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy priorities. Councillor Bola Carew inquired about the Ageing Well event, the provision of functional fitness MOT trainers, and the criteria for selecting members for the Elder Voices Partnership. Councillor Peter Reader asked about the reality check-in visits and proposed a group of members to conduct evidence-gathering conversations with adult social care service users.

The meeting concluded with thanks to the officers and partners for their contributions.