The Health and Wellbeing Board met on 20 October 2025 to discuss the Better Care Fund plan, Sutton's Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment, and an update on the Sutton Health and Care Plan. Key decisions included the approval of the Better Care Fund 2025-26 planning template and the Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment 2025-28 for publication.

Better Care Fund Plan 2025-26

The Board approved the Better Care Fund (BCF) 2025-26 planning template, which outlines agreed areas of spend and updated targets for national metrics. The template confirms that all national conditions are met. The Board also noted the Quarter 1 submission to NHS England, which indicated that Sutton's BCF schemes are performing well, with expenditure in line with projections and performance on track for two out of three national metrics. The report highlighted strong performance in admissions to residential and nursing care, largely due to BCF-funded services such as technology-enabled care and home adaptations. While emergency admissions for those aged 65 and over were slightly off track in April and May, recent data shows improved performance, with August admissions being below target for the first time this year. Data for discharge delays is still being resolved, but trust-wide data indicates an overall improvement.

The Board also noted the delivery update on the Sutton Alliance Hospital to Home Programme. This programme, a joint effort between the NHS, council, and voluntary sector, aims to improve hospital discharge processes and reduce avoidable admissions. A key development is the appointment of a dedicated Transfer of Care Hub Lead, who will start in early 2026, to provide single accountability and drive a more coordinated approach. Changes to team structures and roles will be subject to staff consultation, with full implementation anticipated by summer 2026.

Sutton's Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment 2025-28

The Board approved and signed off Sutton's Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA) 2025-28 for publication. This statutory document assesses the provision of NHS pharmacy services in Sutton and concludes that they are well-distributed, accessible, and sufficient to meet the population's needs for the next three years. The assessment found 39 community pharmacies in Sutton, slightly above the national average, with good access across the borough. Uptake of key Advanced Services, such as Pharmacy First and the New Medicine Service, is high. No current or future gaps in provision were identified.

The Board also noted the significant contribution of community pharmacy to the Sutton Health and Care system. Reena Barai, a local pharmacist, presented on the evolving role of community pharmacies, highlighting their function as neighbourhood health centres and their involvement in services ranging from cardiovascular health checks and independent prescribing clinics to vaccinations and substance misuse support. She emphasised the potential for pharmacies to play a greater role in prevention and integrated care.

Update on the Sutton Health and Care Plan

The Board noted that the final draft of the Sutton Health and Care Plan 2025-28, including the Outcomes Framework and Delivery Plan, will be submitted for approval to the Health and Wellbeing Board meeting on 19 January 2026. This refreshed plan builds on previous work and addresses current challenges, including financial pressures and national policy changes. It focuses on five key priorities: Healthy Hearts, Proactive Care, Supporting Hospital Discharges and Independent Living at Home, Improving Access and Experiences for Families Navigating SEND Services, and Strengthening Work with the Charity, Community and Faith Sector. The plan aims to foster stronger collaboration, promote prevention, and ensure services are responsive to local needs.

The Board also discussed the potential implications of national reforms, including the Department of Health and Social Care's operating plan framework, which will require the development of a neighbourhood plan based on the Sutton Health and Care Plan. Potential additional priorities may include long-term conditions, frailty, and children's physical health. A point was raised regarding the government's announcement about SEND assessments being carried out at schools, and the need to ensure the health and therapy aspects remain integrated.