The Redbridge Council Health Scrutiny Sub-Committee convened to discuss several key health issues, including end-of-life care, smoking cessation, and health protection. The committee noted a report on smoking cessation, highlighting the success of the 'Redbridge Quits Smoking' service. Members also received updates on health protection, and end-of-life care from St Francis Hospice.

Smoking Cessation in Redbridge

The committee noted the Tobacco Control and Smoking Cessation in Redbridge report, which provided an update on the progress of the Redbridge Tobacco Control Plan (2023-2028) and developments in the local smoking cessation service.

The report highlighted that smoking remains the leading cause of preventable illness and premature death in England, with a significant impact on health and social care. It was noted that smokers are 36% more likely to be admitted to hospital and require social care 10 years earlier than non-smokers.

The Redbridge Tobacco Control Plan (2023-2028) includes ambitions such as:

• Encouraging smoke-free environments
• Tackling illicit tobacco
• Protecting children and young people
• Improving smoking quit rates
• Reducing smoking rates for pregnant women
• Supporting vulnerable residents to quit smoking
• Supporting those with ill mental health to quit smoking
• Campaigning and engaging effectively to create a smoke-free culture

The report also highlighted the success of the specialist smoking cessation service, 'Redbridge Quits Smoking' (RQS), which launched in April 2023. The service has a focus on:

• Improving awareness and referrals
• Understanding the needs of communities
• Proactive outreach to underserved communities
• Flexible delivery models
• Expanding the scope to users of other tobacco products, such as bidi¹

The report noted a significant improvement in the number of residents accessing the service and successfully quitting smoking since its launch. It was reported that Trading Standards officers recently seized £50,000 worth of illegal vapes in a recent crackdown.

The committee discussed the challenges of obtaining accurate data on smoking prevalence, with Councillor Hussain noting that:

it's hard to get accurate data on that locally, but we know that nationally those that are more likely to smoke are those that live in circumstances, circumstances. So, you know, it's very much among people that, you know, are living in poverty, unemployed. We also, there is significant higher rates of smokers among those with illness. Those that have also got a history of substance use.

The committee also discussed the issue of vaping among young people, with members expressing concern about the increasing rates of vaping and the potential for vaping to act as a gateway to nicotine addiction.

End-of-Life Care

Dr. Corinna Midgley, Medical Director of Saint Francis Hospice, and Jan Scott from the hospice's communications team, presented an update on end-of-life care services in Redbridge. Dr. Midgley explained that the hospice has been serving Redbridge and other boroughs for over 40 years, with a mission to ensure everyone in the community has access to excellent palliative and end-of-life care.

Dr. Midgley outlined the palliative care services available in Redbridge, including:

• A hospice ward
• Hospice at Home service
• An advice line
• Consultant support
• Day services
• OrangeLine community support groups

She noted that Redbridge has its own NELFT² Community Palliative Care Team, with Saint Francis Hospice providing additional services in partnership.

Dr. Midgley highlighted that a significant challenge in Redbridge is late referrals to the Hospice at Home service, with 19% of referrals occurring within a day of the patient's death. She also noted that the hospice is aware that it is not reaching all who need its services, with a likely underserve of some communities.

Councillor Javid asked about the challenges of late referrals, likely under-referrals, and the likely underserve of some communities.

Health Protection Update

Gladys Xavier, Director of Public Health and Commissioning, provided a verbal update on health protection in Redbridge. She reported that COVID activity has decreased nationally across all indicators, but it is still recommended for those over 75 and those who are immunosuppressed.

On flu, Xavier noted mixed trends nationally, with the flu season starting early. She added that the vaccine available is still effective, particularly for young people. Xavier also noted that London's uptake rate for the flu vaccine is lower than other regions.

Xavier reported an increase in RSV³ cases at all levels, with admissions likely to increase. She also mentioned outbreaks of norovirus in a secondary school and a preschool in Redbridge, emphasising the importance of hand hygiene.

Xavier highlighted a citizen-led study on childhood exposure to lead and the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning, with 28 deaths reported nationally last year.

Councillor Chataway asked about measles, and Xavier responded that there had been an increase in measles cases, but for the last four weeks, there have been no cases in Redbridge.

Councillor Chowdhury asked about the 28 deaths from carbon monoxide poisoning, and Xavier clarified that these deaths were across England, not specifically in Redbridge.