The People Overview & Scrutiny Sub Committee of Havering Council was scheduled to discuss plans for managing winter demand at Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals Trust (BHRUT), review the annual report from Healthwatch Havering, and consider new strategies for education, employment, and community safety. The meeting's agenda also included a pre-decision scrutiny of the Havering Community Safety Partnership Plan for 2026-29 and the adoption of a new Education & Employment Skills Strategy.

BHRUT Winter Demand Management

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals Trust's (BHRUT) plans for managing winter demand. The report indicated that the trust had been experiencing record numbers of patients, with particular challenges at Queen's Hospital due to its A&E department being designed for a much lower daily attendance. Issues such as discharge delays, patients with mental health needs attending A&E, and the impact of a new electronic patient record (EPR) system were highlighted as contributing factors to the pressure. The report outlined measures being taken to address these challenges, including the introduction of a new Medical Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) at Queen's, earlier clinical decision-making, and improved collaboration with various services. The report also encouraged residents to get their flu vaccination and use appropriate healthcare settings.

Healthwatch Havering Annual Report and Same Day Access Report

The committee was set to review reports from Healthwatch Havering, an independent champion for local health and social care services. The Healthwatch Havering Annual Report 2024-2025 detailed the organisation's work in listening to residents' experiences, publishing reports on services, and collaborating with partners to influence improvements. Key highlights included work on maternity equality, ensuring British Sign Language interpreters for deaf patients, and supporting the development of the St George's Health and Wellbeing Hub. The report also presented financial information and outlined future priorities, such as improving access to GPs and community pharmacies.

Additionally, a separate report on Same Day Access to GPs was scheduled for discussion. This report detailed a survey conducted by Healthwatch Havering to understand residents' awareness and use of the same-day GP access service. The survey found that a significant portion of respondents were unaware of the service's availability, and while most who used it found it convenient, there was a need for an information campaign targeting both patients and practice staff. The report recommended ensuring accessible locations for hubs and better signposting by GP practices.

Adoption of the New Education & Employment Skills Strategy

The committee was scheduled to conduct pre-decision scrutiny on the proposed Education & Employment Skills Strategy for Havering. This strategy aims to provide residents with pathways to upskill, enter the workforce, and achieve lifelong learning. The report highlighted the alignment of this strategy with the Council's broader objectives for people, place, and resources, and its integration with the Inclusive Growth and Social Value Strategies. The strategy outlines a vision for a responsive and collaborative ecosystem connecting education providers, employers, and support services. It details three strategic pillars: Education Provision & Inclusion, Adult Learning & Lifelong Skills, and Employment & Economic Inclusion. The report also included data on NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) rates, participation in education and employment, and unemployment figures for Havering, London, and Great Britain. The strategy is largely funded by external grants, with provisions for continuous review to adapt to changing demographics and priorities.

Approval of the Havering Community Safety Partnership Plan 2026-29

The committee was also scheduled to scrutinise the Havering Community Safety Partnership (HCSP) Plan for 2026-29. This plan outlines how the partnership will address crime and disorder in Havering, fulfilling a statutory duty under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998. The report detailed findings from the annual strategic assessment of crime and disorder in 2024, including resident survey results on satisfaction with their neighbourhood, feelings of safety, and perceptions of crime levels. Key areas of concern identified were violence, acquisitive crime, and anti-social behaviour (ASB). The plan proposes six strategic priorities: Reducing Violence, Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), Reducing Reoffending (especially substance misuse and group-related), Tackling ASB, Tackling Acquisitive Crime, and Improving Feelings of Safety. The report included detailed ward-level crime data and time-of-day analysis for various crime types. The adoption of the plan has no direct financial implications, as costs are expected to be met through existing funding streams.