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 2026-2029 and the adoption of a new Education & Employment Skills Strategy.

BHRUT Winter Demand Management

The committee was scheduled to receive an update from BHRUT regarding their plans for managing winter demand. The report indicated that the trust had been experiencing record numbers of patients, with attendances at Queen's Hospital's A&E department significantly exceeding its original design capacity. Additional challenges highlighted included the recent launch of a new electronic patient record system, an increase in flu cases, and delays in patient discharges. The report detailed measures being implemented to address these issues, such as the introduction of a new Medical Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) at Queen's Hospital and improved collaboration with various services. The report also encouraged residents to get their flu vaccinations 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 their work in gathering and amplifying residents' experiences to influence service improvements. Key achievements included supporting over 1,250 people to share their views, publishing 10 reports on health and social care services, and working collaboratively with other Healthwatch organisations across North East London to influence decisions at the Integrated Care System (ICS) level. The report also highlighted specific projects, such as ensuring British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters for deaf patients and supporting the development of services for people with learning disabilities and autism.

Additionally, a 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 usage of the same-day GP access service. The survey found that a significant portion of respondents were unaware of the service's availability, and it made recommendations for an information campaign targeting both patients and practice staff.

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 outline how the council will support residents in upskilling, entering the workforce, and achieving lifelong learning. The report highlighted that the strategy is funded through external grants and aims to create a continuum of support from early years education through to adult learning and employment. It detailed plans for in-reach activities in schools, support for young people not in education, employment, or training (NEET), and the development of adult learning programmes focused on priority sectors. The strategy also emphasised the importance of partnerships with employers and the use of Section 106 agreements to create local employment opportunities.

Approval of the Havering Community Safety Partnership Plan 2026-2029

The committee was also scheduled to scrutinise the Havering Community Safety Partnership (HCSP) Plan for 2026-2029. This plan outlines how the partnership will address crime and disorder in Havering over the next three years. The report detailed the findings of the annual strategic assessment of crime and disorder in 2024, including resident surveys on their experiences and views of crime. Key areas of concern identified were violence, acquisitive crime, and anti-social behaviour (ASB). The plan proposed six strategic priorities: Reducing Violence, Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), Reducing Reoffending, Tackling ASB, Tackling Acquisitive Crime, and Improving Feelings of Safety. The report also included detailed ward-level crime data and recommendations for each strategic priority.