The Health & Wellbeing Board meeting scheduled for 21 January 2026 was set to cover a range of important topics concerning the health and social care of Hammersmith and Fulham residents. Key discussions were planned around the Better Care Fund, the progress of Family Hubs, and the Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment for the borough. Updates were also anticipated on the work of Healthwatch and the Integrated Care Board.

Better Care Fund Quarter 2 Report 2025/26

The Board was scheduled to review the Better Care Fund (BCF) Quarter 2 report for 2025/26. This fund is designed to support community health and social care resources, aiming to reduce hospital admissions and facilitate timely discharges. The report was expected to detail planned and actual expenditure and outputs delivered to date, confirming compliance with the four national conditions required for the fund. Recommendations included ratifying the BCF Quarter 2 report and receiving an end-of-year report on scheme outcomes. The report highlighted that the borough was on track to meet targets for avoidable admissions, discharge to normal place of residence, and residential admissions.

Family Hubs Annual Report 2024/25

An update on the development of the borough's Family Hub model was scheduled, focusing on the key achievements of its inaugural year. The report detailed the comprehensive offer of integrated services provided by local authority, health, and voluntary and community sector partners. In its first year, the Family Hubs service saw 814 registrations with 10,443 children, young people, and families attending sessions. The report also outlined future plans, including developing a national outcomes framework for family hubs and improving outreach and engagement, particularly for families in more deprived areas.

Hammersmith & Fulham Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment 2026-29

The Board was asked to approve the Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA) for 2026-29 for publication. The PNA is a statutory document that assesses the needs for pharmaceutical services within the population. The report indicated that Hammersmith & Fulham is well-served by its pharmacies, with good accessibility and no identified gaps in current or future provision of necessary, advanced, or locally commissioned pharmaceutical services. Recommendations included delegating authority to the PNA Steering Group to determine future changes to pharmaceutical services.

Healthwatch Hammersmith and Fulham Annual Report 2024/25

The Board was set to receive the 2024-25 annual report from Healthwatch Hammersmith and Fulham. This report summarised the engagement activities, key issues identified, and recommendations made by the previous provider. The report highlighted achievements in mental health inpatient engagement, suicide prevention, maternity care, vaccination access, and accessibility improvements at local hospitals. Looking ahead, the new Healthwatch provider, Local Voice in the Community, has identified childhood immunisations, maternal mental health, and GP access as key priorities for 2026.

Verbal Update on ICB

A verbal update on the Integrated Care Board (ICB) was also listed on the agenda.

Work Programme

The Board was scheduled to discuss its work programme and suggest items for future meetings. Dates for upcoming meetings in March and June 2026 were also to be noted.