The Health Scrutiny Sub-Committee was scheduled to receive updates on emergency care, primary care services, and health protection measures. The committee was also set to review the results of an emergency care and patient survey, discuss funding for Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), and consider the council's work plan.

BHRUT - Emergency Care and Patient Survey Results and Waiting Times Update

A presentation was scheduled to provide an overview of the results from the Care Quality Commission's (CQC) 2024 Urgent and Emergency Care Survey. This survey involved 1,250 patients who had visited King George Hospital (KGH) or Queen's Hospital in February 2024, with a response rate of 23%. The findings indicated areas where patient experience was strong, such as staff providing help while patients waited, controlling pain, and ensuring privacy during discussions with receptionists. However, the survey also highlighted areas for improvement, particularly concerning care after leaving A&E, information provided to patients about their condition at home, and communication regarding the reasons for ambulance delays. The presentation was also expected to detail patient attendance figures, noting that November 2024 was the busiest December on record, with significant pressure on A&E departments, especially at Queen's Hospital, which is operating at more than double its intended capacity. The impact of a new electronic patient record (EPR) system rollout in November 2024 on performance was also to be discussed. Initiatives to address these challenges were planned, including communication study days for nurses, apologies for corridor care, patient passports, and a pilot therapy screening tool. The report pack also included information on addressing waiting lists, noting that while performance had improved significantly, the EPR rollout had caused a temporary impact. Gynaecology was identified as a particular challenge, accounting for a substantial proportion of long waits. Cancer performance figures for October were also to be presented, with a focus on the Faster Diagnosis Standard and treatment timelines. Investments in diagnostics and surgery, including the opening of Community Diagnostic Centres (CDCs) and new MRI scanners, were also to be highlighted, alongside the operational success of the King George Surgical Hub.

Primary Care Update

An update on primary care services was scheduled, which was expected to include discussions on GP Reform, the Ilford Exchange Update, and the rollout of the NHS App.

ICB Funding / Healthwatch and Patient Safety

A verbal update was anticipated from Healthwatch Redbridge concerning Integrated Care Board (ICB) funding and patient safety.

Update on Local NHS Restructuring and New Leadership

NHS colleagues were scheduled to provide a verbal update on the progress of local NHS restructuring and new leadership within the health service.

Health Protection Update

The Director of Public Health and Commissioning was scheduled to provide a verbal update on health protection matters. This would likely include information on the uptake of vaccinations, such as COVID-19 and flu vaccines, and the circulation of respiratory illnesses. The previous meeting's minutes indicated discussions on COVID-19 activity, flu vaccination uptake in Redbridge, and an increase in RSV admissions. The report pack also mentioned initiatives related to non-communicable diseases, such as a study on childhood lead exposure, and ongoing campaigns about carbon monoxide dangers. The promotion of the MMR vaccine and travel health advice were also noted as areas of focus.

Update from Relevant Bodies

Members of the Health Scrutiny Sub-committee were scheduled to provide verbal updates from their involvement with various bodies, including the Outer North East London Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee, the Whipps Cross Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee, and the Health and Care Policy Development Committee.

Health Scrutiny Sub-committee Work Plan

The committee was scheduled to review and agree any changes to the Health Scrutiny Sub-committee Work Plan for the upcoming period. The existing work plan included items such as the delayed emergency care survey, primary care, cervical cancer screening, and maternity services.

Date of Next Meeting

The date for the subsequent meeting was scheduled for 21 April 2026.