The Health and Wellbeing Board of Bromley Council was scheduled to discuss a range of important topics, including the Better Care Fund plan for 2026-27, updates on joint commissioning, and health protection measures. The meeting also included a review of the Chairman's annual report and the board's work programme.

Better Care Fund Plan 2026-27

The board was scheduled to consider the Better Care Fund (BCF) Plan for 2026-27. The BCF is a national fund designed to support joint health and social care working, aiming to improve outcomes for residents and ensure services are integrated. The plan outlines proposals for how these funds will be allocated to support joint health and care initiatives within Bromley.

Joint Commissioning Board Update

An update was scheduled from the Joint Commissioning Board, an officer-led group responsible for providing leadership and strategic oversight for integrated health and social care commissioning programmes in Bromley. This board works collaboratively with the South East London Integrated Care Board (SELICB) and aims to align local strategies with national policy and best practice. The update was expected to provide a summary of the board's current workload and ongoing projects, which include strategies for learning disabilities, mental health, and autism, as well as programmes for integrated therapies, hospital discharge, and children and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS).

Health Protection Update

The board was set to receive an update on health protection priorities for 2025/26. This included work on preparedness for health emergencies, such as pandemics, and the development of a Bromley Outbreak Management Plan. The update was also expected to cover the progress of the ADPH Health Protection Assurance Framework, the development of health protection data dashboards, efforts to improve immunisation uptake, and the system's reactive capacity in light of ongoing changes.

Dementia Support Update

A verbal update was scheduled on dementia support initiatives in Bromley. This follows a previous workshop with local dementia support groups and discussions about establishing a Task and Finish Group. The Bromley Dementia Friendly Community (BDFC) has been active in supporting individuals living with dementia and their carers, establishing Dementia Friendly Cafés and delivering training. The update was likely to cover ongoing work, including research collaborations and advocacy efforts at a national level, as well as initiatives like the Herbert Protocol for missing persons with dementia and the trial of MedicAlert IDs.

Acute Resuscitation (CPR) Update

The board was scheduled to receive a further update on acute resuscitation, specifically Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). This topic had been discussed at a previous meeting, with suggestions for a Task and Finish Group involving the London Ambulance Service and St John's Ambulance. The update was expected to cover progress on incorporating CPR into driving theory tests, discussions around bleed-out kits, the location of defibrillators, and the training efforts of organisations like St John's Ambulance. The report also detailed the London Borough of Bromley's internal arrangements, including the provision of first aiders, the rollout of RevivR training, the number and location of defibrillators, and the maintenance of this equipment.

Chairman's Annual Report

Councillor Mike Botting, Chairman of the Health and Wellbeing Board, was scheduled to present his annual report for 2025-2026. This report would summarise the board's activities over the past year, highlighting key presentations and discussions, and its contribution to the Health and Wellbeing Strategy and statutory responsibilities. The report was expected to reflect on the board's work, including the development of a Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA) and the comparison of current public health work with that of 60 years prior.

Matters Outstanding and Work Programme

The board was asked to review its work programme and consider progress on outstanding matters from previous meetings. This included an action list detailing specific tasks, responsible officers, and their current status. The work programme for the upcoming year was also to be reviewed, ensuring that priority issues are addressed in line with the board's strategy and terms of reference. Items noted as to be scheduled were expected to be carried forward into the 2026/27 municipal year.

Questions on the Health and Wellbeing Board Information Briefing

The Health and Wellbeing Board Information Briefing was scheduled to cover two reports: the Better Care Fund Performance update for Q3 2025-26 and the Bromley Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy Action Plan. These were presented for noting by the board.