This meeting of the Healthier Communities Select Committee was scheduled to receive updates from the University Hospital Lewisham and the Lewisham Safeguarding Adults Board, as well as reviewing Public Health commissioned services and considering the Committee's future work programme.

Budget Savings 2025/26

The Committee was scheduled to be asked for its views on budget proposals for 2025/26 for referral to the Public Accounts Select Committee. The report pack explains that the Council is facing significant financial pressures that require a range of savings.

The report pack states:

“£9.617m of combined cost avoidance and early savings delivery proposals had been identified for 2024/25, as well as a further £3.45m of base budget reductions and £13.410m of cost avoidance measures for 2025/26 and 2026/27.”

“However, the cumulative totals of savings and recurring cost avoidance measures fell short of the respective targets. Therefore, the shortfall of cost avoidance measures would need to be added to the remaining savings target meaning that in 2025/26, a further £25.038m of savings would need to be identified and implemented.”

Of particular interest to the Committee were budget proposals for:

• the cessation of funding for local ward assemblies.
• increasing client contributions towards the cost of care.
• achieving further savings from the Empowering Lewisham programme for individuals with learning disabilities.
• reducing leisure concessions.

Developing Integrated Neighbourhood Teams

The Committee was scheduled to receive a presentation on the development of Integrated Neighbourhood Teams (INTs) in Lewisham.

The report pack explains:

“The aim of the neighbourhood working model is to integrate support within each neighbourhood across primary care, community services, adult social care, and the voluntary sector.”

Lewisham has been divided into four neighbourhood areas:

• North Lewisham.
• South Lewisham.
• Central Lewisham.
• Sydenham and Forest Hill.

The model proposes categorising residents based on the complexity of their needs:

• Low complexity - Residents requiring only occasional support. Community hubs, such as the Waldron Health Centre and the Lewisham Shopping Centre, were highlighted in the report pack.
• Medium complexity - Residents who may be at risk of requiring statutory services if they are not provided with support. This group was identified in the report pack as a focus for preventative interventions.
• Most complex - Residents with complex needs whose care may currently be fragmented. The INTs would aim to coordinate the care of this group of residents.

Lewisham Safeguarding Adults Board (LSAB) Annual Report 2023-24

The Committee was scheduled to receive the Lewisham Safeguarding Adults Board's annual report for 2023-24. The report details the Board's work during the past year and its priorities for the coming year.

The report pack included case studies from the Metropolitan Police Service, NHS South East London Integrated Care Board, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLaM), and Lewisham Council's Adult Social Care department.

The Board's priorities for 2024/25 are:

• ensuring the lived experiences of local citizens informs the co-production of the Board's work;
• strengthening and delivering a “Think Family” approach;
• working with partners to provide an effective and cohesive response to Domestic & Sexual Abuse and Sexual Exploitation;
• improving connectivity across and within agencies to ensure risk is assessed and managed appropriately;
• working to embed and expand a preventative focus across the safeguarding system.

The report pack draws attention to the low rate of use of statutory advocacy services in Lewisham.

The report pack explains that:

“Advocacy is designed to empower people to have a voice if they are having difficulties taking part in the decision-making processes linked to health and social care matters.”

Physical Activity Strategy Review

The Committee was scheduled to receive a presentation on the Physical Activity Strategy Review.

The report pack explains that the Council is working with its leisure provider, GLL, to ensure the provision of accessible and inclusive leisure services.

The report pack highlights:

• the underperformance of the Downham Health and Leisure Centre.
• the provision of female-only and transgender swim sessions.

The report pack suggests that:

“Providing residents access to swimming pools with higher temperatures and Hydrotherapy had been discussed at previous meetings of this Committee.”

Select Committee Work Programme

The Committee was scheduled to review its work programme for 2024/25.

The report pack highlights the Council's commitment to:

“working with the local NHS to deliver the services Lewisham residents need and creating the Lewisham Health Care & Wellbeing Charter”.

The Committee was scheduled to consider adding the following items to its work programme:

• Improving our Mental Health Provision (Early intervention, prevention, and the physical estate)
• Learning Disabilities Implementation Plan

The Committee was also scheduled to be reminded about a number of visits and briefings it had planned, including:

• preparation for the Care Quality Commission Inspection.
• a visit to care homes in Lewisham.
• an information update on the Food Justice Action Plan.

University Hospital Lewisham Update

The Committee was scheduled to receive an update from University Hospital Lewisham on its work and performance.

The report pack details the hospital's six priorities:

• outstanding patient care.
• a culture of high quality, safe, and compassionate care.
• a positive working environment for staff.
• sustainable services and financial stability.
• partnership working.
• working towards net zero.

The report pack highlights some recent successes at the hospital, including:

• the development of a new surgical centre.
• the construction of a dedicated Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC).
• the launch of a new patient portal.

The report pack acknowledges that the Emergency Department is a particular area of concern and that the hospital is working to improve the patient experience in this department.