The Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Committee met to discuss the Quarter 2 Adult Social Care Performance Report, the Executive Member for Health and Care's Annual Report, and the Work Programme for the remainder of the year. Key discussions included the ongoing efforts to improve healthy life expectancy, particularly focusing on hypertension, and the performance of adult social care services.

Hypertension and Healthy Life Expectancy

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing hypertension and its impact on healthy life expectancy in Islington. Councillor Joseph Croft, Chair of the Health, Wellbeing & Adult Social Care Scrutiny Committee and Mental Health Champion, highlighted that while Islington's hypertension prevalence is below London and England averages, this may be misleading due to the borough's younger population. Age-standardised data reveals a higher burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in Islington, with hypertension being the second leading cause of death.

Key challenges identified include the asymptomatic nature of hypertension, meaning many individuals are unaware they have it, and barriers to adherence to medication and lifestyle changes. The report noted that underlying causes are often linked to social determinants such as access to healthy food, opportunities for physical activity, the impact of poverty, chronic stress, and access to health services.

Current work on hypertension includes addressing risk factors like physical activity and healthy food, alongside established approaches such as NHS Health Checks and pharmacy hypertension case finding. Emerging opportunities include the Million Hearts and Minds programme and Neighbourhood Health approaches.

Councillor Zara Hyde, Executive Member of Health and Adult Social Care, presented the annual report, highlighting the positive CQC rating of 'Good' for Adult Social Care, the ongoing work on Dementia Friendly Islington, and the success of the carers' hub. She also noted the low staff turnover rate in home care commissioning, attributed to fair terms and conditions. The report also detailed the co-produced adult mental health vision and the development of the Thriving Places initiative, which aims to integrate public health, adult social care, and community teams.

Adult Social Care Performance Report (Quarter 2 2025/26)

The committee reviewed the Quarter 2 performance report for Adult Social Care, which indicated a strong mid-year position. Notably, 81% of residents receiving short-term support, such as reablement, required no further assistance, exceeding the London average and demonstrating the council's focus on promoting independence. Safeguarding outcomes remained stable, with 95% of service users reporting their desired outcomes were achieved. Direct Payments uptake also remained stable, indicating continued resident choice and control over their care.

However, new admissions to care homes were slightly above the ambitious target, with 100 admissions in Q2 against a target of 95. The council is reviewing these admissions to ensure they are the most appropriate and least restrictive options. The report also highlighted that 41% of service users receiving long-term support had received at least one review, exceeding the target for this point in the year.

Work Programme 2025/26

The committee considered its work programme for the remainder of the municipal year. A new topic was proposed for the February meeting focusing on hypertension and cardiometabolic health, which was agreed to align with the committee's interest in prevention and public health.

Other Discussions

The meeting also touched upon the Islington Safeguarding Adults Board's Annual Report, which highlighted sustained positive practice and the adoption of a new strategic plan for 2025-2028. Improvements to risk management and escalation processes were noted, as was the ongoing work to address challenges such as cuckooing and ensuring inclusive safeguarding pathways for disabled residents.

Councillor Janet Burgess MBE, Carers Champion, raised a question about the Shared Lives service, seeking clarification on whether the model relies on individuals having sufficient space in their homes or if more flexible delivery methods exist. It was explained that while some aspects require a spare room, Shared Lives also encompasses daytime support and other forms of assistance, and that efforts are being made to communicate this breadth of service more clearly.

The committee also discussed the upcoming merger of the North Central London and North West London Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) into a new West and North London ICB, which will commission for 4.5 million people across 13 boroughs. The development of neighbourhood health services is a key priority for the new ICB.