The Adult Care and Health Policy Development and Scrutiny (PDS) Information Briefing was scheduled to discuss an update on the Tackling Loneliness Strategy Action Plan and to note the minutes from a previous Health Scrutiny Sub-Committee meeting.

Tackling Loneliness Strategy Action Plan Update

The meeting was scheduled to receive an update on the progress of the Tackling Loneliness Strategy Action Plan 2022-2026. This strategy, approved in November 2021, aims to mitigate loneliness by bringing together statutory, private, and voluntary partners across Bromley. The action plan is structured around three key priorities: Organisation and services, Community infrastructure that empowers social connections, and Building a culture that encourages strong social relationships.

Under the Organisation and services priority, updates were expected on making information about local community groups and support services more accessible, including the continued development of the Simply Connect Bromley database, which currently promotes 695 organisations and over 1,500 activities. The Adult Care Services Directory, distributed annually, and the Befriending webpage were also highlighted. Support for specific communities, including Ukrainian refugees, carers, and individuals with learning disabilities, was also detailed. The strategy also aims to train a network of champions to raise awareness of trigger points for loneliness, with over 700 participants having attended the Tackling Loneliness Workshop. Befriending services provided by Bromley Well and Age UK reported that 100% of clients felt more confident and less isolated. Social prescribing link workers and Community Health Champions are also involved in signposting support.

The Community infrastructure that empowers social connections priority focuses on unlocking underutilised community space and promoting accessible transport. Updates were provided on the review of community facilities, with the Rooms and Halls for hire section on the Community Links Bromley webpage being the second most popular on their site. Extra Care Housing landlords and care homes are being encouraged to utilise their facilities for local communities, with initiatives like chatty benches and events being implemented. Parks and green spaces are also being enhanced through refurbishment projects and tree planting, encouraging community involvement. Clarion Futures has been delivering a range of social activities and digital support, including community gardens and wellbeing circles. The strategy also aims to promote digital tools to prevent loneliness, with a digital transformation strategy in place and ongoing efforts to provide training and support for residents to use digital tools.

Under the Building a culture that encourages strong social relationships priority, the strategy aims to raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding loneliness through annual communication campaigns and ongoing promotion. The Tackling Loneliness Strategy is featured in the Our Bromley magazine and newsletters. The strategy also promotes volunteering, with Community Links Bromley supporting individuals to become volunteers and placing them within local organisations. The Innovation Fund is supporting grassroots organisations to develop new local day activity projects, with eight projects currently funded. Updates were also provided on the continued use of library activities for various age groups and the promotion of the Home Library Service for less mobile users.

Minutes from the Special Health Scrutiny Sub-Committee Meeting

The meeting was also scheduled to note the minutes from the Special Health Scrutiny Sub-Committee meeting held on 26 November 2025. This meeting included a significant discussion regarding the proposed reconfiguration of Haematology Services at the Princess Royal University Hospital (PRUH) by King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

During the sub-committee meeting, representatives from King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust provided an update on their 5-year strategy, which includes proposals for the reconfiguration of haematology services. The discussion centred on the potential impact of centralising specialist haematology services at Denmark Hill, with implications for patients in Bromley.

Key points raised during the discussion included:

• Reconfiguration of Haematology Services: The proposal involved moving specialist haematological cancer services from the Chartwell ward at the PRUH to Denmark Hill. This was presented as a move to improve patient outcomes by providing access to more specialist treatments, clinical trials, and a more robust governance structure.
• Patient Impact: Significant concerns were raised by councillors and members of the public regarding the impact on Bromley residents, particularly regarding increased travel times for patients and their families, potential difficulties with visiting, and the availability of specialist care closer to home.
• Clinical Rationale: King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust argued that the current service model at the PRUH did not meet national standards for specialist haematology care due to low patient numbers and the need for highly specialised equipment and expertise. They highlighted that Denmark Hill offered a greater number of clinical trials and advanced treatments.
• Workforce and Resources: Discussions also covered the impact on staff, including specialist chemotherapy nurses, and the potential for redeployment or relocation. The financial implications of the proposal were also touched upon, with initial analysis suggesting potential savings.
• Engagement: Questions were raised about the extent and effectiveness of patient and stakeholder engagement in the development of these proposals.

The minutes record that the update was noted by the Sub-Committee.