The Health Scrutiny Subcommittee meeting addressed critical issues in women's health, including barriers to cervical and breast screening, and the challenges faced by women experiencing menopause. Significant updates were also provided on the ongoing redevelopment of Whipps Cross Hospital and the latest health protection measures.

Women's Health Project: Addressing Health Inequalities in Redbridge

Healthwatch Redbridge presented findings from its Women's Health Project, highlighting similar barriers across cervical screening, breast screening, and menopause/perimenopause support. Key issues identified included difficulties in accessing services, particularly for disabled women and those from global majority backgrounds, low health literacy, and cultural stigma. The project found that inadequate clinical support and a lack of accessible, translated information further compounded these problems, leading to emotional and social impacts on women's wellbeing and their ability to work.

Despite these challenges, positive developments were noted, such as Redbridge's breast screening rates exceeding the London average and ongoing efforts to improve access through new service models and community engagement. Recommendations from Healthwatch Redbridge included expanding specialist clinics, improving education and information provision, ensuring trauma-informed and person-centred care, and championing better data collection on diversity. They specifically asked for councillors to advocate for accessible services, promote initiatives, encourage open conversations, and support the establishment of a women's health hub in Redbridge.

Councillor Bob Chattaway raised the point that generational silence can prevent open discussion about women's health, and Cathy Turland, Chief Executive Officer of Healthwatch Redbridge, agreed, citing an example of how discussions within a Somali women's group led to an older relative attending cervical screening. Councillor Foyzur Rahman inquired about the number of breast screening places in Redbridge, and it was noted that while there is a service at Sainsbury's, accessibility for wheelchair users is an issue, with alternatives offered at King George Hospital and Queen's Hospital. Councillor Saiqa Qayum Hussain asked about the availability of translated screening information, and it was acknowledged that there is not much available, but efforts are being made to inform practices and provide information in different languages. Simon Farrad, Executive Director for Adults Health and Social Care, suggested exploring app-type solutions for easy communication and highlighted the opportunity for collaboration between local authority, health, and voluntary sector partners.

Regarding menopause and perimenopause, Councillor Nav Kaur Johal asked about the availability of literature in different languages and data on uptake. It was stated that such data is not readily available, but a report on menopause and perimenopause would be published soon. Davina McCall's national campaign has encouraged women to seek more services, though responses are not always adequate. Online services from Barts Health NHS Trust and Living Well menopause support groups were recommended. Gita Malhotra, Chair of Healthwatch Redbridge, emphasised that women's health is a system-wide endeavour, requiring collaboration across health, social care, and the voluntary sector, and that services should go to where women gather. She also noted the complexity of organising breast and cervical screening reminders and commissioned services. Gladys Xavier, Director of Public Health, mentioned that the Women's Health Strategy includes actions for menopause and perimenopause. Simon Farrad added that employers have responsibilities and that awareness training is important across all sectors.

Updates from Whipps Cross Hospital

Gojit Mahal, Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Operating Officer at Whipps Cross Hospital, provided an update on the hospital's progress. Significant capital investment has led to the reconfiguration of maternity services, with a new postnatal ward, Mulberry Ward, opening recently. The emergency department is also undergoing a substantial redesign to improve patient flow and care quality, with completion expected by the end of March. A new multi-storey car park is now open.

The hospital's family liaison nurse programme has received a Nursing Times Award. Operational performance in the emergency department has improved, with a 71% four-hour wait time for Barts Health as a whole, and 71% for Whipps Cross in February, an improvement from the beginning of the financial year. Despite a difficult winter with increased flu and COVID-19 cases, teams have worked to maintain infection prevention and control.

Further upgrades to the emergency department include a new six-bedded recess, a purpose-built paediatric emergency department and clinical decision unit, and a new initial assessment area for walk-in patients. Same-day emergency care centres for medical and surgical patients have also been established to improve patient flow. The hospital has implemented reset weeks to ensure timely discharges and manage patients with multiple comorbidities. Patient satisfaction for the A&E department is 72%, inpatient services are at 94%, and maternity services are at 93%.

Councillor Joel Anthony Herga inquired about whether the upgrades involved reorganisation or job losses, and Gojit Mahal clarified that the work is focused on the physical environment and not on job losses. The Chair noted that the 95% target for four-hour waits is still a long way off and asked for data on patients waiting over 12 hours. Gojit Mahal confirmed improvements in ambulance handovers, with compliance rising to 65% for the 28-minute standard, and acknowledged issues with 12-hour waits, particularly for mental health patients requiring admission to other facilities and the need for more side rooms. He offered to share data on 12-hour waits after the meeting. Councillor Saiqa Qayum Hussain asked about maternity facilities, and it was noted that readmissions have been observed since refurbishment, and breastfeeding initiation has improved. Councillor Daniel H. Morgan-Thomas asked about the disruption caused by delays to the hospital's redevelopment, with Gojit Mahal stating that they are working through the estates plan and will provide specific data later. Councillor Foyzur Rahman raised a point about the absence of the Mayor of Redbridge at hospital events, to which the Chair responded that the hospital is located in Waltham Forest but dignitaries from Redbridge are invited. Gita Malhotra inquired about sharing learning from Whipps Cross's maternity expansion, particularly in light of the Baroness Amos review, and it was confirmed that they work closely with other maternity units in the sector. Councillor Geeta Malhotra asked about the impact on the workforce, recruitment, retention, and morale. Gojit Mahal acknowledged the importance of the staff survey and the challenges faced, but highlighted the work of the wellbeing team in supporting staff. Councillor Mark Santos, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health, expressed disappointment about the hospital being placed in wave two of redevelopment plans, attributing it to the previous Conservative administration. Councillor Joel Anthony Herga engaged in a brief political exchange regarding the government's role in the redevelopment delays.

Health Protection Update

Gladys Xavier, Director of Public Health, provided a health protection update. Nationally, flu, RSV, and COVID-19 activity is down, with no expected increase in the next 14 days. A spring booster campaign for COVID-19 is planned for those over 75 and immunosuppressed individuals aged six months to 75. The RSV vaccine programme has been expanded to those over 80 and can be co-administered with the COVID-19 vaccine. An alert has been issued regarding the use of non-sterile alcohol wipes, and travel advice is being provided due to an increase in Shigella and Salmonella infections.

Further promotion of the HPV vaccine is planned, highlighting its role in preventing various cancers. Redbridge's MMR vaccination coverage is 86% for MMR 1 and 85% for MMR 2, which is an improvement from the previous year. While there have been no confirmed measles cases in Redbridge, concerns remain due to outbreaks in Enfield. A new MMRV vaccine, including varicella (chickenpox), has been introduced. Video clips are being produced to promote vaccination messages.

There has been an increase in TB cases in Redbridge, with nine cases identified. Efforts are being made to screen and treat at-risk individuals early. A review of TB cases is underway, requiring collaboration with hospital consultants, TB nurses, and the voluntary sector.

The first-ever Cold Mortality Report for England has been published, highlighting over 2,600 deaths associated with cold episodes between November and January, primarily among those over 85. This report underscores the importance of prevention, particularly for individuals with pre-existing conditions. Redbridge will use this information for local prevention work.

Councillor Geeta Malhotra asked about HPV vaccination, and it was confirmed that parental permission is required. She also inquired about the TB cases, and it was stated that a review is ongoing, but no specific reasons for the increase are yet apparent. She also highlighted the role of wider determinants of health, such as the cost of living, in cold mortality. Councillor Muhammed Javed asked about TB screening programs and data in Redbridge, and it was explained that screening is currently focused on at-risk groups, with 82% of TB cases originating outside the UK. Data on specific areas and BCG clinics for at-risk groups can be provided. Councillor Bob Chattaway asked about messaging consistency for vaccinations, and it was agreed to follow up with North East London colleagues.

Sue, presenting the annual public health report, focused on social isolation and its impact on demand for social care. The report highlights the role of public health in preventing, reducing, and delaying demand for adult and children's social care. Councillor Joel Anthony Herga asked if increased admissions could be linked to inaccessibility to GP services, and it was noted that as people age, they have more complex health issues, and hospital admissions can increase disability and frailty. Simon Farrad added that a significant percentage of falls could be prevented through advice and support, and that collaboration with the fire brigade and pharmacies is crucial. Gladys Xavier further elaborated on falls prevention, mentioning council work on pavement repairs and training for GPs, district nurses, and social care workers. Medication reviews and community pharmacies are also being utilised.

Councillor Herga also inquired about Redbridge having the second-highest figures for falls in North East London, and whether this was linked to the elderly population. Simon Farrad confirmed an increase in the over-65 population nationally and locally. The Chair noted that outer East London authorities have higher populations of over-65s, with Redbridge likely second in this regard. Congratulations were extended to Sue, Gladys Xavier, and the team for the annual public health report.

The committee noted their thanks to Gladys Xavier, who is retiring as Director of Public Health after many years of service. Simon Farrad, Executive Director for Adults Health and Social Care, also paid tribute to her leadership. The next annual public health report will focus on disinformation and social media.

Update from Relevant Bodies

Councillor Daniel H. Morgan-Thomas, Chair of the Health Scrutiny Subcommittee, reported that the Whipps Cross Hospital Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee (JOSC) remains in abeyance. The Outer North East London JOSC is also on hold due to an ICB restructure.

Councillor Brough, Chair of the Health and Care Policy Development Committee (PDC), provided an update on a recent visit to Mel Mead House, a secondary care facility for mental health. Key observations included issues with disengagement from services, which the committee plans to address through campaigns tackling mental health stigma. They were pleased to note that the facility was well-funded and staffed. The committee also noted the link between homelessness and mental health services, and the challenges with hospital discharges for mental health patients. They plan to explore place-based services to bring services closer to where they are needed. Simon Farrad will be assisting with data analysis for these areas.

Health Scrutiny Sub-committee Work Plan

The next meeting is scheduled for 21 April 2026. Topics to be covered include maternity services, cardiovascular disease prevention, an update from the Cancer Alliance, and NHS patient survey and A&E performance. Representatives from Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust (BHRUT) are expected to provide updates on the Baroness Amos review and A&E performance. The National Million Hearts and Minds initiative, focusing on cardiovascular disease prevention, will also be discussed. The committee noted that mental health services will be a focus in the next corporate year.

The meeting concluded with thanks to Gladys Xavier for her service as Director of Public Health.