The Health and Social Care Scrutiny Commission of Southwark Council was scheduled to discuss improvements to GP appointment access, with a particular focus on supporting those who are not digitally connected. The commission was also set to hear from Councillor Evelyn Akoto, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, and consider a draft report on cancer scrutiny.

GP Appointments Update

A significant portion of the meeting was scheduled to focus on an update regarding engagement with local GP practices aimed at improving access to timely appointments. The discussion was intended to highlight efforts to ensure that individuals who are not digitally native or have communication difficulties have alternative and easily accessible methods for booking appointments. This includes a review of the national Modern General Practice Access model, which seeks to optimise contact channels (phone, online, and in-person) and implement a single care-navigation process. The report pack indicated that all Southwark practices were compliant with keeping online consultation systems open during core hours, and that utilisation of these systems was above the national average. The NHS App's role in supporting access was also to be reviewed, with uptake in Southwark noted as 67.9%. The report pack also detailed Southwark's performance in the GP Patient Survey 2025, highlighting variations in patient experience between practices and outlining a programme of targeted support. Data on GP appointment availability was to be presented, showing an increase in appointments delivered and a high percentage completed within two weeks, though same-day access levels had seen a slight reduction. The report pack also detailed the provision of extended access through dedicated hubs in North and South Southwark, and the role of the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme (ARRS) in expanding capacity and supporting inclusive access. Finally, the report pack outlined system and practice-level actions for digital inclusion, including targeted initiatives and the work of Community Health Ambassadors.

Cabinet Member Interview: Councillor Evelyn Akoto

The commission was scheduled to conduct an interview with Councillor Evelyn Akoto, the Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing. Councillor Akoto's responsibilities encompass a broad range of public health and adult social care areas, including reducing health inequalities, adult safeguarding, commissioning care homes, mental health services, support for older people and adults with disabilities, and carers' support. The interview was intended to cover various aspects of her portfolio.

King's College Hospital Foundation Trust - New Five Year Strategy

Representatives from King's College Hospital Foundation Trust were scheduled to present their new five-year strategy for 2026-2031. The discussion was expected to cover the process of developing this strategy, the findings of recent engagement activities, and the emerging strategic framework.

Cancer Scrutiny Review Report

The commission was scheduled to consider the draft report resulting from its scrutiny review concerning cancer. This review likely examined aspects of cancer prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment within the borough.

Work Programme

The commission was also set to note its work programme for the period up to 2 March 2026. This item typically involves reviewing planned scrutiny activities, considering the addition of new items, and allocating topics to specific meeting dates. The work programme for 2025-26 included reviews on adult safeguarding and cancer prevention and early diagnosis, as well as topics such as damp and mould, the Blue Badge scheme, care home models, FGM, menopause, children's respite care, GP appointments, improving access to toilets, overcrowding and its impact on children's mental health, and Transport for London (TfL) related issues concerning bus passes and driver behaviour. It also included interviews with the Independent Chair of the Southwark Safeguarding Adults Board and the Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing.