The Health and Social Care Scrutiny Committee met on Wednesday 27 May 2026 to discuss childhood immunisations, sexual health services, and the outcomes of a SEND local area inspection. The committee also received updates on changes to NHS structures and the implications for the City and Hackney Health and Care Partnership.

Childhood Immunisations in the City of London

The committee received a report on childhood immunisation coverage in the City of London, highlighting a national decline in coverage and lower rates in London compared to the rest of England. While the City of London's 12-month child vaccination coverage, as proxied by the Neaman Practice, was found to be higher than the London and national averages, concerns were raised about the representativeness of this data. Members expressed disappointment that the Neaman Practice data did not adequately reflect more deprived areas of the City, limiting the committee's ability to scrutinise NHS services and address inequalities. In response to these concerns, officers agreed to provide data from two practices in Tower Hamlets and to assist in writing a formal letter to the NHS North East London Integrated Care Board (ICB) requesting City of London-specific data. The report was noted by the committee.

Sexual Health Services

An update was provided on the closure of the Leadenhall satellite sexual health clinic, which was requested by the provider, Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, due to increased cost pressures and reduced activity. Members acknowledged the difficult decision and noted that the transition appeared to have been managed well. Discussions focused on access to sexual health services for City workers following the clinic's closure. Officers confirmed the availability of alternative clinics in the local area, such as Dean Street and Guy's and St Thomas', which are accessible to all City workers regardless of their local authority of residence. Further data on City worker usage of these clinics was requested, along with exploration of ways to mitigate the loss of the Leadenhall clinic. The availability of at-home sexual health testing for London residents was also highlighted. The report was noted by the committee.

SEND Local Area Inspection Outcome

The committee received a report summarising the findings of the Ofsted and Care Quality Commission's inspection of the City of London Local Area for Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND). The Chair congratulated officers on the positive outcome, with the City of London receiving the most favourable rating, indicating that SEND arrangements typically lead to positive experiences and outcomes. Members discussed the closure of the Golden Lane Leisure Centre and concerns raised by the Parent Carer Forum regarding communication with SEND families. Officers acknowledged that while communication could have been improved, they were constrained by short timescales and limited resources, with their immediate priority being to secure alternative provision and engage with the Parent Carer Forum. Efforts to strengthen engagement with SEND families through regular meetings, events, and a co-production approach were highlighted. The report was noted by the committee.

NHS 10 Year Health Plan - ICB New Structures

A report was presented detailing changes to the Integrated Care Board (ICB) operating model and the implications for the City and Hackney Health and Care Partnership. Members discussed the national directive for ICBs to reduce operating costs and change their commissioning approach, leading to the centralisation of commissioning functions and the removal of place-based partnerships' responsibility for health service commissioning. Concerns were raised about the reduction in clinical input and the potential impact on the priority given to prevention and primary care. Officers responded that the renewed role of Health and Wellbeing Boards would provide an additional mechanism for Members to monitor priorities such as investment in prevention and primary care. The report was noted by the committee.

The minutes of the previous meeting held on 29 October 2025 were agreed as a correct record. The Forward Plan was noted, with members asking that the topics of Public Health funded schemes at Golden Lane Leisure Centre and hospital discharge procedures be brought forward. The meeting proceeded with Alderwoman Elizabeth King in the Chair until item 5, after which Deputy Deborah Oliver took the Chair for the remaining items as David Sales, who had been elected Chair, was not present. Deputy Deborah Oliver was elected Deputy Chair.