The Health and Wellbeing Board met to discuss the progress of Neighbourhood Health Plans and the Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment. Key outcomes included the Board agreeing to approve the strategic direction for neighbourhood health plans and agreeing to publish a supplementary statement to the PNA regarding a gap in pharmaceutical provision following the closure of Fairview Pharmacy.

Neighbourhood Health Plan Update

The Board received an update on the development of Neighbourhood Health Plans, which aim to reorganise care around defined neighbourhood populations by bringing together NHS, local authority, and voluntary sector partners to deliver more preventative and joined-up care closer to home. This initiative aligns with the national Neighbourhood Health Framework and the London Target Operating Model.

Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust (CLCH) and Barnet GP Federation have been endorsed as the Integrator Organisation, leading the transformation efforts. The update highlighted the establishment of neighbourhood managers in post, who are working to set up leadership teams for the five agreed Barnet neighbourhoods. Progress has been made in developing enabling workstreams, including digital infrastructure, population health management, and estates.

Key strategic priorities include building community assets, prevention, early health intervention, and tackling rising risks. Specific cohorts being focused on are older people (Age well) and children and young people (Start well). The Enhanced Virtual Care Programme, Myria, is also being implemented to support high-cost patients.

The Board was asked to approve the strategic direction for these plans, consider how residents and partners can be engaged in co-production, and note the barriers to delivery, such as limited NHS estate. The Board agreed to approve the strategic direction, support engagement efforts, and commit to a collaborative approach to using existing public assets.

Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA) Update

The Board was informed about the confirmed closure of Fairview Pharmacy at Finchley Memorial Hospital in September 2026, following the end of its Local Pharmaceutical Services (LPS) contract. An assessment concluded that this closure will likely result in a gap in pharmaceutical provision in the Finchley Memorial Hospital locality.

This gap is attributed to the pharmacy's integration with hospital and walk-in centre services, the range of NHS and additional services it provided, and its accessibility for patients with complex needs or mobility issues. While other pharmacies are nearby, they do not fully replicate the service mix, opening hours, or clinical integration with hospital services.

The Board noted the closure and the assessment of the resulting gap, agreeing that a supplementary statement to the PNA should be published. This statement will inform commissioning decisions by NHS England and the West and North London Integrated Care Board.

Forward Work Programme

The Board noted the draft Forward Work Programme for 2026-2027. This includes upcoming discussions on the Barnet Annual Director of Public Health Report, the Better Care Fund Plan, and further updates on the Neighbourhood Health Plan and Joint Strategic Needs Analysis. An update on the Neighbourhood Plan from the integrator was added to the programme for the next meeting.