The Health and Wellbeing Board is scheduled to discuss the future of local healthcare provision, with a particular focus on the implementation of a new Neighbourhood Health Framework and the impact of a pharmacy closure. The Board will also review updates on the Barnet Food Plan and the Forward Work Programme.

Neighbourhood Plan Update

A significant item on the agenda is an update on the Neighbourhood Plan, following the publication of new guidance in March 2026. This framework aims to reorganise care around defined neighbourhood populations, bringing together NHS, local authority, and Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VSCE) partners to deliver more preventative and joined-up care closer to home. The guidance directs Health and Wellbeing Boards to take a leading role in shaping these plans, requiring agreement on local priorities, service scope, and partnership arrangements. The report outlines key summary points from the framework, including a focus on left shift care, making neighbourhoods accountable units, and formalising joint working between health, local authorities, and community partners. The West & North London Integrated Care Board (ICB) has a four-pillar approach to proactive care, which the new guidance validates. Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust (CLCH) and Barnet GP Federation are endorsed as the Integrator Organisation for Barnet, supporting collaboration and delivery functions. The report details the establishment of Neighbourhood Managers, the development of Integrated Neighbourhood Teams (INTs), and the progress of enabling workstreams such as Estates, Digital and Information Governance, Workforce and Training, and Population Health Management. Specific plans are being developed for Start well (Children & Young People), Live well (CVD Prevention), and Age well (Community Ageing Well) cohorts, with a focus on improving health outcomes, access to general practice, planned care, urgent and emergency care, and patient and staff satisfaction. The report also highlights the development of Neighbourhood Health Centres (NHCs) as community hubs for various health needs and the ongoing work to address barriers such as limited NHS estate capacity and data sharing readiness.

Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA) Update

The Board is scheduled to consider an update on the Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA). As part of its statutory duty, the Health and Wellbeing Board must publish a PNA every three years and review changes in pharmaceutical provision. Since the publication of the Barnet PNA in 2025, it has been confirmed that Fairview Pharmacy at Finchley Memorial Hospital will cease trading in September 2026 due to the end of its Local Pharmaceutical Services (LPS) contract. An assessment of this closure indicates a likely gap in pharmaceutical provision within the Finchley Memorial Hospital locality. This is due to the pharmacy's integration with hospital and walk-in centre services, the range and intensity of services it provides, and its accessibility for patients with complex or mobility-related needs. The report recommends that the Board note the closure, acknowledge the resulting gap in provision, and agree that a supplementary statement to the PNA, as presented in Appendix A, is required and should be published. This supplementary statement will set out the impact of the closure and identify the resulting gap in provision, in line with NHS regulations.

Forward Work Programme (Draft) 2026-2027

The Board will review the draft Forward Work Programme for 2026-2027. This document outlines the planned reports and discussions for future meetings. The current draft includes items such as the Barnet Annual Director of Public Health Report, the Better Care Fund Plan, and updates on the Neighbourhood Health Draft Plan. The Director of Operations at CLCH has proposed adding an update on the Neighbourhood Plan from the integrator to the Forward Work Programme for the next meeting, ensuring the Board remains informed following the publication of new guidance.

Informal Meeting - Board Member Introduction and Board Development

An informal meeting is scheduled, which will include a board member introduction and board development session. This session is intended to facilitate introductions and professional development for the Board members.