The Health and Social Care Scrutiny Sub-Committee was scheduled to discuss the future direction of neighbourhood health services and the implications of significant NHS organisational changes. The committee also had scheduled discussions on the quality account of the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital and updates on community equipment services.

Neighbourhood Health and Forward Plan

A report from the Director of Public Health was scheduled to outline the current health and care landscape and potential changes impacting Harrow residents. The report was intended to assist the committee in agreeing their forward plan for the next two years. Key areas for discussion included the implications of NHS reconfigurations, such as the merger of NHS North Central and NHS North West London Integrated Care Boards, and the grouping of four acute hospital trusts. The report also highlighted the development of Neighbourhood Health Centres and the significant expectations placed on local authorities as delivery partners. The committee was to consider potential scrutiny items related to the challenges and risks of shifting to neighbourhood health service delivery, governance, funding, and organisational changes within the West and North London health system.

Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital Quality Account

The committee was scheduled to review the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital's (RNOH) Quality Account for 2025/26. This report details the hospital's commitment to delivering high-quality, safe, and compassionate care. The Quality Account was expected to cover progress against quality priorities for 2025/26, including the implementation of a patient portal, enhancements in care for patients with learning disabilities, autism, and mental health needs, and efforts to ensure harm-free care through improved medicines safety. It was also to outline the quality priorities for 2026/27, focusing on improving patient experience, surgical wound management, and the use of urinary catheters in surgical patients. The report included a statement of assurance from the Board and detailed performance against patient safety, clinical effectiveness, and patient experience measures.

Cessation of Fertility Services

A verbal update was scheduled to be received from the Clinical Director for Women's Services at the London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust regarding the cessation of fertility services.

Harrow Frailty Hospital at Home Service

The committee was scheduled to receive a presentation on the newly commissioned Harrow Frailty Hospital at Home Service. This service aims to support residents with frailty within the community and reduce avoidable hospital admissions by replicating aspects of hospital care within a patient's home. The service focuses on preventing hospital admissions and supporting earlier discharge by providing short-term clinical care at home.

Community Equipment Update

An update was scheduled on the Community Equipment Service, which provides equipment to support residents in living independently. The report was expected to cover the transition to a new provider, Provide Healthcare Solutions, following the liquidation of the previous provider, NRS Healthcare. The update was to include information on operational challenges faced by the new provider and performance improvements.

Healthwatch Harrow Annual Report 2024-2025

The committee was scheduled to receive a presentation on the Healthwatch Harrow Annual Report for 2024-25. This report details the organisation's activities, achievements, and impact in gathering resident feedback to influence local health and social care services. The report was expected to highlight how Healthwatch Harrow acts as an independent local champion for residents using health and social care services.