The Community and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee meeting on 30 January 2024 discussed significant updates on the NHS Start Well programme, preparations for the Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection of Adult Social Care, and the progress of the Brent Youth Strategy. Key decisions included recommendations for future reports on the NHS Start Well programme to detail mitigations against staff fatigue and overcrowding, and to consider the impact of costs on prospective parents. The committee also recommended that young people be represented on the Youth Strategy Steering Group and that engagement targets be set more specifically.

NHS Start Well Programme

The committee received an update on the NHS Start Well programme, which proposes changes to maternity, neonatal, and children's surgical services across North Central London. The programme is currently in a 14-week public consultation period, running until 17 March 2024, with a final decision expected in Autumn/Winter 2024/25. The proposals aim to improve the quality and equity of care by consolidating services into fewer units. Two options are being consulted on: Option A, which would see the Royal Free Hospital's maternity and neonatal services cease, and Option B, which would see services at Whittington Hospital cease. Both options also include the closure of birthing suites at Edgware Birth Centre.

Concerns were raised about the potential impact on Brent residents, particularly those in Harlesden and Willesden, who may face increased travel times and costs. The committee recommended that future reports detail assurances regarding mitigations against staff fatigue, human error, and overcrowding, and that the impact of costs on prospective parents be considered in the final business case. They also recommended that the Integrated Care Board (ICB) consult a wider geographical area and ensure interpretation services are available in a variety of languages.

Adult Social Care CQC Inspection Preparations

Councillor Neil Nerva, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Adult Social Care, introduced a report detailing the Council's preparations for the Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection of Adult Social Care services. This will be the first statutory inspection of its kind in over a decade. The CQC will assess services against its new Single Assessment Framework (SAF), which uses nine quality statements across four domains: Working with People, Providing Support, Ensuring Safety, and Leadership.

The committee was informed that Brent's Adult Social Care directorate has developed a comprehensive preparation approach, including self-assessments and the embedding of assurance processes into daily operations. While positive outcomes have been identified, areas for improvement have also been noted, which will inform the Directorate's Promoting Independence Transformation Programme. The committee was asked to consider using the CQC domains and quality statements in setting their work plan.

Brent Youth Strategy

The committee received an update on the delivery of the Brent Youth Strategy 2021-2023 and plans for its refresh for 2024-2027. Councillor Gwen Grahl, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Schools, highlighted the challenges faced by youth services due to austerity measures and the Council's reliance on partnerships with the voluntary and community sector, particularly the Young Brent Foundation (YBF).

A deputation was heard from Roundwood Youth Club, who expressed concerns about access to their facilities and advocated for funding to be directed towards improving existing youth services rather than solely on building infrastructure. The committee noted that £2 million in capital funding has been secured for youth provision buildings.

The committee resolved to recommend that young people be represented on the Youth Strategy Steering Group, with representation from across the sector and geographical areas. They also recommended setting more specific engagement targets for the number of young people reached during the strategy's development and for officers to continue thinking creatively about funding solutions for current provision. Furthermore, they recommended that the Council publicly communicate its communications strategy.

Community and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee Recommendations Tracker

The committee noted the recommendations tracker, which provides an update on the progress of scrutiny recommendations, suggestions for improvement, and information requests made by the committee. The tracker details recommendations made to Cabinet and external partners, as well as suggestions and information requests made to Council departments. For recommendations to external partners, such as the Brent Integrated Care Partnership (ICP), responses were noted as To follow in March 2024. For suggestions to Council departments, responses indicated that actions were underway or would be provided by the end of the municipal year. Information requests to Council departments were also noted as To follow.