The Health Scrutiny Committee of Barking and Dagenham Council met on Wednesday 27 March 2024 to discuss a range of public health matters. Key topics scheduled for consideration included an update on cancer screening programmes across the borough, a new strategic approach to tackling unhealthy weight, and proposed changes to the structure of Health Scrutiny Committees.

Screening Update for Barking and Dagenham

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on screening programmes for bowel, breast, and cervical cancer within Barking and Dagenham. The report, presented by Femi Odewale, Managing Director of the North East London Cancer Alliance, and Caroline Cook, Early Diagnosis Programme Lead, was intended to detail screening performance and highlight local inequalities in screening data. The report noted that uptake and coverage figures for these screenings were being monitored, with specific targets set for each. The presentation also outlined various cancer alliance screening improvement projects aimed at increasing participation and addressing barriers within specific communities, such as campaigns targeting Muslim women for cervical screening and initiatives for Gypsy and Roma Travellers. Additionally, an update on the Targeted Lung Health Checks programme was to be provided, detailing its rollout and the number of lung cancers diagnosed to date.

A New Strategic Approach to Healthy Weight in Barking & Dagenham

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing a proposed new strategic approach to healthy weight in Barking and Dagenham. The report highlighted that the borough has one of the highest rates of overweight and obese adults and children in London, leading to increased risks of serious health conditions. The current approach, primarily focused on individualised weight management programmes, was deemed insufficient, reaching only a small fraction of the population and having little impact on overall healthy weight improvements. The report advocated for a shift towards a whole-systems approach, focusing on preventative measures at a community and environmental level. This new strategy aims to build a borough-wide partnership around food, activity, and the environment to support a greater proportion of the population in mitigating risk factors for unhealthy weight. The report recommended that the Health Scrutiny Committee recognise the urgent need for this change and support the proposed new strategic direction. It detailed challenges such as the obesogenic environment, poverty, and the limited reach of current programmes, while also identifying opportunities through the council's Localities Programme and a community-driven approach. The proposal included commissioning a provider to facilitate this change, with a phased approach to design and implementation.

Changes to Health Scrutiny Committees

The committee was also scheduled to be informed about recent changes to legislation affecting Health Scrutiny Committees (HSCs), which came into effect on 31 January 2024. The report, presented by Ayesha Malik, National Management Trainee, outlined new powers for the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care to intervene in proposals for changes to local NHS services. Previously, HSCs held exclusive power to refer proposed reconfigurations to the Secretary of State. Under the new arrangements, a call-in request process is available to anyone, and the Secretary of State may act proactively. While HSCs will continue to scrutinise health services, their role in referring reconfigurations has been altered. The report noted that these changes aim to facilitate an ongoing dialogue on NHS service changes and the relationship between HSCs and the NHS.

Review of the Shadow Governance Partnership Arrangements

An update was provided on the shadow governance arrangements for the Barking and Dagenham Place-based Partnership. The report indicated that the Integrated Care Board (ICB) Sub-Committee and the Health and Wellbeing Board have been operating as Committees in Common since 1 July 2023. The report suggested that these new arrangements were fostering more collaborative working, reducing duplication, and improving the shared understanding of resident and community issues. However, it also highlighted areas for further development to ensure the governance structure operates effectively. The committee was asked to note that these shadow arrangements are evolving and are currently considered the most suitable governance structure for achieving the partnership's aims.

Health & Wellbeing Board and ICB Sub-Committee (Committees in Common) - 16th January 2024

The committee was provided with the minutes from the Health & Wellbeing Board and ICB Sub-Committee meeting held on 16 January 2024. Key discussions from that meeting included an update on Barking and Dagenham's winter planning, which detailed progress in healthcare services, response times, and winter communication plans. The minutes also covered the NEL Joint Forward Plan Refresh 2024/25, discussing shared priorities with the Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy and the need for prevention and intervention. An update on the ICB's financial position for the 2023/24 financial year was also presented, outlining variances and mitigation plans. The draft Annual Report of the Director of Public Health for 2022/23 was discussed, highlighting the impact of Covid-19 and the need to focus on improving healthy life expectancy. Finally, the minutes detailed the Barking and Dagenham Partnership Risk Register and the procurement of Integrated Adult and Young People Substance Misuse Services.