The Adults and Health Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee met on 24 January 2024 to discuss vaccination programmes, adult safeguarding, adult social care performance, and quality accounts. Key decisions included noting reports on these topics and approving the committee's forward work programme.

Barnet Vaccination Programmes Update

The committee received an update on Barnet's vaccination programmes, noting that while uptake is generally higher than in neighbouring boroughs, it is not yet sufficient to provide herd immunity against vaccine-preventable diseases. Challenges remain in reaching harder-to-engage communities and accessing certain data. Dr Janet Djomba, Deputy Director of Public Health, highlighted that while measles cases are increasing in London, none have been reported in Barnet so far. Efforts are underway to improve uptake, including working with community leaders and employing health ambassadors for migrant populations. The committee noted the report.

Barnet Multi-Agency Safeguarding Adults Board Annual Report

Fiona Bateman, Chair of the Barnet Safeguarding Adults Board (BSAB), presented the 2022-23 annual report. The report indicated an increase in reported safeguarding issues, partly due to improved reporting practices and engagement with Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities. While concerns from care sectors have decreased, indicating robust processes, abuse and neglect at home have risen. The BSAB's work on financial abuse was highlighted as a case study by the Home Office. The committee noted the report.

Quarter 2 (Q2) 2023/24 Adult Social Care Report and Our Plan for Adult Social Care 2024-29

Councillor Paul Edwards, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health, presented the report, acknowledging the funding crisis in social care. The Our Plan for Adult Social Care 2024-29 document, developed in co-production with residents and carers, outlines the council's ambitions for improving adult social care services. The report detailed performance indicators, including a reduction in care home admissions and improvements in reablement services. The committee noted the report and the draft plan.

Mid-year Quality Accounts

The committee reviewed updates from the Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust and the North London Hospice regarding their 2021-22 Quality Accounts. The Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust was requested to provide their mid-year comments. The committee noted the report.

Task and Finish Groups Update

The Head of Governance provided an update on the progress of Task and Finish Groups. Recommendations from these groups, if intended for Cabinet, would be presented at the next Cabinet meeting. The committee noted the report.

Cabinet Forward Plan (Key Decision Schedule)

The Head of Governance presented the Cabinet Forward Plan, outlining upcoming key decisions. The committee was invited to identify any items they wished to scrutinise further. The committee noted the Cabinet Forward Plan.

Committee Forward Work Programme

The committee's Forward Plan was presented, and the committee noted the plan, including amendments.

Terms of Reference of the Adults & Health Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee

The Chair noted that changes to the committee's Terms of Reference, due to new legislation regarding health scrutiny, would be presented for approval at Budget Council. From 31 January 2024, scrutiny committees will no longer formally refer health service reconfiguration matters to the Secretary of State. The committee noted the report.