The Health and Wellbeing Board met on Wednesday, 10 January 2024, to discuss the progress of the Health and Wellbeing Strategy action plan, receive an update on Ealing Council's research infrastructure funding, and hear from Healthwatch. The Board noted the progress made on the action plan, welcomed the successful bid for significant research funding, and received an update on Healthwatch's ongoing work.

Health and Wellbeing Board Action Plan Update

Anna Bryden, Director of Public Health, presented a mid-year update on the Together in Ealing Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2023-2028. The strategy is built around three themes: Putting communities at the heart of everything, Systems and structures that leave no one behind, and Connecting the building blocks of health and wellbeing. The Board was informed that significant progress has been made in establishing structures and building research capacity over the past six months. Anna Bryden emphasised that the action plan is a collective ownership of the Health and Wellbeing Board, not solely a council strategy. Kerry Stevens highlighted the positive impact of the Board's involvement in transforming the suicide prevention action plan from a data-driven exercise into a proactive harm prevention strategy. Simon Crawford, representing NHS North West London, commended the report, noting that their own strategy implementation processes were similar. While acknowledging that some areas had progressed slower than anticipated, Anna Bryden reassured the Board that long-term planning, wise fund utilisation, and network building with communities were crucial for addressing complex issues like homelessness. Neha Unadkat, representing the NHS Integrated Care Board (ICB), noted the increasing pressures and demands on services and expressed the need for continued faith in progress, while also highlighting potential staff cuts within the ICB due to funding pressures. Councillor Josh Blacker, Chair of the Board, acknowledged the funding challenges but stressed Ealing's commitment to managing funds effectively to target inequalities. Kerry Stevens added that proposed cuts disproportionately affected Ealing. The Board thanked Anna Bryden and Aalaa Jawad for their presentation and noted the report.

Update on Ealing Council Research Infrastructure Funding Outcome

Vaishnavee Madden presented an update on Ealing Council's successful bid for £5 million from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) to establish new research capacity and infrastructure. This funding will support collaboration between the council, local communities, and leading academics. Gurpreet Rana expressed optimism that this funding would empower Voluntary, Community, and Faith (VCFS) groups to become more active and better address community needs. Anna Bryden highlighted how the council's existing strategy had supported the bid, noting that councils often lack robust research infrastructure, and this grant would enable Ealing to upskill its workforce and enhance collaborative research efforts. Vaishnavee Madden confirmed that the grant would lead to more research being conducted in Ealing, with a specific aim to enable VCFS groups to conduct their own research. Councillor Peter Mason, Leader of the Council, commended the focus on empowering residents to direct research, reinforcing the council's commitment to resetting its relationship with residents. Anna Bryden added that community-led research was not starting from scratch, as considerable work was already underway. The Chair acknowledged the rigorous application process and expressed anticipation for the impact of the £5 million funding on research within the borough. The Board thanked Vaishnavee Madden and Anna Bryden and noted the report.

Healthwatch Update

Carleen Duffy provided a verbal update on Healthwatch Ealing's activities. Key points included the ongoing enter and view programme, with visits to care homes rated 'good' and those requiring improvement. Healthwatch is developing an overarching strategy for care homes and considering a future project on living well at home for longer in conjunction with adult social care strategies. Ealing has been selected by Healthwatch England to focus on a new community diagnostic centre's MRI services. Other projects include examining case studies of refugees and asylum seekers during maternity, and a vaccine engagement project to understand young people's views and the impact of COVID-19. Healthwatch has also developed its patient experience programme. The Chair thanked Carleen Duffy for the update and expressed anticipation for a future vaccine update. The Board noted the report.

Health and Wellbeing Board Work Programme

Anna Bryden presented the Health and Wellbeing Board's Work Programme. She noted that the council is planning to provide five-year updates with interim progress reports. The Board was informed that the action plan has been reviewed line by line, and rich case studies have been compiled to demonstrate the impact of the council's work on residents. Anna Bryden highlighted the ongoing establishment of structures and the building of research capacity and infrastructure. She emphasised the collaborative nature of the Health and Wellbeing Strategy, encouraging joint work across partnerships. The Board thanked Anna Bryden for the update and noted the report.

Questions from Members of the Public

Roy Willis raised concerns about palliative care. Kerry Stevens assured Mr. Willis that a range of care packages are available and reviewed annually, with close collaboration between social services and financial teams. Neha Unadkat stated she was investigating palliative care options and services and was considering establishing a group to address the issue. Vijay Tailor added that the North West London ICB had reviewed palliative care and developed a consistent offer, noting that Meadow House provides good support but faces workforce challenges. The Board thanked Mr. Willis for his questions.

The next meeting is scheduled for 20 March 2024.