The Health and Wellbeing Board of Newham Council was scheduled to discuss improvements to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision, the establishment of an Integrated Care System (ICS), and the Healthwatch priorities for the coming months. Other items on the agenda included the Better Care Fund return, an immunisation action plan, and the forward plan of reports for the municipal year.

Local Area SEND Improvement and Investment

The board was scheduled to consider key actions within the local area's written statement of action, aimed at driving forward improvements in SEND provision in Newham. It was also proposed that SEND improvement and scrutiny of the Written Statement of Action become a quarterly standing item for the Health and Wellbeing Board. A further recommendation was to ensure that the lived experiences of children, families, and educational settings are incorporated into the progress reviews.

Integrated Care System (ICS) - Place-Based Partnership Approach

The meeting was set to review progress in establishing the ICS and the statutory Integrated Care Board (ICB), which became effective on 1 July 2022. The agenda indicated that the evolution of the Newham Health and Care Partnership Board, currently known as the Newham Executive, would be discussed in relation to its contribution and shared membership with the ICB Newham subcommittee.

Healthwatch Priorities for Quarter 1 and 2

The Health and Wellbeing Board was expected to note the Healthwatch Annual Report for 2021/2022 and the contents of its work programme for the first two quarters of the year.

Better Care Fund 2021/22 Return

The board was scheduled to consider and agree the Better Care Fund Return for the 2021/22 period. The Better Care Fund is a national fund designed to improve health and social care outcomes for individuals.

Immunisation Action Plan

The meeting agenda included a discussion on Newham's immunisation action plan. The board was asked to endorse and support its implementation, as well as the continuing development of a partnership working approach. Additionally, support was to be sought for vaccination outreach providers to adopt a flexible approach, drawing on lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Forward Plan of Reports

A draft document outlining the reports expected for the remainder of the municipal year was scheduled to be presented. The Board was asked to comment on and note this forward plan.