The Health in Hackney Scrutiny Commission met on Wednesday 10 January 2024 to discuss the implementation of the Metropolitan Police's 'Right Care Right Person' model, future options for soft facility services at Homerton Healthcare, and the Integrated Delivery Plan for the City and Hackney Place Based Partnership. The Commission also received an update on the Neighbourhoods Programme and heard from the Cabinet Member for Health, Adult Social Care, Voluntary Sector and Culture.

Update on the implementation of the Met Police's 'Right Care Right Person' model

The Commission received an update on the implementation of the Metropolitan Police's 'Right Care Right Person' (RCRP) model, which aims to ensure that health-related calls are handled by the appropriate agency, rather than the police being the default first responder. The model, which was piloted by Humberside Police in 2020, was implemented by the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) on 1 November 2023.

The RCRP model applies to four pillars: Medical Support, Concern for Welfare, Walk-out/AWOL from healthcare settings, and Transport under Section 136 of the Mental Health Act. The MPS will generally not respond to requests for medical support or welfare checks, expecting other agencies, such as health and social care services, to take the lead. For walk-outs from healthcare settings, providers are expected to fulfil their own obligations to locate patients, unless there is an immediate threat to life or serious harm. In cases involving Section 136 of the Mental Health Act, the London Ambulance Service (LAS) is expected to provide transport, though MPS vehicles may be used if an ambulance ETA would cause a detrimental delay.

The Commission was informed that partner agencies are expected to alter their operating practices to ensure their staff are available to carry out their own checks and adequately assess risk. This approach aims to ensure that individuals with health or social care needs are responded to by professionals with the right skills and training, avoiding inappropriate criminalisation, particularly for those in mental health crisis.

Update on future options for soft facility services at Homerton Healthcare

Homerton Healthcare provided an update on the future options for its soft facility services, which include catering, portering, cleaning, and security. These services are currently provided by ISS, with their contract ending in summer 2025. The Commission had previously discussed this issue in February 2023 and July 2020. Senior management from Homerton Healthcare provided a verbal update on the ongoing discussions, including potential insourcing of these services.

Integrated Delivery Plan for City & Hackney Place Based Partnership

The Commission received an update on the progress of the City and Hackney Place Based Partnership, which operates under the North East London Integrated Care Board. The Integrated Delivery Plan for 2022-24 outlines the partnership's strategy and actions to address population health challenges and reduce inequalities. Key highlights from the plan include the mobilisation of a Money Hub to increase household income, improved outcomes for individuals with Serious Mental Illness (SMI) through personalised care, and the expansion of the Neighbourhoods model.

Challenges identified include the continued impact of the cost of living crisis, high demand on services, and industrial action. Specific concerns were raised about low childhood immunisation and vaccination rates in certain communities and the increased prevalence of mental health issues in children and young people. The plan details progress on big ticket items such as CYP Emotional Health, CYP with Complex health needs, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), and improving immunisation uptake.

The Commission was presented with the City and Hackney Place Based Partnership Governance Chart and the NEL ICB System Planning Cycle for 2024/25. The proposed approach for refreshing the Integrated Delivery Plan for 2024/25 to 2026/27 was outlined, with a review of the current plan, enabler elements, resource requirements, and a timeline for governance approvals.

Cabinet Member Question Time - Cllr Kennedy

Councillor Christopher Kennedy, Cabinet Member for Health, Adult Social Care, Voluntary Sector and Culture, addressed the Commission on three key areas:

1. The Neighbourhoods Programme: Councillor Kennedy discussed the successes and challenges of the Neighbourhoods Programme in Hackney, outlining its aims to improve local health and care services and increase social connection.
2. The City and Hackney Place Based System: He provided an update on the effectiveness of the City and Hackney Place Based System for residents and discussed the centrality of 'Place' in the governance of the North East London Integrated Care Board (ICB) since its inception.
3. Cancer Research UK Manifesto: Councillor Kennedy explored how Hackney Council could contribute to enacting the five missions outlined in the recent Cancer Research UK Manifesto, focusing on cancer prevention and early diagnosis.

Minutes of the Previous Meeting

The Commission reviewed and agreed the draft minutes of the previous meeting held on 20 December 2023 and noted the action tracker.

Work Programme for the Commission

Members reviewed the updated rolling work programme for the Health in Hackney Scrutiny Commission for 2023/24, noting upcoming items and making any necessary amendments.