The Health and Wellbeing Board met on Wednesday 20 March 2024 to discuss updates on the Borough Based Partnership, health protection, preventative strategies, and the 'Right Care, Right Person' initiative. The Board noted reports on these key areas, with discussions focusing on service integration, vaccination rates, falls prevention, and the impact of the 'Right Care, Right Person' model.

Update from the Borough Based Partnership

The Board received an update on the Harrow Borough Based Partnership (BBP), covering developments between December 2023 and March 2024. The primary focus during this period was the implementation of the Winter Plan, aimed at ensuring system flow, managing demand, and developing robust plans for admission avoidance. Alongside winter pressures, the Partnership continued to deliver key programmes, including the integration of children and young people's services, neighbourhood teams, and intermediate care services. The Healthy Harrow Programmes are progressing, with plans underway for delegated funding for inequalities in 2024/25 and the Partnership Delivery Programme. While integration is working in some areas, particularly for older people's services, there is a recognised need to embed changes for smoother implementation. The Board was informed that data on discharge rates, including from Woodland Hall, is reported weekly and will be discussed further in April. Discussions also touched upon how outcomes are reported, such as for children's tooth decay, with A&E attendance and a supervised dental programme in schools being used as indicators.

Health Protection Update

A report on Health Protection in Harrow highlighted approximately 650 cases of measles in London, with 19 confirmed in Harrow, including a recent case in a school. Low Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccination rates were cited as a reason for the infections. Outreach programmes and vaccination clinics in affected areas have seen encouraging uptake. The Board noted that while national and local vaccination campaigns may not always align, both aim to reduce infection. Infection rates vary across London boroughs, with North West London experiencing the most cases among children, particularly in Harrow, Brent, and Ealing, influenced by demographic compositions. Targeted messages are being developed to encourage vaccine uptake. The Board proposed using methods like the Gold Bulletin newsletter, distributed to schools, to promote vaccination. Councillor Paul Osborn, Chair of the Health and Wellbeing Board, requested that the Director of Public Health Partnership liaise with the Communications Team to include this information in the Gold Bulletin.

Health & Wellbeing Strategy Update: Prevention in Partnership

The Board reviewed a report outlining a preventative strategy, using physical activity and falls as examples. The Prevention in the Partnership programme assesses local opportunities for residents of all ages to prevent adverse health outcomes. This strategy operates on three tiers: primary prevention (reducing disease incidence through universal measures or targeting high-risk groups), secondary prevention (early detection and intervention), and tertiary prevention (managing ongoing illness or injury to improve quality of life). The approach aims to identify gaps in prevention initiatives and will initially work through Integrated Neighbourhood Teams. The Board heard that most falls occur at home, with some on public footpaths, and that these are reported to the Council's Highways Team. A proposal was made for an awareness programme, particularly for elderly residents, including the distribution of literature in places of worship, to reach those without digital access. The Chair requested the Director of Public Health liaise with the Communications Team to include information on these proposals in the weekly newsletter.

Progress of 'Right Care, Right Person'

An update was provided on the Right Care, Right Person initiative, implemented by the Metropolitan Police Service on 1 November 2023. Detective Superintendent Alastair Vanner explained that the initiative aims to ensure individuals with mental health, health, and social care needs are seen by the appropriate professional. The model has reportedly generated positive outcomes and reduced demand on various agencies in other areas. A threshold is central to the approach, assisting police in determining when to respond to incidents. The Board was presented with data indicating positive results since the initiative's implementation, with statutory partners continuing to collaborate for safe rollout.