The Health and Adult Subcommittee of Tower Hamlets Council met on Tuesday 08 June 2021 to discuss Operation Oak, the council's response to asylum seekers being housed in local hotels, and to receive updates on primary care networks and COVID-19. Key decisions included the election of Councillor Shah Ameen as Vice Chair and Faroque Ahmed for the Inner North East London Joint Scrutiny Committee. The committee also reviewed and discussed the council's forward plan.

Operation Oak and Support for Asylum Seekers

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to Operation Oak, a Home Office program to house asylum seekers in hotels within the borough. Tracey St Hill, the RP Partnerships and Development Officer, provided an overview of the council's coordinated efforts to support these individuals. She highlighted that approximately 443 asylum seekers were placed in hotels without prior notification. The council's response has involved various departments, including primary care, public health, environmental health, housing, and children's services, to ensure needs assessments, GP registration, vaccinations, and school placements.

However, several challenges and funding gaps were identified. Schools are facing resource issues due to the lack of additional funding for new placements, and the local authority's uniform fund is strained. Asylum seekers' subsistence payments are often insufficient for essential items, and there are significant gaps in access to dental and mental health services, particularly for those who have experienced trauma. Concerns were also raised about the quality and quantity of food provided by the Home Office in hotels.

Representatives from the charity Unknown, including Bethan Lant, Isabel Pereira, Raya Feldman, and Wendy Pettifer, shared their experiences and highlighted that Operation Oak is a result of a backlog in asylum applications rather than a surge in arrivals. They expressed concerns that both Clear Springs and Unknown are under-resourced and struggling to meet the demand. The Migrant Centre also reported that inadequate food, limited access to primary healthcare, and lack of COVID-19 security were primary problems identified in hotels. A critical issue raised was the Home Office's plan to remove individuals with certain asylum claims from hotels from June 21st, potentially leading to increased homelessness.

Councillor Puru Miah asked about the council's support for destitute asylum seekers, while Councillor Denise Jones inquired about mental health support and access to school uniform grants. Nicky Mutale from the Early Help Hub confirmed that referrals for domestic abuse are being received and that all families are being offered school and nursery places. Kerry, from the council's service, confirmed that all children are able to access the school uniform grant, with generic uniforms being provided to allow for easier transition between schools. However, she noted that schools are facing difficulties due to a lack of funding for new arrivals and the absence of destination information when families are moved.

Concerns were also raised about the lack of support for single adult men in hotels, who often have more time and fewer resources than families. The issue of dispersal accommodation and the random nature of dispersal were also discussed, with clarification that it is not necessarily local and depends on property acquisition. Georgia Ramirez, a Public Health Programme Manager, confirmed that there had been COVID-19 outbreaks in January and February and that almost all residents are now registered with a GP, with monthly vaccination clinics being held.

Primary Care Networks and COVID-19 Updates

Tyrone, a Network Manager for Tower Hamlets Primary Care Network (PCN), presented an overview of PCNs, which were established to address pressure on primary care. He highlighted the collaborative work between practices, including shared learning, data sharing, and joint initiatives like centralized flu clinics and vaccination programs. Network 8 has introduced a Healthy Island Partnership Community Team with health coaches to support mental health, and Network 1 has a key team focused on improving long-term health conditions.

Councillor Puru Miah raised concerns about the GP vaccination rate, particularly for second doses, and the issue of GPs being taken over by private companies. Dr. Somen Banerjee, a Public Health Official, provided an update on the COVID-19 situation, noting a rapid increase in cases across London and emphasizing the importance of vaccination. She clarified that while Tower Hamlets has a younger population, leading to a lower overall vaccination percentage, the uptake within specific age cohorts is comparable to the London average. She also highlighted the upcoming use of the London Stadium for vaccinations and the importance of utilizing sites like Westfield.

Dr. Banerjee confirmed that surge testing levels are higher than the London average, and efforts are underway to sustain these high levels. Georgia Ramirez added that partnerships with organisations like Unknown are facilitating vaccinations for undocumented individuals, and plans are in place to use an engagement bus for mobile vaccination clinics and street outreach. She also mentioned commissioning Doctors of the World to provide advocacy at refugee service clinics to support GP registration.

Forward Plan and Other Business

The committee reviewed the council's forward plan, with discussions on including violence and knife crime as part of the public health response, and exploring options for swimming and exercise within the borough. Councillor Andrew Wood raised concerns about NHS data sharing and the implications for residents, suggesting it be added to the forward plan. David Burbidge, Healthwatch Tower Hamlets Representative, highlighted the role of overview and scrutiny committees in monitoring health and well-being boards.

A comment was made regarding the driving down violence, vulnerability and exploitation amongst young people strategy, with a concern that it does not explicitly mention a public health approach and that knife crime statistics may not include the offence of possession of a bladed article. David Burbidge also raised the issue of the levelling up agenda and its impact on health services. The committee agreed to schedule further discussions on the forward plan and other priority areas.

The meeting concluded with a brief discussion on any other business, with David Burbidge raising the need for a discussion on the levelling up agenda's impact on health services. The Chair acknowledged the need for further review and communication with the committee.