The Health and Wellbeing Board met on Thursday 25 January 2024 to discuss the Harrow Borough Partnership Winter Improvement Plan, the North Central London Start Well Programme consultation, an update on the Health and Wellbeing strategy's Healthy People - start well domain, and the North West London Child Death Review Annual Report 2022/23. The Board noted the progress on the Winter Improvement Plan, discussed the proposed changes to maternity, neonatal, and children's surgical services in North Central London, endorsed the integrated Children and Young People model, and noted the findings of the Child Death Review report.

Harrow Borough Partnership Winter Improvement Plan and System Pressures Metrics Report

The Board received an update on the Harrow Borough Partnership Winter Improvement Plan, which aims to support community care, prevent hospital admissions, and ensure safe and efficient discharges. Lisa Henschen, Managing Director of the Harrow Borough Based Partnership, reported that the plan was being implemented and that the system was coping with winter pressures, despite a busy period in early January exacerbated by industrial action. Jason Antrobus, Deputy Chief Operating Officer of the London North West Health Care Trust, detailed ongoing work with the London Ambulance Service to improve patient flow. Discussions also covered capacity checks, care home placements, contract negotiations, vaccination uptake (flu and Covid), and staffing challenges. The Board noted the report.

North Central London Start Well Programme Consultation

Anna Stewart, North Central London Start Well Programme Director, presented the consultation options for proposed changes to maternity, neonatal, and children's surgical services across North Central London. The programme aims to improve outcomes and reduce inequalities. Two options for maternity and neonatal services were outlined: Option A, which would see the Royal Free Hospital's services cease, and Option B, which would see Whittington Hospital's services cease. The report indicated that Option A would affect approximately 124 Harrow residents, while Option B would affect only one. The consultation also includes proposals for the closure of Edgware Birth Centre's birthing suites. The Board was informed that no decisions have been made and that feedback is being sought through a public consultation running until 17 March 2024. The Board was asked to provide feedback on how to raise awareness of the consultation among Harrow residents. The Board noted the report and presentation.

Health and Wellbeing Strategy Update: Healthy People - start well

Sebastien Baugh, Consultant in Public Health, introduced a report detailing work on the healthy people domain of the health and wellbeing strategy, with a focus on children and young people. Ayo Adekoyo, Associate Director for Integration at Harrow Borough Based Partnership, presented the case for change in Children and Young People Services, outlining a plan to integrate services through Family Hub Networks. Andrea Lagos, Public Health Strategist, and Mathilde Kerr, Health Improvement Officer, highlighted the success of the Healthy Schools London and Healthy Early Years London programmes, noting Harrow as a high-achieving borough. The Chair commented on the need for updated baseline data for performance measures, and a Member suggested a discussion on Family Hub Networks. The Board resolved to note the work completed to support integrated services for children, young people, and families, and to endorse the integrated Children and Young People model and roadmap to implementation.

North West London Child Death Review (CDR) Annual Report 2022/23

Chris Miller, Chair of the Harrow Children Safeguarding Board, introduced the North West London Child Death Review (CDR) Annual Report 2022/23. Tanya Nanuwan, Child Death Review Team Leader, explained the work of the CDR team, which supports families and identifies learning to prevent future child deaths. The report highlighted that Harrow, while previously a top performer, is now performing in the middle range for child death reviews. The report identified specific Lower Super Output Areas (LSOAs) within Harrow that have shown higher child mortality rates, presenting an opportunity for focused action. The Board was urged to note the information on pages 31 and 35 of the report, which could assist in the strategic objective of reducing child mortality. The Board noted the report.

The meeting, which commenced at 10:07 am, closed at 12:17 pm.