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Healthier Communities Select Committee - Tuesday, 30th June, 2026 7.00 pm
June 30, 2026 at 7:00 pm Healthier Communities Select Committee View on council websiteSummary
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The Healthier Communities Select Committee met on Tuesday 30 June 2026 to discuss the updated Lewisham Dementia Strategy and an action plan from South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust following a CQC inspection. The committee agreed to note both reports and requested a follow-up update on the Trust's action plan in six to 12 months.
Development of the Updated Lewisham Dementia Strategy for 2026-2030
The committee received an update on the development of the Lewisham Dementia Strategy for 2026-2030. Ellen McGale, Assistant Director for Adult Mental Health and Wellbeing, and Ade Adeoye, Local Service Manager for Lewisham Dementia Support Service at the Alzheimer's Society, presented the approach being taken. This includes data analysis, evidence review, stakeholder engagement, and a focus on lived experience and carer engagement. The strategy will follow the pathway stages of preventing well,
diagnosing well,
supporting well,
living well,
and dying well,
with an additional consideration for caring well.
The approach involves reviewing local data, building on best practices, and holding stakeholder workshops. The Alzheimer's Society has been leading on engagement with people living with dementia and their carers, using various methods to ensure their voices are heard. Challenges in engaging seldom-heard groups and those from global majority communities were discussed, along with strategies to overcome these barriers, such as using inclusive communication and working with community leaders. The committee was informed that the final strategy will be presented to Mayor and Cabinet in November 2026. The committee noted the report, acknowledging the comprehensive approach to developing the strategy.
Update on South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust's Action Plan following CQC Inspection
Dr. Hugh Williams, Associate Medical Director for Lewisham, and Nii Adorinto, Service Director for South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLaM) for Lewisham Addiction Services, presented an update on SLaM's action plan following a Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection. The inspection, which took place between June and October 2025, covered forensic, community mental health, crisis services, inpatient wards, and leadership. While forensic services were rated Good,
community, crisis, and inpatient services, along with the Well-Led
domain, were rated as Requires Improvement.
Key themes identified by the CQC included issues with seclusion documentation, enhanced care observations, care plans, emergency alarms, privacy and dignity, risk assessments, mandatory training compliance, restraints documentation, medication PRN documentation, physical health monitoring (NEWS), waiting times, Mental Health Act (MHA) assessment delays, supervision and appraisals, MHA Section 132 audits, MHA consent, community environments, and access to fresh air in the Health Based Place of Safety.
SLaM has developed a comprehensive action plan to address these findings, focusing on improving clinical quality, patient safety, governance, and organisational culture. Specific actions include implementing a swing bed model at the Health Based Place of Safety, rolling out Dialog
and Dialog Plus
for improved care plans and risk assessments in community services, and enhancing observation processes and safeguarding training in acute inpatient services. The Trust is also working on creating a more listening culture, protecting staff voices through an independent Guardian Service, promoting co-production, redesigning committee structures, and establishing dedicated forums for risk and partnerships.
The committee noted the report and resolved to request a follow-up update on the action plan in six to 12 months.
Other Business
The committee also agreed to set the start time for Healthier Communities Select Committee meetings for the 2026/27 municipal year at 7pm. They also agreed the committee's work programme for the 2026/27 municipal year, which includes planned scrutiny of mental health services, dementia strategy development, safeguarding, adult social care performance, budget reviews, winter pressures, and health equity. An item regarding the Save Lewisham Hospital campaign and Reclaim the NHS's concerns about Lewisham and Greenwich Trust's use of Palantir was noted for potential inclusion in a future work programme.
Delegated decisions linked to this meeting
Decision summaries below are AI-generated from the council’s published record. Check the council source or the full decision page before relying on them.
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Update on South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust's Action Plan following CQC Inspection
Recommendations ApprovedThe Healthier Communities Select Committee noted the report on South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust's action plan following a CQC inspection. An update on the action plan will be provided to the committee in six to twelve months.
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Committee Meeting Start Time for the Municipal Year 2026/27
Recommendations ApprovedThe Healthier Communities Select Committee decided that the committee meeting start time for the 2026/27 municipal year is 7pm. This decision was approved on 30/06/2026. The agreed start time will be used for scheduled meetings, subject to changes by the Proper Officer in consultation with the Chair.
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Select Committee work programme
Recommendations ApprovedThe Healthier Communities Select Committee decided to approve the 2026/27 Work Programme on 30 June 2026. The committee agreed its priorities for the municipal year.
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Development of the Updated Lewisham Dementia Strategy for 2026-2030
Recommendations ApprovedThe Healthier Communities Select Committee noted the report on the Development of the Updated Lewisham Dementia Strategy for 2026-2030 on 30/06/2026. The committee's decision was to approve recommendations. The strategy development includes a review of the previous strategy, local data analysis, and engagement with people living with dementia and their carers.
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Responses from Mayor and Cabinet
Recommendations ApprovedHealthier Communities Select Committee approved recommendations on 30/06/2026.
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Minutes of previous meeting
Recommendations ApprovedThe Healthier Communities Select Committee approved the minutes of the previous meeting held on 26 February 2026. The committee also noted reports and agreed follow-up actions regarding mental health provision, public health prevention, and the Learning Disabilities Implementation Plan.
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Declarations of interest
Recommendations ApprovedThe Healthier Communities Select Committee decided to approve recommendations on declarations of interest on 30/06/2026. Councillor Rebecca Jones declared she is employed as a GP in Ladywell, which was not a disclosable interest for any items on the agenda.
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Apologies
Recommendations ApprovedHealthier Communities Select Committee noted apologies from Councillors Andre Bourne and Maria Mckenna on 30/06/2026.
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