The Healthier Communities and Older People Overview and Scrutiny Panel of Merton Council met on Monday 29 June 2026 to discuss updates on St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust's CQC report, maternity services, and the council's work programme. The panel reviewed inspection updates, discussed concerns regarding cancer screening access, and agreed on the proposed work programme for the upcoming year.

St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Updates

The panel received updates on the CQC well-led review, core inspections, and maternity services at St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. NHS representatives reported on extensive staff engagement activities, including 33 listening events and one-to-one discussions, which identified four priority areas for improvement: leadership capability, behaviour and civility, diversity and inclusion, and staff recognition and celebration. A formal improvement action plan focusing on these areas is being developed, and the panel requested to see the final Well-Led Action Plan once approved.

Inspection updates indicated that the Emergency Department had improved from Inadequate to Requires Improvement following a reinspection. Surgery services also showed improvement, though they were just short of a good rating, with a reassessment planned.

Regarding maternity services, 29 out of the actions arising from previous CQC requirements had been completed, with two remaining in progress. Work is focused on leadership visibility, workforce development, governance, and improved patient engagement. The panel requested greater public visibility of maternity performance information. A new sub-committee to the trust board has been introduced to provide oversight of the maternity service, with its first meeting scheduled for 27 July. Independent advice confirmed that current mitigations for a building issue remain safe but are not a long-term solution. The long-term plan involves replacing all the piping for water in that building, which is complicated by the high likelihood of asbestos. Options for decanting services during these major infrastructure works are being assessed, with an update on the options appraisal planned for 9 July. The panel requested regular updates on the options appraisal, service continuity, and estate plans.

In response to questions about cancer screening access and the absence of mobile provision, it was explained that mobile sites are no longer supported, but discussions are ongoing about locating a static site. Breast cancer screening is a specific item on the Healthier Communities and Older People Overview and Scrutiny Panel's work plan for later in the year, and the Trust agreed to provide a further update on cancer screening services and future arrangements.

Work Programme

The panel agreed on the proposed work programme for the upcoming year. The Healthier Communities and Older People Overview and Scrutiny Panel's work programme for 2026/27 includes several key items, such as follow-up scrutiny on the St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust CQC report and maternity services. Future meetings will also address updates on St Helier Hospital, Integrated Neighbourhood Teams, and the ICB's strategic commissioning approach. Later in the year, the panel will scrutinise the budget, review the report of the Health and Wellbeing Board, and examine the Adult Safeguarding Annual Report. In early 2027, the panel will focus on cardiovascular disease and heart health, and the Annual Public Health Report, with a specific focus on physical inactivity. The programme also includes discussions on breast cancer screening and Adult Social Care and Public Health performance.