The Healthier Communities and Older People Overview and Scrutiny Panel of Merton Council met on Wednesday 2 September 2026. The meeting's agenda included a discussion on the development of Integrated Neighbourhood Teams (INTs) and the panel's work programme.

Integrated Neighbourhood Teams (INTs)

A significant portion of the meeting was scheduled to focus on the development of Integrated Neighbourhood Teams (INTs) in Merton. The report pack outlined a proposed approach for implementing INTs, which aims to bring together professionals from health, adult social care, voluntary and community organisations, and housing to work collaboratively around the needs of local people. This initiative aligns with national health and care reforms and Merton's own strategic priorities, including its 2025-30 Health & Wellbeing Strategy.

The report detailed the case for change, highlighting findings from multidisciplinary case reviews of 116 adults and children. These reviews suggested that improved integrated working could lead to earlier intervention and prevent crises, potentially avoiding or delaying residential or nursing placements. The report also indicated that better integrated neighbourhood working could ease pressure across the health system, with potential to reduce NHS service demand. A specific case study of Mr W was presented to illustrate how a lack of holistic, integrated support could negatively impact an individual's outcome, and how the proposed INT model could have provided a more coordinated approach.

The report also identified priority cohorts for INTs, based on the national Neighbourhood Health Framework. Merton is prioritising an initial offer for older residents living with frailty, dementia, and those approaching end of life. This focus is intended to deliver early impact and reduce system pressure, as this cohort accounts for a significant proportion of healthcare spend and unplanned activity. The report noted that the system will broaden the INT offer over time.

The selected neighbourhood for the initial test and change INT was Morden PCN, chosen due to its high over-65 population, significant health and care spend, and its role in driving demand for Merton's health and care services. The report outlined the proposed composition of an INT, which would include eight core professional backgrounds, operational leadership from a new neighbourhood team structure, and clinical leadership from a named GP. The model aims to provide holistic, short-term support to residents to prevent and reduce the impact of crises, with clear referral, triage, and coordinated planning processes. The report also detailed how the INT model is expected to impact residents, using examples of hospital discharge and community risk stratification.

Work Programme

The panel was also scheduled to review its work programme for 2026/27. This included a look at upcoming items such as follow-up scrutiny on the St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust CQC report and maternity services, as well as budget scrutiny, updates on St Helier Hospital, and the annual public health report. The work programme is intended to be reviewed at each meeting to allow the panel to respond to issues of concern.

The meeting was scheduled to take place at Merton Civic Centre, London Road, Morden SM4 5DX.