The Health Scrutiny Committee of Barking and Dagenham Council met on Monday 14 September 2026 to discuss the work of Positive East in supporting residents affected by HIV, receive an update on the interim health facility at Barking Riverside, and review the Healthwatch Barking and Dagenham Work Programme for 2026-2027. The committee considered appointments to the Outer North East London Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

Positive East's Work on HIV Prevention and Support

Mark Santos, Executive Director of Positive East, presented an overview of the organisation's work, which has been serving Barking and Dagenham residents for over 30 years. Positive East aims to improve the quality of life for people living with HIV, work towards zero new HIV transmissions, ensure no group is left behind, and realise good sexual health for all.

Despite significant progress, challenges remain, including a high rate of late HIV diagnoses in Barking and Dagenham (44.4%), low uptake of PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), and disengagement from HIV care. Poverty and poor housing are identified as significant issues, impacting 82% of the presenting issues dealt with by Positive East. The organisation also highlighted the increasing complexity of needs for people living with HIV, with a majority now over 50 and many experiencing comorbidities and mental health conditions. HIV stigma and discrimination were also noted as persistent issues.

Positive East's response includes taking prevention and testing services into the community, with pop-up clinics and a testing bus. They are also working to address PrEP equity, particularly for Black heritage communities and women, and are involved in the Pan-London HIV Prevention Programme. For those living with HIV, Positive East offers a comprehensive support service, including advice on benefits and housing, peer support, counselling, and specialist psychology services. The organisation also engages in research and insight, hosts the UK AIDS Memorial Quilt, and organises the World AIDS Day Red Run.

During the discussion, councillors raised questions about training for GP surgeries to offer routine HIV tests, initiatives to tackle HIV-related stigma, and effective community-based strategies for reducing transmission rates. Mark Santos emphasised the importance of community-led initiatives and the role of local policies, such as the North East London Sexual and Reproductive Health Strategy, in steering activities. He also highlighted the impact of their work, noting that in the last financial year, they engaged with 1,285 people in Barking and Dagenham, with 113 people living with HIV receiving specific support. While overall HIV numbers are on a downward trajectory, focus remains on underserved communities.

Barking Riverside Health Services Update

Moira Coughlan, Deputy Director for Neighbourhood Development at NHS North East London, provided an update on the interim health facility at Barking Riverside. This facility is being established in partnership with Barking Riverside Limited to provide essential primary care services to the growing neighbourhood, which is planned for up to 20,000 homes. The interim facility, located in a unit provided by Barking Riverside Limited, will support continuity of care while plans for a larger, permanent health and well-being facility are developed.

The detailed design for the interim facility is complete, a fit-out contractor has been appointed, and work is expected to commence on-site in September 2026. The facility will include five clinical and treatment rooms, reception, waiting, and office space. NHS North East London is currently procuring a provider for primary care services.

Councillors expressed concerns about the long timescale for establishing even an interim facility, with some noting it has taken nearly five years. There was a strong emphasis on ensuring that the permanent facility is delivered without further delay and that its scope is not reduced. The report indicated that the permanent facility's development is a negotiation between the council and Barking Riverside Limited, with the NHS acting as a provider. David Harley, the council's Director of Place or Inclusive Growth, will be asked to report back on the timescale for the permanent facility.

Questions were also raised about the demand and capacity modelling for the interim facility, given the growing population, and how residents have been involved in shaping the services. While the interim facility is designed to cope with current demand, the long-term plan for the permanent facility is still under discussion.

Healthwatch Barking and Dagenham Work Programme 2026-2027

Manisha Modhvadia, Healthwatch Barking and Dagenham Manager, presented the organisation's work programme for the upcoming year. The programme focuses on gathering and representing local people's experiences of health and care services to influence improvements. Key projects include research into NHS referrals, the Pharmacy First service, and the NHS App.

The referral project aims to understand residents' experiences of the referral journey from GP to appointment, identifying areas for improvement. The Pharmacy First Part 2 project will gather feedback from local professionals on their awareness and use of the service. The NHS Digital App project will explore residents' experiences with the app, particularly those who are digitally excluded.

Healthwatch will also continue with Enter and View visits to local services, community engagement, and providing information and signposting. They will strengthen relationships with community groups, voluntary organisations, and faith groups to ensure their work reflects the experiences of diverse communities, including those who are digitally excluded or isolated.

During the discussion, councillors sought assurance that the feedback collected is representative of Barking and Dagenham's diverse communities and enquired about how the insights generated will be used by commissioners. Ms. Modhvadia explained that Healthwatch uses various methods to ensure representation, including working with faith networks and attending community events. She also detailed the process by which Healthwatch's recommendations are shared with service providers and commissioners, who are required to respond within 21 working days. While Healthwatch is an advisory body and does not have enforcement powers, they actively follow up on recommendations and report on the impact of changes.

Concerns were raised about the future of Healthwatch, with an amendment to the Health Bill proposing changes to its structure. However, there is a commitment to continue an independent organisation overseeing the performance of the health system.

Appointments to the Outer North East London Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Lois Taylor, Senior Governance Officer, presented a report on appointments to the Outer North East London Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee (JHOSC) for the 2026-2027 municipal year. Barking and Dagenham is one of four boroughs that form the JHOSC, which scrutinises large-scale NHS service changes affecting multiple boroughs.

The committee was asked to appoint three members to the JHOSC. It was recommended that Councillor Michel Pongo, Chair of the Health Scrutiny Committee, and Councillor Donna Lumsden, Deputy Chair, be appointed, as is standard practice. The report noted that the Integrated Care Board (ICB) has proposed a single JHOSC covering seven boroughs, a proposal that is still under consideration. The committee considered the appointment of Councillor Pongo and Councillor Lumsden, with the third appointment to be confirmed.