The Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Panel is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 15 September 2026 to consider updates on integrated neighbourhood teams and performance related to adult social care. The panel will also receive public questions on these agenda items.

Integrated Neighbourhood Teams - Neighbourhood Working

The panel is scheduled to consider an update on the development of integrated neighbourhood approaches for delivering health and social care. This initiative, part of a joint programme between the Integrated Care Board (ICB), the Royal Borough of Greenwich, and the wider Healthier Greenwich Partnership (HGP), aims to join up health and care services at a neighbourhood level. The report outlines progress made, including the identification of neighbourhood footprints, the appointment of Oxleas as the Integrator Partnership Host, and the co-design of a vision and outcomes. An operating model for neighbourhood working has been developed, and the council has successfully applied for £2,622,000 in Strategic Investment Fund (SIF) funding to support integrated working for priority cohorts such as children, young people, the frail, those with multiple long-term conditions, and individuals requiring mental health support. The report details progress across various workstreams, including prevention, long-term conditions, frailty, children and young people, and mental health, as well as enabler workstreams for digital and data, workforce development, engagement, communications, finance, and estates. The next steps include the implementation of Neighbourhood Leadership Groups, the establishment of a neighbourhood insights function, and the soft launch of holistic appointments for GPs.

CQC Improvement Plan and Adult Social Care Performance

A report on the Care Quality Commission (CQC) Improvement Plan and Adult Social Care Performance is scheduled for consideration. The Royal Borough of Greenwich received an overall Good rating from the CQC following an inspection in October 2025, with the report published in May 2026. The assessment highlighted strengths in leadership, partnership working, strength-based assessments, and a dedicated workforce, while also identifying areas for improvement such as greater consistency in practice, improved accessibility, and further strengthening engagement and co-production. The report details performance data where Greenwich is outperforming the national benchmark, including in annual reviews and the accessibility of information. It also outlines evidence of performance improvements during 2025/26, such as reductions in annual review backlogs and maximum Section 42 waits. Areas where Greenwich is below the national benchmark include resident satisfaction with care and support, direct payment uptake, and the effectiveness of short-term support. The report highlights progress made against inspection findings, including strengthening professional practice, workforce development, and improving accessibility. Specific actions are underway to address areas such as advocacy, reablement, direct payments, and support for unpaid carers. The effectiveness of discharge pathways is also to be considered, with the report noting positive feedback from the CQC regarding the discharge to assess model and the use of virtual wards, as well as ongoing work through the Transfer of Care Hub. The report will also cover system coordination across health and care partners and measurable outcomes arising from improvement activity.

Public Questions on Agenda Items

The panel will allocate 15 minutes for questions from members of the public on the agenda items. Questions must be submitted in writing to scrutiny@royalgreenwich.gov.uk before the meeting.