The Health and Wellbeing Board met on Thursday 24 September 2026 to discuss the Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment update, the Better Care Fund Plan for 2026-27, and receive an update from the NHS West and North London ICB. Decisions were made regarding the publication of a supplementary statement to the Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment and the endorsement of the Better Care Fund Plan.

Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment Update

The Board received an update on the Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA), following the closure of Fairview Pharmacy at Finchley Memorial Hospital. Dr Mohammed Jawad, Deputy Director of Public Health, presented the findings of further analysis, which concluded that while the closure of Fairview Pharmacy was noted as an important local service, it did not materially alter the overall conclusions of the Barnet Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment 2025-2028. The analysis indicated that borough-wide access to pharmaceutical services remained broadly stable, with only a small reduction in weekend walking access.

The Board agreed that the available evidence did not indicate a gap in pharmaceutical provision that would necessitate a full revision of the PNA. They approved the publication of a revised supplementary statement to the PNA, which supersedes the version presented in June 2026. It was also noted that the local effects of the closure, including weekend access and continuity of COVID-19 vaccination provision, would continue to be considered with the Integrated Care Board (ICB) through appropriate commissioning and access arrangements.

Better Care Fund Plan 2026-27

The Board reviewed the Barnet Better Care Fund (BCF) Plan for 2026-27, which outlines how the London Borough of Barnet and the West and North London Integrated Care Board (WNL ICB) will utilise BCF funding to support integrated health and social care services. Ella Goschalk, Head of Commissioning for Communities, Prevention and Technology, presented the plan, highlighting that it focuses on consolidating existing services, maintaining stability, and preparing for a future neighbourhood-based integrated care model.

The BCF plan details the health, wellbeing, and social care challenges in Barnet and how the funding will support residents through prevention, high-quality care, and responsive services, aiming to help residents remain independent, avoid unnecessary hospital admissions, and return home safely. The total pooled budget for 2026-27 is £53,703,563. The Board noted the contents of the plan and endorsed the BCF Plan submitted to NHS England by the Local Authority. Discussions during this item highlighted the significant demographic challenges in Barnet, including a growing older population and increasing complexity of needs, and the importance of the BCF in supporting preventative services and integrated care.

NHS West and North London ICB Update

Darren Jones, Director of Complex Care for West and North London Integrated Care Board, provided a verbal update on the changes within the ICB structures and its ten-year strategy. He explained the recent merger of North Central London and North West London to form the Western North London ICB, along with significant restructuring and workforce changes. The ICB's ten-year strategic plan focuses on six population groups: early years and family support; people with or at risk of long-term conditions; adults with complexity; adults with serious mental illness; and end of life care.

The Board engaged in a detailed discussion about the challenges of health inequalities in Barnet, particularly concerning the distribution of funding relative to the borough's needs, which has a large and growing older population and high levels of long-term conditions. Concerns were raised about historical underinvestment in community and mental health services in Barnet compared to other boroughs. The importance of anchoring the ICB strategy in borough priorities, such as the Joint Strategic Needs Analysis, was emphasised. Dr Mohammed Jawad also provided an update on the success of Barnet's diabetes prevention programme, noting it is one of the highest performing in the country and is being adapted for the Somali community. The Board noted the update from the ICB.

Forward Work Programme

The Board reviewed its Forward Work Programme for 2026-2027. Key upcoming items include a draft Neighbourhood Health Plan and the Barnet Multi-Agency Safeguarding Adults Board Annual Report in December, and potentially a SEND strategy. The Board noted the Forward Work Programme.

The meeting also included an informal workshop on obesity. Claire O’Callaghan provided information about an upcoming public health peer review in November, and Sarah Campbell shared details of an event on 15 October focusing on neighbourhood health centres and the hub and spoke model.