The Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Committee of Islington Council met on Tuesday 22 September 2026 to discuss the council's performance in public health and adult social care, and to approve the initiation document for a new scrutiny review into healthy and independent ageing. Key discussions included the challenges and successes in childhood immunisation rates, the effectiveness of smoking cessation services, and the performance of adult social care services, particularly concerning care home admissions and safeguarding.

Healthy and Independent Ageing Scrutiny Review

The committee approved the initiation document for a new scrutiny review focused on how effectively Islington Council and its partners support healthy and independent ageing. This review will examine preventative services, early interventions, and neighbourhood-based approaches, with a particular focus on social isolation, loneliness, falls prevention, frailty, cardiovascular health, and dementia. The review aims to understand how services are integrated and how they contribute to residents remaining healthy, connected, and independent as they age. Evidence will be gathered throughout the year, with a final report expected in April 2027.

Public Health Performance (Quarter 3 2025/26)

Robin Stevenson, Public Health Strategist, presented the Quarter 3 performance report, highlighting positive results across most indicators. The council exceeded targets for smoking cessation, with a 60% success rate, and for drug and alcohol support services, which saw 2,108 individuals accessing treatment. Health visiting services also performed well, achieving 96% coverage for new birth visits and 90% for six-to-eight-week reviews.

However, challenges remain in increasing childhood immunisation uptake, particularly for the MMR vaccine, with coverage at 67.1%, below the 70% target. The report noted a rise in measles cases in London, prompting a coordinated response in Islington involving targeted communications and community workshops. Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC) prescriptions were also below target, attributed partly to a new record system implementation and changes in clinical guidance.

The report also detailed the success of the NHS Healthy Start Scheme, with 1,807 families participating, and highlighted the strong performance of smoking cessation services, exceeding both national and regional averages. NHS Health Checks were delivered to 2.9% of the eligible population, surpassing London and England averages. Substance misuse services saw 2,108 individuals accessing treatment, with a low rate of unplanned exits from treatment.

Adult Social Care Performance (Quarter 4 2025/26)

Victoria Nestor, Deputy Director of Adult Social Care Operations, presented the Quarter 4 performance report, indicating strong overall performance. 83% of residents receiving short-term support did not require ongoing long-term care, exceeding the target of 75%. The annual review rate for those receiving long-term support was 71%, surpassing the 70% target. Direct Payments, which offer greater choice and control over care, remained strong at 30%.

Safeguarding performance was highlighted as a strength, with 96% of service users reporting their desired outcomes were achieved and 92% of safeguarding enquiries resulting in risks being reduced or removed.

A key area for investigation is the increase in new admissions to residential and nursing care homes, which reached 197, exceeding the target of 190. The council is undertaking further analysis to understand the contributing factors and is investing in alternative housing and care options, including 60 new Extra Care Housing units.

Healthwatch Annual Report and Work Programme

Laura Saksena, Chief Executive of Healthwatch Islington, presented the organisation's annual report, highlighting their work in gathering resident feedback to influence health and social care services. Key achievements included supporting nearly 6,000 residents, publishing four reports on areas such as cervical screening and home care, and co-hosting childhood immunisation workshops. Healthwatch also played a role in advancing equality through events focused on accessibility and inclusion. The report outlined Healthwatch Islington's future priorities, including securing the future of their work amidst national changes, continuing to challenge health inequalities, and strengthening resident voice in the local health and care system.

Work Programme 2026-27

The committee reviewed the draft work programme for the upcoming year, which includes ongoing scrutiny reviews, performance updates from various health and social care providers, and discussions on public health and adult social care performance. Councillor Kiran Prasad requested an agenda item on the reablement service for a future meeting.