The Adults Health and Integration Scrutiny Commission met on Tuesday 22 September 2026 to discuss Homerton Healthcare's new digital strategy, the City and Hackney Safeguarding Adults Board Annual Report, and the Director of Public Health's report on access to healthy and affordable food. Key decisions included the agreement of terms of reference for a review into improving outcomes for Black women in mental health services and noting the annual reports presented.

New Digital Strategy for Homerton Healthcare

The Commission received an update on Homerton Healthcare's new digital strategy, with a particular focus on the Federated Data Platform (FDP). Tom Nettel, Deputy Chief Executive of Homerton Healthcare, stated that the Trust currently has no active plans to use the FDP, with their focus being on improving their existing electronic patient record system. He assured the Commission that any introduction of digital change would prioritise patient safety, with human oversight and robust information governance in place.

Representatives from the Hackney Coalition Against Palantir, George Burnett and Pauline Moon, expressed significant concerns regarding Palantir's involvement in the FDP, citing ethical issues and alleged human rights violations. They highlighted the potential erosion of public trust and the risk of individuals avoiding healthcare due to fears about data privacy. The coalition urged Homerton Healthcare to continue not opting into the FDP.

Councillor Jazz questioned whether the Trust considered incorporating ethical business practices into its software procurement, to which Mr Nettel responded that procurement processes are set by law and NHS requirements, and he would investigate if specific ethical clauses could be introduced. Councillor Manau raised the question of relying on publicly provided, in-sourced digital platforms instead of outsourcing, with Mr Nettel explaining that in most cases, existing systems provided by external organisations are the most effective and that developing in-house solutions would not represent value for money.

Regarding the FDP's break clause, George Burnett clarified that the notice period is three months and a decision from the government is expected by December. He noted that both the Science, Innovation and Technology Committee and the Health Select Committee had called for the government to exercise the break clause.

City and Hackney Safeguarding Adults Board Annual Report 2025-26

Claire Solley, Independent Chair of the City of Hackney Safeguarding Adult Board (CHSAB), presented the annual report for 2025-26. She highlighted key achievements including the continuation of multi-agency safeguarding training, the establishment of a new Performance and Quality Assurance Subgroup, and strengthened work around homelessness and rough sleeping. Ms Solley also noted an increase in the volume and complexity of safeguarding concerns reported, which is putting pressure on front-line services.

The report detailed two non-statutory reviews into the deaths of rough sleepers, identifying learning opportunities for the partnership. Georgina Diba, Director of Adult Social Care and Operations, acknowledged the significant increase in safeguarding concerns and outlined measures being taken to manage the increased workload, including triaging concerns daily and considering short-term resource increases. She also noted that safeguarding is sometimes used as a route for escalation, and work is underway to ensure residents are directed to the most appropriate services.

Councillor Purbo raised concerns about legal and threshold ambiguities in self-neglect cases and whether partner agencies were closing files too soon. Ms Solley explained the complexity of balancing individual rights with risk and the importance of understanding the Mental Capacity Act. Councillor Jazz requested more granular data on the 26-64 age band for safeguarding concerns to better target resources, and Ms Diba confirmed this data could be provided separately. Councillor Ben Lucas inquired about the recording of Making Safeguarding Personal outcomes, with Ms Solley and Ms Diba explaining challenges related to data recording and the ongoing integration of mental health services. Councillor Anna Lynch raised concerns about the disproportionate number of safeguarding concerns relating to Black African, Caribbean, or Black British individuals, questioning whether this indicated a systemic issue or under-reporting.

Annual Report of Director of Public Health: Access to Healthy and Affordable Food

Dr Sandra Husbands, Director of Public Health for City and Hackney, presented the annual report, Nourished Neighbourhoods, focusing on access to healthy and affordable food. The report highlights the impact of the cost of living crisis on food affordability and accessibility, and showcases the work of local community partners in improving food security. Dr Husbands emphasised the need for a systemic, health in all policies approach, utilising council levers such as planning, procurement, and transport to reshape the food environment and tackle diet-related health inequalities.

The report detailed challenges faced by residents, including the higher cost of healthy food, limited access in some areas, and time constraints for food preparation. It also highlighted the prevalence of ultra-processed foods and their association with health problems. The Commission heard about various local initiatives, including community cooking classes, food banks, and markets, that are working to improve access to healthy and culturally appropriate food.

The report outlined strategic levers for a healthier food environment, including planning policies to restrict unhealthy food outlets near schools, implementing healthy advertising policies on council-owned assets, and using procurement power to support nutritional standards. Proposals were made to strengthen community food distribution hubs, support local businesses in sourcing healthier options, and align transport infrastructure with access to healthy food. The Director of Public Health also noted Hackney's Right to Grow motion, which aims to open up unused land for community food growing.

Review on 'Improving outcomes for Black women in NHS acute and community mental health services' - agree Terms of Reference

The Commission agreed to the terms of reference for a review into improving outcomes for Black women in NHS acute and community mental health services. The review will explore geographical disparities, the impact of non-clinical social determinants of health, progress on national frameworks like the Patient and Carer Race Equality Framework, and the embedding of trauma-informed and anti-racist practices. It will also examine co-production of services and efforts to address long waiting times in community mental health services. The review will involve evidence-gathering sessions and site visits, with a final report expected in March 2027.

Minutes of the Previous Meeting

The draft minutes of the meeting held on 9 July 2026 were agreed as a correct record, and the updated action tracker was noted.

Scrutiny Commission Work Programme

The Commission noted the updated draft work programme for 2026-27, which includes the review on improving outcomes for Black women in mental health services as a significant focus.

Any Other Business

No other business was raised.