The Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Committee met to discuss social isolation and community connection, the performance of North London NHS Foundation Trust, public health outcomes, and an update on adult social care accommodation. Key decisions included noting the Public Health Quarter 4 Performance Report and the 12-month update on the Adult Social Care Accommodation Review.

Scrutiny Review: Witness Evidence from Age UK Islington

Age UK Islington presented their findings on social isolation and community connection, highlighting that over 60% of older adults in Islington report not having as much social contact as they would like. They emphasised the significant impact of social isolation on physical and mental wellbeing, leading to accelerated health decline and loss of independence. The charity recommended more concerted befriending and connecting services, alongside support for digital inclusion to combat isolation. They also noted that while AI can be a tool, it should not replace human connection. Concerns were raised about the over-representation of Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) groups among their clients, attributed to factors like language barriers, stigma, and cultural expectations. Age UK Islington also highlighted the demand for their befriending service, which currently has a waiting list, and the need for sustainable, co-commissioned services involving the local authority and the Integrated Care Board (ICB).

North London NHS Foundation Trust Annual Performance Update

Carl Milner, Director of Comms, Marketing and Engagement for North London NHS Foundation Trust, and Abdi Ali, Senior Consultant Social Worker, provided an update on the Trust's performance. They reported providing care for 4,231 residents in Islington last year, with a 98% occupancy rate in inpatient services, indicating a high threshold for admission. The Trust is working to reduce inappropriate hospital stays and treat patients closer to home. Challenges include delayed discharges, with some individuals experiencing long waits for suitable accommodation. The Trust is focusing on integration with Islington Council services, including housing and adult social care, through multidisciplinary risk forums. A significant concern raised was Islington having the highest rate of suicides among the five local authorities served by the Trust. A joint tool is being developed to analyse these deaths, and the Trust is working with the Council on a paper examining falling from height as a cause of suicide. The Trust also highlighted the long waiting times for memory services, attributing this to a supply and demand issue, and is exploring outreach to identify individuals sooner. They acknowledged the need for more in-house accommodation-based services and are reviewing older contracts to adapt to changing needs.

Public Health Quarter 4 Performance Report

Charlotte, a Consultant in Public Health, presented the Public Health Quarter 4 Performance Report, highlighting strong performance against targets, particularly in prevention. The report noted significant success in NHS Health Check uptake and smoking cessation services. There was also an increase in people accessing drug and alcohol treatment services. Challenges remain with childhood immunisation uptake, and the report acknowledged a change in guidelines for long-acting reversible contraception, which has affected performance measures. The committee discussed vaccine hesitancy and misinformation, with officers explaining a shift towards training frontline staff, such as health visitors, in having more supportive conversations about vaccinations. The relationship with Vaccination UK, which delivers school-based programmes, was described as strong, with data sharing and proactive work to improve uptake. The report also touched upon the importance of the NHS Healthy Start Scheme for low-income families and the need for greater awareness. A 20% increase in people receiving help for non-opiate drug use was noted, attributed to a shift in outreach approach and increased community engagement.

12-Month Update on Adult Social Care Accommodation Review

Nicky Routh, Assistant Director for Agewell Commissioning, and Jodie Peeling, Director of Strategic Commissioning and Communities, presented a 12-month update on the Adult Social Care Accommodation Review. The report detailed progress against the eight recommendations made by the committee, focusing on improved cross-council governance, making better use of existing accommodation, and developing new build capacity. Key achievements include securing 100% nomination rights for the Lindsay Apartments Extra Care scheme at Holloway Park and the Mildmay Extra Care facility. The Council has also explored new opportunities for local capacity, adding 217 units through existing and new builds, with projects like Rosehip House and Beaumont Rise nearing completion. The report highlighted efforts to ensure culturally appropriate services and the development of an inclusive design guidance. Challenges remain, including a gap in accommodation for young people transitioning with learning disabilities and autism, and the need for short-term accommodation to facilitate hospital discharges. The committee was assured that consultation and equalities impact assessments are integral to significant service changes.

Work Programme 2026-27

The committee noted the draft work programme for 2026-27, which includes future discussions on the Healthwatch Annual Report, London Ambulance Service performance, and further scrutiny review witness evidence. The next meeting is scheduled for 18 November 2026.