The Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Wokingham Council is scheduled to consider a range of important topics at its meeting on Monday 02 November 2026. Key discussions are expected to focus on the Wokingham Borough's Adult Social Care Strategy 2026 to 2032, updates on local NHS services including wait lists from Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust, and the Public Health Key Performance Indicators for Quarter 1 of 2026/27.

Wokingham Borough's Adult Social Care Strategy 2026 to 2032

A significant item on the agenda is the proposed Wokingham Borough's Adult Social Care Strategy 2026 to 2032. This strategy aims to provide a long-term framework for improving the quality of life for residents requiring care and support. It is designed to guide the Council's response to evolving needs and ensure the effective use of resources to deliver more preventative, personalised, and integrated support across health, housing, communities, and care services. The strategy is underpinned by the principles of Social Care Future and the Marmot principles, emphasising prevention, fairness, inclusion, independence, and shared decision-making. The report details six key priorities: keeping people safe from abuse and neglect; giving the right support at the right time; recognising and supporting carers; preparing for increased demand for care and support; helping people find the right housing and care; and working with communities to help people live well. The Committee is invited to consider the draft strategy and provide comments and recommendations before it is presented to Full Council for approval.

Updates on Local NHS Services

The Committee is scheduled to receive an update on wait lists from the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust. This will provide insight into current waiting times for services provided by the Trust.

Additionally, a discussion is planned regarding the Patient Journey after Pregnancy with Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. This item will focus on the experiences of patients following pregnancy and the services provided by this Trust.

Public Health Key Performance Indicators

The Committee will receive the Public Health KPIs for Quarter 1 of 2026/27, which will also include a Year End review for 2025/26. This report, presented by Caroline Vass, Director of Public Health, provides accountability and transparency regarding the performance of services commissioned by Public Health. The report highlights key performance indicators across various areas, including antenatal contacts, smoking cessation, and sexual health services. It details which indicators are rated as red, amber, or green, and outlines the actions being taken to address any areas of concern, particularly focusing on inequality metrics.

Update on Healthwatch Wokingham Borough

An update on the work of Healthwatch Wokingham Borough, the independent champion for people who use health and social care services, is also scheduled. Alice Kunjappy-Clifton will present a summary of activities undertaken since the Committee's September meeting. The report highlights ongoing concerns raised by residents, including difficulties accessing primary care, communication issues across services, digital exclusion, and accessibility challenges. It also details positive feedback received about various local services.

Forward Programme

Finally, the Committee will consider its forward programme for the remainder of the municipal year. This will outline future topics and reports scheduled for discussion in upcoming meetings.

The meeting is scheduled to take place in David Hicks 1 - Civic Offices, Shute End, Wokingham RG40 1BN. Members of the public can also watch the meeting live online.