The Public Health and Health Integration Scrutiny Commission is scheduled to consider plans for the upcoming winter period, including the Leicester, Leicestershire, Rutland & Northamptonshire Integrated Care Board's Winter Plan for 2026/27. The commission will also receive an update on vaccination strategies within Leicester City, focusing on targeting resources to areas of greatest need.

Leicester, Leicestershire, Rutland & Northamptonshire ICB Cluster – Winter Plan 2026/27

The commission is scheduled to review the Winter Plan 2026/27 for the Leicester, Leicestershire, Rutland & Northamptonshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) cluster. This plan outlines a system-wide approach to ensure the continued delivery of safe, timely, and effective care throughout the winter months. It builds upon year-round urgent and emergency care initiatives and brings together various health and care partners, including NHS organisations, local authorities, primary care, and voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations. The plan's focus is on prevention and proactive care, aiming to guide individuals to the most appropriate care settings, support effective patient flow and discharge, and ensure services have the necessary capacity and resilience to manage increased winter pressures. The report seeks to inform the commission about anticipated pressures and the mitigation strategies being implemented, particularly concerning urgent and emergency care, discharge processes, community capacity, and the interface with adult social care. It also aims to provide assurance regarding the governance, escalation, and clinical oversight arrangements that will be in place during periods of significant operational pressure, while acknowledging remaining risks related to demand, workforce pressures, and seasonal illnesses exceeding planning assumptions.

Vaccination in Leicester City: Targeting Resource Where Need is Greatest

A report is scheduled for discussion regarding vaccination strategies within Leicester City, with a specific focus on targeting resource where need is greatest. This report, submitted by the Integrated Care Board's (ICB) Vaccinations, Immunisation & Screening Team, will likely detail how vaccination efforts are being directed to areas and populations that require the most support. The report highlights that Leicester City remains below the 95% national target for the 6-in-1 vaccine, with improvement not yet consistently sustained. Similar concerns are raised for the Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV1) and the second dose of the MMR vaccine. The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine uptake in Leicester City is also noted as being significantly below the England average. For winter flu vaccinations in those aged 65 and over, Leicester City is reported to be 10.2% below the national average. The report outlines priority responses to these gaps, including strengthening GP practice call/recall systems, focusing on additional access points, and utilising Roving Healthcare Units (RHUs) and supervaccinators in schools, community pharmacies, and trusted venues. The strategy involves using data to identify gaps, moving vaccination offers into communities, and building trust through co-design with local partners. The report also details the support provided by various community organisations, such as GATE, Wesley Hall, and MamaDoc, in reaching diverse populations.

Health Protection

The Director of Public Health is expected to provide a verbal update on health protection activities. This update will likely cover recent public health concerns and ongoing initiatives to safeguard the health of the population.

Work Programme

Members of the Commission will have the opportunity to consider the existing work programme and propose any additional items they believe warrant discussion in future meetings. This allows the commission to shape its future agenda based on emerging priorities and member interests.