The Adults and Health Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee met on Thursday 05 September 2024 to discuss children's oral health, the proposed relocation of the Mount Vernon Cancer Centre, the development of the next Joint Strategic Needs Assessment and Health and Wellbeing Strategy, and primary care (GP) access. The committee also received an update from Healthwatch Barnet and noted the Cabinet Forward Plan and work programmes.

Update on Children's Oral Health in Barnet

Emma Waters, Public Health Consultant for Barnet, presented an update on the Children and Young People’s Oral Health Action Plan. She highlighted that oral health is a key indicator of general health in children and that tooth decay is a preventable public health issue with significant inequalities. A Children and Young People’s Oral Health Needs Assessment (CYP OHNA) was conducted in 2022, leading to the development of a multi-agency oral health action plan and partnership group. Key focus areas include supervised toothbrushing schemes, with the NCL ICB funding a scheme across five of Barnet's most deprived wards. The Oral Health Promotion Team, now part of Whittington Health, is focusing on staff education and has developed health promotion materials. Oral health packs are routinely provided at 1 and 2.5-year reviews.

Concerns were raised by councillors regarding the low uptake of dental checks among Barnet's Looked After Children (LAC), with only 69% receiving regular checks. Emma Waters committed to investigating the latest figures. The committee also discussed the lack of fluoride varnishing provision in Barnet due to cost, despite its recognised effectiveness, and the challenges in accessing NHS dentists, with an estimated 45% of children in Barnet having access to NHS dental appointments. The report was noted by the committee.

Mount Vernon Cancer Centre Update

Jessamy Kinghorn from NHS England presented an update on the proposed relocation of the Mount Vernon Cancer Centre. The current centre faces significant challenges due to crumbling buildings and the lack of essential support services, such as critical care, on-site. Clinicians have raised concerns about the sustainability and safety of the current service, and an independent review recommended relocation to an acute hospital site. The preferred option is to relocate to Watford General Hospital, with a link bridge to the main hospital, and for the service to be managed by University College London Hospital (UCLH).

The proposals aim to improve patient care by providing access to critical care and specialist support, and to make services more accessible closer to where patients live. In 2023/24, 139 patients from North Central London ICB attended Mount Vernon Cancer Centre, with 106 of these being from Barnet. The relocation to Watford is expected to shorten average travel times for Barnet residents. A public consultation is planned, and the committee was asked to consider its level of involvement in the process. After discussion, the committee unanimously agreed to Option C: to not participate in the joint committee but to receive formal communication as part of the public consultation.

Update from Cabinet Members

Councillor Alison Moore, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, provided an update on the development of the next Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) and Health and Wellbeing Strategy. The new JSNA, published over the summer, provides detailed data, including sub-ward level information, to help identify and address health inequalities. The strategy will set the framework for the Health and Wellbeing Board's work and partnership with the NHS. A draft strategy for 2025-29 will be presented to the Health and Wellbeing Board in January, followed by formal consultation. Councillor Moore also mentioned a grant application to work with LB Haringey to improve uptake of cancer screening in certain communities, utilising Health Ambassadors.

Councillor Paul Edwards, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, sent apologies due to illness. The committee noted the report.

Minutes of the NCL JHOSC

The committee noted the minutes of the North Central London Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee, which included discussions on Quality Accounts for mental health trusts and the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, and a presentation on the NCL Community and Mental Health Core Offer.

Primary Care (GP) Access Task and Finish Group Report

Councillor Nick Mearing-Smith presented the report from the Primary Care (GP) Access Task and Finish Group, on behalf of Councillor Caroline Stock. The report highlighted a desperate shortage of resources in the primary care sector and that the system is struggling to cope with demand. Key recommendations include improving communication with residents about accessing NHS services, addressing funding for Barnet's growing and ageing population, and enhancing communication between primary and secondary care sectors. The report noted that there are fewer GPs now than in the past, despite an increasing population. The committee approved the report and agreed to refer it to the Cabinet meeting on 18 November 2024, subject to Cabinet's approval.

Healthwatch Barnet Annual Report 2023-24

Sarah Campbell, Manager of Healthwatch Barnet, presented the annual report. Healthwatch Barnet engaged with over 1,000 people who shared their experiences of health and social care, and provided information and signposting to over 13,000 residents. Key projects included the Healthy Heart project, which supported residents from African, Caribbean, and South Asian communities to address high blood pressure, and the Community Connectors project, which conducted over 960 blood pressure checks. Healthwatch Barnet also conducted Enter and View visits to care homes and primary care walk-in centres, providing recommendations for improvement. The report highlighted concerns about hospital discharge processes and is working with partners to improve access to primary care. The committee noted the report.

Task and Finish Groups Update

The committee noted the update on current and future Task and Finish Groups, including those due to report to Cabinet.

Cabinet Forward Plan

The committee noted the Cabinet Forward Plan, outlining items due to be reported to Cabinet.

Work Programmes (AHOSSC and Health and Wellbeing Board)

The work programmes for the Adults and Health Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee and the Health and Wellbeing Board were noted. The Chair suggested a themed meeting on Public Health for the next session.