The Health and Wellbeing Board met on 21 November 2024 to discuss safeguarding adults, the joint local health and wellbeing strategy, and the Better Care Fund. Key decisions included noting the Richmond and Wandsworth Safeguarding Adults Board's annual report and approving recommendations for the Healthwatch annual report and the Better Care Fund update.

Safeguarding Adults

The Board received the annual report from the Richmond and Wandsworth Safeguarding Adults Board (RWSAB) for 2023/24. Christabel Shawcross, Chair of the RWSAB, presented the report, highlighting the board's work on prevention and early intervention, making safeguarding personal, and quality assurance. She noted an increase in reported concerns and enquiries, which she viewed positively as it indicated greater awareness and reporting. The report detailed efforts to improve engagement with Wandsworth Prison and the development of a criminal justice framework. Discussions also touched upon the low referral rates from health partners and the need for a dedicated GP lead for adult safeguarding in Wandsworth. The Board noted the report and agreed to explore further links and joint working between the Health and Wellbeing Board and the RWSAB.

Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy - Start Well Delivery Update

The Board received an update on the Start Well theme of the Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy, which covers the early years of life. Presentations were given on self-harm and mental health in children, childhood obesity, and childhood immunisations.

Regarding children's mental health, Graham Markwell, Senior Public Health Lead, highlighted a steep increase in poor mental health among children and the need for a preventative approach. He noted that Mental Health Support Team coverage would reach 100% across the borough. Councillor George Crivelli raised the Social Workers in Schools initiative, and it was confirmed that this program supports early intervention. The Board acknowledged the significant demand for mental health services and the ongoing work to improve pathways and support for parents.

On childhood obesity, Tolu Oloyede, Public Health Lead, reported a national increase in childhood obesity, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Strategies include promoting breastfeeding, a family weight management programme, and work with leisure partners. Data indicated an increasing prevalence of obesity in Year 6 children.

The update on childhood immunisations was presented by Hollie Stone, Senior Public Health Lead. While routine immunisation coverage was generally higher than the regional average, it was lower than the national average for England. A measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination campaign had resulted in an additional 389 children receiving the vaccine. Efforts are underway to improve data quality and community engagement around vaccinations.

The Board also noted the progress on A&E attendances and hospital admissions caused by unintentional and deliberate injury, with a focus on the Healthy Child Programme and strengthening links between safeguarding teams.

Healthwatch Annual Report

Sarah Cook, Healthwatch Manager, presented the Healthwatch Wandsworth Annual Report for 2023-24. The report detailed Healthwatch's work in gathering feedback from local people on their experiences of health and social care services to influence improvements. Key areas of focus included GP communication and the Accessible Information Standard, perinatal mental health support for diverse communities, and experiences at Community Diagnostic Centres. The report also highlighted work on hospital discharge experiences for carers and the impact of homelessness on mental health. The Board noted the report and provided feedback on priorities for the coming year.

Better Care Fund Quarter 1 2024-25 Update

Brian Roberts, Head of Health and Care Integration, presented an update on the Better Care Fund (BCF) for the first quarter of 2024-25. The report detailed the spend and activity for schemes within the Discharge Fund. All schemes to support discharge were operational and showing an impact on shortening the time between referral and discharge. The Board noted the report and approved the spend and outputs for the period April to June 2024. Discussions also touched upon the allocation of funds between the ICB and the local authority, and the increasing demand for services.

Work Programme

Lynn Wild, Assistant Director of Health and Care Integration, presented the Health and Wellbeing Board's Work Programme for 2024. The programme outlined planned meetings and seminars, with a focus on developing a more interactive and community-involved Board. A seminar in January or February 2025, led by the Local Government Association, will focus on improving the Board's partnership development. Abi Carter, Voluntary Sector Representative, will lead a seminar on health inequalities and learning disabilities. The Board noted the work programme.

The date of the next meeting was confirmed as 27 February 2025.