The Health & Wellbeing Board and ICB Sub-Committee (Committees in Common) met on Tuesday 09 September 2025 to discuss a range of important public health matters. Key discussions included preparations for the Barking and Dagenham Winter Plan 2025/26, the Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment 2025-2028, and an update on the National Neighbourhood Health Implementation Programme. The Board also noted progress on the LGA Public Health Peer Review and discussed the upcoming Our B&D: Building Communities and Driving Opportunities Borough Manifesto update.

Barking and Dagenham Winter Plan 2025/26

The Board noted preparations for the Barking and Dagenham Winter Plan for 2025/26 and agreed to the COVID-19 and Flu Winter Plan 2025/26, acknowledging the need for a multi-agency approach involving the NHS, ICB, local authority, schools, community and faith groups, and residents to increase vaccination uptake. The plan outlines a coordinated response to support residents during the winter period, focusing on proactive population health, optimising flow through health sites, and strengthening the provision and access of alternative care pathways. Key actions include embedding proactive care through the Eclipse tool for risk stratification, developing Universal Care Plans for residents in proactive care, and piloting a new approach to discharge access visits involving the voluntary sector. Funding for these schemes is estimated at £421,456, with specific allocations for a Community Respiratory Hub, increased capacity for Community Intermediate Care Teams, proactive care Universal Care Plans, falls balance classes, supported discharge access visits, and a CTT Winter Car Pilot.

National Neighbourhood Health Implementation Programme Update

The Board noted the Place Partnership's application to join the first phase of the National Neighbourhood Health Implementation Programme and confirmed its commitment to developing neighbourhood working. The application highlights Barking and Dagenham's significant population growth and associated health challenges. The vision for neighbourhood working is to create an environment where residents are supported in their physical, mental, and social health and wellbeing. The plan involves establishing integrated neighbourhood teams on a four-neighbourhood footprint, with co-leadership from primary care, the social sector, local government, and acute and community health partners. The programme aims to share learning on innovative approaches, including the use of AI and digital technology, and to embed a culture of relational working.

Barking and Dagenham Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment 2025-2028

The Board was presented with the Barking and Dagenham Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA) for 2025-2028. This statutory document assesses the pharmaceutical needs of the local population. The PNA concludes that there are currently no gaps in the provision of necessary pharmaceutical services, with good access to pharmacies across the borough during weekdays, evenings, and weekends. However, it identifies a future need for pharmaceutical services in Barking Riverside and Beam wards, specifically when the number of new dwellings reaches 2,000 combined, recommending core opening hours Monday to Friday between 9am-1pm and 2pm-6pm. The assessment also notes the strong uptake of advanced services like Pharmacy First and Hypertension Case-Finding, and the continued provision of locally commissioned services. The Board was asked to approve the publication of the PNA.

Our B&D: Building Communities and Driving Opportunities Borough Manifesto Update

The Board was presented with an update on the development of Our B&D, the new place-based vision for the borough, which will supersede the previous Borough Manifesto, Barking and Dagenham Together. The report highlighted the significant changes since 2017, including population growth and the impact of various societal events, which have necessitated a review of the borough's strategic direction. The new vision is built around the principles of People, Place, and Partnerships, with six high-level outcomes: reduced child poverty, an inclusive economy, a safer and cleaner borough, independent adulthood, stable and decent homes, and a healthier and fairer borough. Partners were asked to comment on the proposed outcomes and indicators and consider how they support their own priorities.

LGA Public Health Peer Review - Update on Progress

The Board noted the progress made on implementing recommendations from the Local Government Association Peer Review of the Borough’s Public Health service. The review highlighted strong foundations in governance, relationships, and place leadership. Progress has been made in embedding a Health in All Policies approach and developing a JSNA Deep Dive programme. Work on executive place leadership arrangements is on hold pending the outcome of NHS North East London reorganisation.

Other Discussions

The meeting also included a resident's story, an update on the NHS Operating Model, and discussions on the Better Care Fund Plan 2025/26 and the Physical Inactivity Place Partnership. The urgent matter of government reforms to integrated care boards was also raised, with details on financial and functional shifts.

The meeting was confirmed as held.