The Health and Wellbeing Board of Sutton Council met on Monday 20 October 2025 to discuss the Better Care Fund plan, Sutton's Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment, and an update on the Sutton Health and Care Plan. Key decisions included the approval of the Better Care Fund 2025-26 planning template and the sign-off of the Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment 2025-28 for publication.

Better Care Fund Plan 2025-26

The Board received an update on the delivery of the Better Care Fund (BCF) plan for 2025-26, which aims to help residents remain independent at home for longer and support safe and timely hospital discharges. The final 2025-26 BCF planning template was approved, confirming that all national conditions are met. The Board also noted the Quarter 1 performance submission to NHS England, which indicated that Sutton's BCF schemes were on track for two out of three national metrics. Discussions highlighted the success of services such as START and At Home reablement, technology-enabled care, and home adaptations in supporting residents.

Improvements to the hospital discharge process were a significant focus, with the development of an integrated Transfer of Care Hub at St Helier Hospital. This hub aims to bring together staff from various health and social care partners to reduce delays and prevent avoidable admissions. A permanent Transfer of Care Hub Lead has been appointed to provide a single point of accountability. The Board noted the delivery update on the Sutton Alliance Hospital to Home Programme, which is central to these improvements.

Sutton's Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment 2025-28

The Board was presented with the draft Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA) for 2025-28, which assesses the provision and adequacy of NHS pharmacy services in Sutton. The PNA concluded that pharmaceutical provision in Sutton is well-distributed, accessible, and sufficient to meet population needs for the next three years, with no current or future gaps identified. The assessment found that Sutton has 39 community pharmacies, slightly above the national average, with good access across the borough. Uptake of key Advanced Services, such as Pharmacy First and the New Medicine Service, is high.

The Board heard from Rina Barai, a local pharmacist, who highlighted the evolving role of community pharmacies as neighbourhood health hubs and their significant contribution to preventative care, managing long-term conditions, and supporting hospital discharge. The PNA 2025-28 was approved for publication, and the Board noted the vital contribution of community pharmacy within the Sutton Health and Care system.

Update on the Sutton Health and Care Plan

An update was provided on the refresh of the Sutton Health and Care Plan for 2025-28. Developed through the Sutton Alliance, the plan aims to improve health outcomes and reduce inequalities by focusing on five key priorities: Healthy Hearts, Proactive Care, Supporting Hospital Discharges and Independent Living at Home, Improving Access and Experiences for Families Navigating SEND Services, and Strengthening Work with the Charity, Community and Faith Sector. The draft narrative and outcomes framework were presented, with a final draft of the plan, including a delivery plan, to be submitted for approval in January 2026. The Board noted this update.

The meeting also included discussions on the importance of involving carers and families in the discharge process, the communication challenges faced by patients, and the definition of hospital admission for data reporting purposes. The Board acknowledged the significant work being done by community pharmacies and the potential for further integration within the health and care system.