Here is a summary of the scheduled discussions for the North West London Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting on 9 December 2025. The agenda included updates on urgent and emergency care, primary care access, continuing healthcare criteria, and special educational needs (SEN) continence services. Also scheduled were discussions of the committee's recommendations tracker and work programme.

Urgent and Emergency Care Delivery

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on urgent and emergency care (UEC) across North West London (NWL). The report in the Public reports pack noted progress in strengthening UEC, with the system operating in a more integrated way across acute, community, mental health, London Ambulance Service (LAS), primary care and local authority partners. Key achievements included:

• The launch of the Integrated Care Coordination Hub (ICC).
• Record levels of Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC).
• Strengthened community and mental health alternatives.
• Improved handover, response and ED performance.
• Evidence-based impact for high-need and underserved groups.
• Digital front door and Optica roll out¹.
• Discharge performance and flow improvements.

The report also noted that challenges remained, particularly around rising demand, mental health waits and community workforce fragility. Winter plans had been stress tested across multiple demand and capacity scenarios.

Implementation of the Same Day Access Model in Primary Care

The committee was scheduled to discuss the implementation of the Same Day Access model in primary care. According to the Public reports pack, improving access to primary care remained a top priority, with the aim of embedding modern general practice principles and reducing system pressure. Key priorities included enhancing the role of Dentistry, Optometry, and Community Pharmacy (DOPs), building on Neighbourhood Health², expanding digital access via the NHS App, and utilising existing pathways, while maintaining continuity of care for patients. From 1 October 2025, all practices were expected to offer online consultations throughout core hours to support commissioned same-day access.

Application of the Continuing Healthcare Criteria

The committee was scheduled to discuss All Age Continuing Healthcare (AACC) in North West London. The Public reports pack included a report focusing on adult CHC and Funded Nursing Care (FNC) provision. Key messages in the report included:

• North West London ICB was the largest ICB in London and funded more CHC eligible individuals than any other ICB in London.
• The number of referrals and patients funded had exceeded pre-pandemic levels.
• Post pandemic, the ICB had worked to ensure consistency of approach in all of its London boroughs.
• Conversion rates for adult CHC funded care remained above the London average across North West London, with some borough variations.
• Fast Track referrals were above London and national average.
• The number of individuals with learning disabilities and/or autism eligible for CHC funded care had increased significantly over the past couple of years.

SEN Continence Service

The committee was scheduled to discuss SEN continence services. The Public reports pack included a report that offered a review of current service models, highlighted gaps, and supported the development of more equitable, person-centred care. The report noted that children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) often face complex health and care challenges, including continence issues that can significantly affect their dignity, independence, and educational experience. The report also included contributions from Parent-Carer Forums across north west London, and from the Directors of Public Health from Brent Council, Ealing Council, Hammersmith & Fulham Council, Harrow Council, Hillingdon Council, Hounslow Council, Kensington & Chelsea Council, and Westminster Council.

Recommendations Tracker and Work Programme

The committee was also scheduled to review the latest recommendations tracker and work programme. The Public reports pack included the recommendations and information requests trackers for 2023/24, 2024/25 and 2025/26, and the committee's updated work programme for the 2025/26 municipal year.