The Health Scrutiny Sub-Committee meeting on 26 January 2026 covered a range of health-related topics, including updates on health protection, primary care, and the ongoing restructuring of the NHS. Key discussions focused on the declining levels of COVID-19 and flu, concerns about norovirus, and improvements in vaccination uptake. The committee also addressed challenges in primary care, such as GP practice workload and the impact of deprivation on demand for services.

Health Protection Update

Gladys Xavier, Director of Public Health and Commissioning, provided an update on various health protection matters. COVID-19 and flu levels are declining nationally and across London, with plans for a spring vaccination program for those over 75 and at-risk individuals. While flu is circulating at low levels, there is a noted vaccine fatigue among residents, and efforts are being made to clarify the distinction between flu and COVID-19 vaccines. Hospital admissions for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) are stable and decreasing.

A significant concern raised was the 60% increase in norovirus cases, particularly among those over 65, with outbreaks in care homes and schools. It was emphasised that alcohol-based sanitisers are ineffective against norovirus, and soap and water are essential. Proactive messages are being disseminated to schools and care homes.

The committee heard about the circulation of respiratory flu viruses affecting young children, leading to croup. While no increase has been observed in Redbridge, proactive messages are being shared. The MMR vaccine programme, now including varicella (chickenpox) as MMRV, has commenced, with uptake figures to be monitored. An alert regarding potential toxins in Nestle infant products led to their withdrawal, with environmental health colleagues involved. Cervical Cancer Awareness Month is being used to promote the HPV vaccine, with messages targeting schools and encouraging uptake up to the age of 25.

Ongoing surveillance for Nipah virus is in place following two cases in healthcare workers in India. While there are no current cases in the UK, the alert level remains high due to the zoonotic nature of the virus. Overall, vaccination coverage in Redbridge is reported to be higher than the previous year, with detailed figures to be shared at the next meeting.

Councillor Muhammed Javed raised concerns about hospital trolley waits despite stable COVID-19 admissions, to which Ms. Xavier explained that other respiratory viruses are contributing to hospital pressures. Councillor Syeda Lovely Choudhury sought clarification on the effectiveness of alcohol-based sanitisers, with Ms. Xavier reiterating that they are ineffective against norovirus.

Primary Care Update

Natalie Keefe, Head of Primary Care, presented an update on the challenges and developments within primary care. GP practices operate as independent businesses facing issues with patient list turnover (up to 25% annually), population growth, and the impact of deprivation on demand. Recruitment and retention of both clinical and non-clinical staff are also significant challenges.

In response to the Access Recovery Plan and the NHS Long-Term Plan, practices have adopted online triage systems and digital telephone systems. Practices are now offering 20% more appointments than in 2019, with no significant increase in GP numbers. Patient survey results show that while some practices are still in the lower performance groups across North East London (NEL), six Redbridge practices are among the most improved.

Redbridge has been a leading borough in North East London for immunisations, including flu and childhood immunisations, despite vaccine fatigue. The NHS App is being promoted, and Redbridge is performing well in patient sign-ups. The committee was informed about funding secured to convert void space in three Redbridge health centres – Locksford Health Centre, Kenwood Gardens Health Centre, and South Woodford Health Centre – into clinical rooms to increase capacity.

Councillor Syeda Lovely Choudhury inquired about the impact of increased clinical space on corridor care, and Ms. Keefe explained that while additional rooms are beneficial, the primary focus is on community-based care to prevent hospital admissions. A care home scheme is being evaluated to provide GP practice support to care home residents, aiming for call-backs within an hour and timely seen appointments.

Discussions also touched upon the national review of the GP funding formula, which currently takes deprivation into account but is argued by GP representatives to be insufficient. Councillor Choudhury raised concerns about the GP-to-patient ratio and the impact of deprivation on the need for GP services. Ms. Keefe acknowledged that GP numbers in Redbridge have not kept pace with population growth, and that funding disparities between areas like Redbridge and City and Hackney may influence recruitment.

The quality of appointments was questioned, with a focus on seeing nurses or pharmacists rather than GPs. Ms. Keefe clarified that while the overall number of GP appointments has increased, the growth in other clinical staff, such as clinical pharmacists and GP assistants, is significant and contributes to meeting demand.

The committee discussed the process for patient complaints regarding GPs, with Ms. Keefe advising to first complain to the practice, and then to the Integrated Care Board (ICB) if unsatisfied. A page on the ICB website detailing the complaints procedure will be circulated.

Councillor Bob Chattaway raised concerns about patients unable to use online forms for appointments, and Ms. Keefe explained that practices are implementing adjustments, such as reception staff assisting patients with online submissions.

Gita Malhotra, representing Healthwatch Redbridge, highlighted the critical role of social prescribing and personalisation roles in general practice, particularly in addressing the impact of wider determinants of health. She expressed concern about a potential decline in the use of social prescribers and requested more growth in these roles. Ms. Keefe confirmed that Redbridge PCNs are utilising their Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme (ARRS) funding to its maximum, employing various roles including clinical pharmacists, GP assistants, and care coordinators. Tracy, from the ICB, mentioned a pilot for children's and young people's care coordinators in Redbridge, with potential for wider rollout.

The committee discussed the need for more local data on deprivation, and Tracy indicated that a new population health management tool is being rolled out across NEL, which will allow for the overlay of deprivation levels with specific conditions to identify cohorts and inform proactive care.

Regarding vaccination uptake and fatigue, discussions explored how primary care can best reach patients, with examples of flu vaccines being offered by midwives and community district nurses. Gladys Xavier added that Redbridge is working with GP practices to ensure patient records are accessible for vaccination providers, improving the process.

Councillor Muhammed Javed proposed writing to NHS London and the Secretary of State to request increased funding for Redbridge, particularly based on deprivation levels. The committee agreed to delegate this to the Chair and the Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care.

ICB Funding / Healthwatch and Patient Safety

Gita Malhotra provided an update on Healthwatch Redbridge, noting the impending abolition of Healthwatches nationally by June 2025, as announced in the Dash Review. While funding for 2026-27 is secured for Redbridge, there is uncertainty about the future. Ms. Malhotra highlighted the importance of the independent voice that Healthwatch provides and expressed concern about the Secretary of State's comments suggesting that listening to patients should not be outsourced to arm's length bodies.

Councillor Javed expressed concern about the loss of an independent voice and asked if this could be included in the letter to the Secretary of State. The Chair suggested keeping the issue of patient safety and the future of Healthwatch on the committee's agenda for future discussion.

Update on the Progress of Local NHS Restructuring and New Leadership

Tracy provided an update on the NHS Integrated Care Board (ICB) restructuring. Dr. Nena Asouji will be the new Chief Executive, starting on 16 March. The ICB is undergoing a 50% cost reduction, with a staff consultation on new structures closing on 21 January. The process of selection and redundancy is expected to take place between February and May, with compulsory redundancies by June. A voluntary redundancy scheme has also been running.

Councillor Chatterway raised concerns about the scale of redundancies, and Tracy outlined the support mechanisms in place for affected staff, including interview skills, CV writing, and redeployment opportunities. Councillor Javed inquired about a report on the survey analysis and recruitment from abroad. Tracy confirmed a recruitment freeze is in place, with exceptions for specific clinical staff, and that a report on the restructuring outcomes would be provided at a future meeting.

The committee noted that due to the ongoing restructuring and capacity issues within the ICB, further updates on this matter may be limited for the remainder of the corporate year.

Update from Relevant Bodies

The Chair provided updates from various bodies. The BHRUT urgent care patient survey has been postponed to January due to electronic records rollout. Updates were given on NHS ICB leadership transitions and restructuring across North East London. The Whipps Cross Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee (JOSC) remains on hold.

Councillor Sunny Brar provided an update on the Health and Care Policy Development Committee (PDC), noting progress in obtaining data on mental health experiences in Redbridge and upcoming visits and public meetings.

Health Scrutiny Sub-committee Work Plan

The committee reviewed the updated work plan for February and April. Items for February include a provisional update from NELFT on mental health services, a discussion on cervical screening and women's health, and a standing item on health protection. The committee agreed to postpone the BHRUT item to the April meeting. It was also agreed to invite Barts Health Trust to provide a report on Whipps Cross University Hospital's A&E performance for comparison with BHRUT. The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, 23 February 2026, with the subsequent meeting on 21 April 2026.