The Health Scrutiny Sub-Committee meeting on 26 January 2026 discussed a range of health-related topics, including updates on health protection, primary care, and NHS restructuring. Key decisions included postponing a presentation from BHRUT and agreeing to write to national bodies regarding funding for areas with high deprivation.

Health Protection Update

Gladys Xavier, Director of Public Health and Commissioning, provided an update on various health protection matters. COVID-19 levels are declining nationally and across London, with plans for a spring vaccination programme for those over 75 and at-risk individuals. Flu levels are also low, though there is noted vaccine fatigue among residents. Hospital admissions for RSV are stable and declining.

A significant concern raised was a 60% increase in norovirus cases nationally, with outbreaks in care homes and schools. Xavier stressed that alcohol-based sanitisers are ineffective against norovirus, and soap and water are essential. Redbridge has not experienced outbreaks due to ongoing public health messaging on hand hygiene.

The committee heard about an increase in respiratory flu viruses circulating, leading to more cases of croup in young children. While Redbridge has not seen an increase, proactive messages are being disseminated. The MMR vaccine, now including varicella (chickenpox) as MMRV, has been introduced, with uptake to be monitored. An alert regarding potential toxins in Nestle infant products led to their withdrawal. Cervical Cancer Awareness Month is underway, promoting the HPV vaccine, with messages targeting schools and encouraging uptake up to age 25.

Ongoing surveillance for Nipah virus is in place following two cases in India, though there are no current cases in the UK. Overall vaccine coverage in Redbridge is higher than the previous year, with detailed figures to be shared next month.

Councillor Javed raised concerns about hospital trolley waits despite stable COVID-19 admission figures. Xavier clarified that increased trolley waits are due to a rise in other respiratory viruses, not solely COVID-19.

Primary Care Update

Natalie Keefe, Head of Primary Care, presented an update on the challenges and progress within Redbridge's primary care services. GP practices operate as independent businesses facing challenges with patient list turnover, population growth, and areas of deprivation that increase demand. Recruitment and retention of both clinical and non-clinical staff are also issues.

Since the Access Recovery Plan, there has been a focus on general practice access, with many practices implementing online triage and offering appointments with various members of the clinical team, not just GPs. The NHS Long-Term Plan's emphasis on community-based, digital, and preventative care is being embraced, with all practices now using digital telephone systems and most employing online triage. Practices are offering 20% more appointments than in 2019, with no significant increase in GP numbers.

Despite challenges, six Redbridge practices have been identified as the most improved across North East London in the last year, demonstrating significant effort. Redbridge has also been the top borough in North East London for immunisation uptake for the past two years, including flu and childhood immunisations, though vaccine fatigue remains a factor.

Significant effort has been made to promote the NHS App, with Redbridge being a leading borough for patient sign-ups. Data on app usage by deprivation and age is being collected, though national data sets are limited. Funding is being sought through utilisation and modernisation funds to convert non-clinical space in health centres into clinical rooms, with three Redbridge centres identified for this improvement: Locksford Health Centre, Kenwood Gardens Health Centre, and South Woodford Health Centre.

Councillor Choudhury questioned the impact of increased clinical space on corridor care, and Keefe explained that while additional rooms are helpful, the focus is on broader neighbourhood initiatives to keep people out of hospital. A care home scheme is being evaluated to provide resources to primary care to support residents in staying in their homes.

Discussions also touched upon the funding formula for general practice, with the government reviewing it to better account for deprivation. The committee resolved to write to national bodies to advocate for increased funding for Redbridge, particularly for areas with high deprivation.

ICB Funding / Healthwatch and Patient Safety

Gita Malhotra from Healthwatch Redbridge provided an update on the potential abolition of Healthwatches nationally, with a King's Speech expected to determine their future. Despite funding uncertainties for 2026-27, Healthwatch Redbridge has secured funding for the upcoming year, allowing for a focus on delivery and transition planning. Malhotra highlighted the ongoing challenge of maintaining an independent voice for patients and the importance of how data and feedback are used.

Councillor Javed expressed concern about the loss of an independent voice and suggested including this issue in the letter to national bodies. The committee agreed to keep the future of Healthwatch on its agenda for future meetings.

Update on Local NHS Restructuring and New Leadership

Tracy, representing the Integrated Care Board (ICB), provided an update on the ongoing NHS restructuring. Dr. Nena Asouji will be the new ICB Chief Executive from mid-March. ICBs are required to reduce running costs by 50%, leading to a staff consultation on proposed new structures. The process involves selection and redundancy, with compulsory redundancies expected by June. A voluntary redundancy scheme is also in place.

Councillor Chatterway raised concerns about the scale of redundancies, and Tracy outlined the support mechanisms available to 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 that a report would be provided at a future meeting and that a recruitment freeze is in place, with exceptions only for specific clinical staff.

The committee noted that further updates on this item would be difficult to provide in the current corporate year due to the ongoing restructuring.

Update from Relevant Bodies

The Chair provided updates from various joint health overview and scrutiny committees (JOSCs). The BHRUT presentation on emergency care was postponed to the next meeting. An update on the wound care service from NELFT was noted as missing from the papers, and the clerks will follow up. The Whipps Cross JOSC remains in abeyance. Councillor Brahe reported positive progress on obtaining data and conducting visits related to mental health experiences in Redbridge, with a new presentation and public meeting planned.

Health Scrutiny Sub-committee Work Plan

The committee reviewed the updated work plan for February and April. The February meeting will include updates on the National Million Hearts and Minds scheme, NELFT's Child and Adult Mental Health Services (CAMHS), and cervical screening. The April meeting will cover maternity services, a presentation from Barts Health Trust on Whipps Cross, and a health protection update. The committee agreed to postpone the BHRUT presentation to the April meeting. The date of the next meeting was confirmed as Monday, 23 February 2026.