The Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Commission met on Tuesday 24 February 2026 to discuss learning disability services, prevention and early intervention strategies, and to review the council's work programme. Key discussions included the identification and support of residents with learning disabilities, the effectiveness of preventative health measures, and the ongoing development of the council's health and social care services.

Learning Disabilities Services in Newham

The Commission considered the current provision and challenges faced by residents with learning disabilities in Newham. Data from the Northeast London Integrated Care Board (NEL ICB) indicates there are 2,382 residents on the Learning Disability Register, with 928 receiving Adult Social Care services. Disproportionality in ethnicity data was noted, with White British and Black African residents overrepresented, and Asian Bangladeshi residents underrepresented, suggesting potential issues with identification, referral pathways, and access to support. Areas for improvement include reviewing disparities in service uptake among different ethnic groups and increasing local supported living capacity to reduce out-of-borough placements.

Challenges identified include limitations in data extraction on support intensity, the need for a clearer accommodation pathway to support progression towards independence, and potential gaps in the Council's oversight of some supported living services. Concerns were also raised regarding the reassessment of Continuing Health Care (CHC) eligibility, which can shift costs to the Local Authority and cause anxiety for residents. The Council is working with the NEL ICB to ensure appropriate assessments and support, and is developing a Supported Accommodation Strategy.

The report highlighted that people with learning disabilities face significant health inequalities, with an average life expectancy 19.5 years shorter than the general population, and 40% of deaths being avoidable. Barriers to good healthcare include lack of identification, insufficient staff understanding, failure to recognise illness, and inadequate joint working. While Newham is focusing on improving annual health checks, cancer screening uptake, and vaccinations, the NEL ICB's restructuring poses a potential risk to progress on Newham-specific issues.

Governance and accountability for learning disability services are managed through a Quality Assurance Team and a Provider Quality Handbook, with services rated on a Green/Yellow/Orange/Red scale. While most providers are rated Green or Good, one home care provider is rated Red due to a Certificate of Sponsorship Licence revocation, though their care quality is rated Good. There is a backlog of care reviews for residents with learning disabilities, with a plan to address this over the next 12 months. Safeguarding referrals for residents with learning disabilities have increased, which is seen as a positive indicator of increased awareness.

The Commission heard about the co-production of services, with a Learning Disability Resident Advisory Group and a Carers Resident Advisory Group actively involved in shaping services. Feedback from residents in supported living and home care services indicated high levels of satisfaction with staff, but areas for improvement include consistency in care worker timekeeping and the development of a sensory space and more day trips for day services. The report also addressed issues of stigma, with approaches in place including the rollout of Oliver McGowan training and efforts to increase community awareness.

Close to Home - Part 3: Prevention and Early Intervention

The Commission reviewed partner submissions for the Close to Home review, focusing on prevention and early intervention. Submissions from One Newham highlighted the critical role of the Voluntary, Community and Faith Sector (VCFSE) in effective prevention, emphasising the need for early embedding, sustainable funding, and treating VCFSE organisations as equal partners. There was a call for a clearer definition of prevention to encompass wellbeing, social connection, and addressing social drivers of health. VCFSE interventions were described as holistic, culturally competent, and cost-effective, playing a vital role in discharge, step-down care, and system flow. Mental health, isolation, and complexity were identified as major drivers of demand, with VCFSE models seen as better suited to addressing these social and relational issues. Fragmentation and a lack of system visibility were noted as limiting impact, with a strong call for improved coordination and shared intelligence. Funding models were criticised for being short-term and competitive, undermining the sector. Recommendations included embedding the VCFSE as an equal partner, defining prevention clearly, commissioning VCFSE within discharge pathways, moving to multi-year funding, making commissioning proportionate, recognising VCFSE system value, strengthening mental health prevention, improving system coordination, embedding lived experience as expertise, and strengthening governance.

Healthwatch Newham's submission highlighted areas where people fall out of support or monitoring, including difficulties accessing GP appointments, a lack of GP registration among some communities (particularly Eastern European residents), confusion after hospital discharge, and communication barriers related to language, hearing, and digital access. The prevention offer is not reaching communities such as Eastern European and Congolese residents, the digitally excluded, and Deaf residents. Recommendations included targeted GP registration support, community health navigators, stronger language and interpretation support, and using data from the Community Information System (CIS) to trigger action.

The Commission also considered the findings of an interim report on the Cholesterol Point of Care Testing (POCT) evaluation in North East London. The programme, which involves community pharmacies, has successfully engaged a diverse range of residents, particularly from Asian communities and those living in more deprived areas. Around one in five patients had a QRISK score of 10% or higher, indicating elevated cardiovascular risk. The service has been well-received by both patients and pharmacists for its convenience and accessibility. However, variations in testing activity between pharmacies and the need for further investigation into patient engagement strategies were noted. The report also highlighted a preference among residents for lifestyle changes over statins, and a need for enhanced collaboration with primary care.

Work Programme

The Commission reviewed its work programme for 2025-26. The next meeting was scheduled to include a discussion on Close to Home (prevention and primary care) and an item on complex learning disabilities in the context of identified resource pressures. The Commission noted the work programme and the date of its next meeting on 24 February 2026.

Decisions Made

• Fothergill Ward Closure: The Commission recognised the financial case for change regarding Fothergill Ward but did not support its closure at that stage, pending further detailed proposals on the alternative model and system capacity.
• Richard House Children's Hospice Closure: The Commission noted the update on the closure of Richard House and the reconfiguration of children's hospice services. It requested further detailed financial information on Haven House's current position and sustainability.
• Safeguarding Adults: The Commission noted the Newham Safeguarding Adults Board Annual Report 2024-25, partnership submissions, and the discussion. Outstanding questions were to be followed up via email.
• CQC Assurance of Adult Social Care: The Commission noted the Care Quality Commission assurance report on the Council's delivery of adult social care services. It agreed to include a focused review of unpaid carers within the draft work programme for the forthcoming municipal year.
• Work Programme: The Commission noted its work programme.
• Date of Next Meeting: The Commission noted that its next meeting would be held on 24 February 2026.