The Health and Social Care Scrutiny Sub Committee was scheduled to discuss several key reports concerning public health and community services. Topics included an assessment of tuberculosis health needs, the annual report from Healthwatch Harrow, an update on the Harrow Frailty Hospital at Home Service, and an overview of the community equipment service.

Tuberculosis Health Needs Assessment

A report was scheduled to be presented on the increasing impact of tuberculosis (TB) in Harrow. The report indicated that Harrow has the second-highest incidence of TB in England, with an increasing trend. The assessment aimed to understand the reasons for this rise, identify high-risk population groups, and evaluate existing TB management processes. The report highlighted that 95% of active TB cases in Harrow residents between January 2023 and December 2025 were in individuals born outside the UK, with a significant proportion born in India and having lived in the UK for less than five years. Interim findings also noted an increase in TB cases among residents with medical co-morbidities such as diabetes and chronic kidney disease. The report recommended endorsing a proposed approach to address TB challenges, ensuring local TB services are appropriately designed and resourced, and reviewing relevant policies, such as those concerning housing and homelessness.

Healthwatch Harrow Annual Report 2024-2025

The committee was due to receive the annual report from Healthwatch Harrow for the period 2024-2025. This report details the achievements of Healthwatch Harrow in its role as the independent champion for people using health and social care services in the borough. The report indicated that over 4,100 people shared their experiences, and 70,000 items of feedback were processed. It highlighted work undertaken to influence service improvements, including reports on hospital experiences, social isolation, and GP services. The report also detailed efforts to engage with diverse communities, such as South Asian communities and Romanian residents, to improve their understanding and access to NHS care. The annual report noted that Healthwatch Harrow received £76,500 in funding from Harrow Council for the year.

Harrow Frailty Hospital at Home Service

A report was scheduled to outline the key functions, scope, anticipated benefits, risks, and staffing model of the newly commissioned Harrow Frailty Hospital at Home Service. This service operates as a 10-bed virtual ward, providing acute-level care within patients' homes for up to 14 days. The aim is to offer an alternative to hospital admission or extended hospital stays, supporting early supported discharge and admission avoidance. Anticipated benefits include improved patient experience, continuity of care, and enhanced acute hospital flow. The report identified potential risks such as workforce recruitment difficulties and the sustainability of virtual monitoring equipment, with proposed mitigations in place. The service is funded and governed by Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust (CLCH).

Community Equipment Service Overview

The committee was scheduled to receive an overview of the community equipment service in Harrow. This service, which provides disability aids and community equipment to support independent living, was recommissioned in September 2025 following the liquidation of the previous provider, NRS Healthcare. Harrow Council, as part of the North London Equipment Partnership with seven other councils, has contracted with a new provider, Provide Care Solutions. The report detailed the transition process, the challenges faced, and the current operational status of the service, which covers provision, delivery, installation, maintenance, and recycling of equipment. It was noted that expenditure on community equipment services has been increasing, with a projected spend of £1.62m for Harrow in 2025/26 against a budget of £0.7m. The report also highlighted the environmental impact, with 94% of collected equipment value being recycled.