The Health and Adult Social Services Scrutiny Panel met on Tuesday 17 March 2026 to discuss Ealing's adult mental health services, immunisation and screening programmes, and the role of the voluntary and community sector in health services. The panel noted reports on these topics and discussed progress and challenges in each area.

Ealing Adult Mental Health Services

The panel received an overview of adult mental health services in Ealing, focusing on the crisis pathway, intensive support for a subgroup of patients, and the impact of the Right Care, Right Person (RCRP) policy. The report highlighted that Ealing's Community Mental Health Centre (CMHT) funding per weighted population was lower than several other North West London boroughs. Challenges in the adult mental health crisis pathway included bed availability, differing perspectives on community treatment thresholds, and low footfall to crisis alternatives. Data presented showed that Ealing was an outlier for the average time spent in Accident and Emergency (A&E) departments for mental health-related attendances. Improvements were being made through initiatives such as triage nurses, increased use of Mental Health Crisis Assessment Service (MHCAS), new clinical leadership, and the launch of trauma-informed care and stabilisation training. The RCRP policy, which aims to ensure police only respond to welfare checks in exceptional circumstances, was discussed in relation to its impact on mental health services, with partner expectations that agencies would conduct their own checks.

Immunisations and Screening in Ealing

An annual update on immunisation and screening programmes in Ealing was presented. While childhood immunisation rates for some vaccines were above the London average, they were below the previous year's average and the national target for disease control. Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccinations were significantly above London averages but below England averages. Flu vaccination uptake in 2-3 year olds was above the London average but below the national average. The report noted that nationally, there were significant inequalities in vaccination coverage by ethnicity and socioeconomic deprivation. For adult immunisation programmes, flu vaccination uptake in at-risk populations and those aged 65 and over showed a decreasing trend. In terms of screening, breast cancer screening coverage in Ealing had increased and was marginally above the London average. However, bowel cancer screening coverage remained below London and England averages, despite an increasing trend. Cervical cancer screening coverage for women aged 25-49 was similar to the London average but below the England rate, with a decreasing trend. The report also detailed the roles and responsibilities of various partners in delivering immunisation and screening programmes, including NHS England, North West London ICB, Ealing Local Authority, and the UK Health Security Agency.

Role of the Voluntary and Community Sector within Health Services

The panel reviewed the significant contribution of the voluntary and community sector (VCS) to improving health and delivering health services in Ealing. The report outlined a partnership vision to support the sector, aligning with the Health & Wellbeing Strategy and the Council's vision for Connected Communities. Definitions of the VCS and health support or services were provided, emphasising that many VCS organisations impact on the determinants of health. An analysis of the sector in Ealing revealed a large number of registered charities and social enterprises, with most organisations being micro or small. The report also highlighted the existence of under-the-radar groups, estimated to be three times more numerous than registered organisations. The VCS contributes to health through strategic partnerships, a grants programme, and commissioned services. Ealing Council and the NHS are significant funders of VCS grants, supporting areas such as community connections, information and advice, mental health, and autism. Upcoming priorities include the ongoing delivery of the Health & Wellbeing Strategy, the role of the VCS in developing neighbourhood health teams, and a new NHS-funded programme to support Black health in-reach.

Ealing Community Partners Community Health Services

The panel received an update on Ealing Community Partners (ECP), which integrates community physical health services. The report focused on the Ealing Bowel and Bladder Service and Tier 2 Paediatric Audiology. For the Bowel and Bladder Service, efforts were underway to triage referrals more effectively, with a target of triaging all referrals within five working days. The service was moving towards a more patient-focused approach to continence product prescribing and aimed to reduce routine reassessments. The Tier 2 Paediatric Audiology Service had faced significant challenges, leading to a pause in services and a backlog of children awaiting assessment. A company had been engaged to help clear the backlog, and a Look Back Review was being conducted for previously assessed children. The report acknowledged that these challenges were not unique to Ealing and were identified nationally. Improvements were being made, including integrating the Ealing team into a wider workforce in Hounslow to enhance governance and quality.

Primary Care Access

An update was provided on efforts to improve primary care access in Ealing. The objectives included delivering high-quality patient care, managing demand, and maintaining continuity of care. North West London had delivered more appointments than other areas in London and was on track to exceed 17 million appointments by the end of the financial year. Work was being done to reduce variation between practices and Primary Care Networks (PCNs). The introduction of cloud-based telephony systems was enabling practices to better manage call volumes and offer automated call-back functions, with significant improvements in answering incoming calls within 10 minutes. The use of artificial intelligence was also being explored to help triage patient concerns. The report also discussed the utilisation of NHS 111 GP slots, with efforts to maximise their use by spreading them across core hours.

NHS NCL and NWL ICB Place and Neighbourhoods

The panel received information on the operating model for Place and Neighbourhoods within NHS North Central London and North West London Integrated Care Boards (ICBs). The ICB was undergoing significant structural changes to reduce running costs by 50%, shifting towards a more strategic commissioning role. This involved a staff consultation and a selection process for remaining roles, with potential compulsory redundancies. West London NHS Trust had been nominated as the host integrator for the borough-based partnership in Ealing. The new ICB would cover 13 boroughs across North Central and North West London, serving a population of 4.5 million.

Panel Work Programme

The panel noted its work programme and agreed to appoint co-opted members for the upcoming municipal year.

Adult Social Care Transformation and CQC Assurance

The panel received an update on Adult Social Care's continuous improvement programme following a Care Quality Commission (CQC) rating of 'Requires Improvement'. A delivery plan focusing on quality, financial sustainability, and governance had been developed. Progress had been made in reducing waiting times for assessments, strengthening safeguarding, and improving data use. Challenges remained, particularly in reducing occupational therapy waiting times and embedding data-led practices. The service operated in a difficult environment with rising demand, funding pressures, and workforce challenges. The financial resilience programme aimed to achieve significant savings while maintaining service quality. The transformation programme included work on housing solutions, support for carers, support for working-age adults, and the use of technology. The panel was also updated on forthcoming national policy developments and opportunities for greater integration between health and social care.

Public Health - Current Priorities

The Director of Public Health provided an overview of the department's role and statutory responsibilities, focusing on improving wellbeing and reducing health inequalities. Key challenges identified included mental health, poverty, housing insecurity, physical inactivity, and long-term conditions. Priorities for the coming year included recommissioning public health services, launching new weight management and falls prevention programmes, and supporting families in temporary accommodation. The panel sought further information on BCG immunisation waiting times, polio prevention, childhood immunisation uptake, and the Healthy Weight Strategy. Discussions also covered support for carers, cancer screening programmes, access to flu vaccinations, and the use of qualitative evidence in shaping public health priorities. The impact of children's social media use and work with the Licensing Team on smoking and alcohol harm prevention were also discussed.

Health of the Borough 2025-2026

The panel was presented with the annual Health of the Borough report, which highlighted the Council's whole-system approach to improving residents' health and wellbeing, with a focus on reducing health inequalities. The report showcased 18 programmes led or commissioned by the Council, demonstrating the value of partnership working, early intervention, and community-led approaches. Examples of achievements included reductions in school suspensions and exclusions, income maximisation support, and targeted community grants. The report also addressed the issue of rough sleeping as an increasing challenge, outlining existing support mechanisms. In response to written questions, the Council's approach to supporting digitally excluded residents was detailed, along with information on resilience arrangements and the implementation of the Real Living Wage for community-based care contracts.