The Health and Wellbeing Board of Bromley Council was scheduled to discuss a range of important health and social care matters. Key topics included an update on the Joint Commissioning Board's work, the Better Care Fund plan for 2026-27, and a health protection update. The board was also set to receive an update on dementia support and acute resuscitation (CPR) initiatives, alongside reviewing its work programme and outstanding actions.

Joint Commissioning Board Update

The Joint Commissioning Board, co-chaired by Donna Glover, Director of Adult Social Care for Bromley Council, and Dr Angela Bhan, Bromley Place Executive Director for NHS South East London, was scheduled to provide an update on its activities. This board is responsible for providing leadership and strategic oversight for integrated health and social care commissioning programmes within Bromley. Its work programme includes initiatives such as the One Bromley Local Care Partnership, the Learning Disabilities Strategy, and the Integrated Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy. The board also oversees the Bromley Community Mental Health Services (CMHS) Transformation Programme and the All Ages Autism Board Action Plan.

Better Care Fund Plan 2026-27

The Health and Wellbeing Board was scheduled to review the proposed Better Care Fund (BCF) Plan for 2026-27. The BCF is a key funding stream that supports joint health and care working, aiming to improve outcomes for residents, particularly vulnerable adults and children. The report indicated that the BCF and Improved Better Care Fund allocations for 2025/26 were £32 million and £9.6 million respectively. The plan for 2026-27 would outline proposals for how these funds would be utilised to further integrate health and social care services.

Health Protection Update

A health protection update was scheduled to be presented, focusing on the board's priorities for 2025/26. These priorities include preparedness work, such as reviewing and implementing learnings from national exercises and finalising updates to the Bromley Outbreak Management Plan. The board was also set to review the ADPH Health Protection Assurance Framework, focusing on immunisation data and local TB pathways. The development of health protection data dashboards and the monitoring of immunisation uptake were also on the agenda. The update was expected to cover reactive capacity in light of system changes and current activities, including aligning local outbreak management plans with national guidance and strengthening sub-regional networks.

Dementia Support Update

An update on dementia support initiatives was scheduled, following a previous workshop with Bromley's Dementia Support Groups. The Bromley Dementia Friendly Community (BDFC) has been active in supporting individuals living with dementia and their carers. Initiatives discussed included the establishment of Dementia Friendly Cafés, the use of the Innovation Fund to support new projects, and work with the EMPOWER Dementia Network+ on co-produced workshops. The BDFC's engagement with national policy, including a brief to the House of Commons, and its efforts to promote Dementia Friends training were also expected to be highlighted. The report noted that the BDFC had received a grant of £19,500 in 2024, with over 1,100 people attending Dementia Friends sessions and 15 organisations supported to introduce dementia-friendly practices.

Acute Resuscitation (CPR) Update

The board was scheduled to receive an update on acute resuscitation, specifically Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). This discussion was expected to follow up on a previous briefing and consider the establishment of a Task and Finish Group involving the London Ambulance Service and St John's Ambulance. The group would explore practical measures, such as employer training initiatives, publicising defibrillator locations, and promoting the message that anyone can use the equipment in an emergency. The report mentioned that driving theory tests would include an element on CPR and defibrillator use. The London Borough of Bromley Council's own arrangements, including the location of approximately 33 defibrillators and the rollout of RevivR training, were also to be discussed.

Matters Outstanding and Work Programme

The Health and Wellbeing Board was scheduled to review its work programme and consider progress on matters outstanding from previous meetings. The Matters Outstanding table detailed actions from past meetings, such as a communication summary of eligible vaccination groups and a follow-up request to Oxleas regarding 12-hour breaches. The board's work programme for 2026-27 was also to be reviewed, ensuring that priority issues align with the Health and Wellbeing Strategy and the board's terms of reference. Items such as a Childhood Obesity Update and the Development of Neighbourhood Teams were listed for future consideration.