The Health and Wellbeing Board is scheduled to discuss a range of important public health matters, including strategies to address health inequalities, the provision of pharmaceutical services, and the ongoing support for autistic residents. The Board will also review updates on the Better Care Fund and consider initiatives related to foster care recruitment.

Health Inequalities Programme: Future Areas of Focus

The Health Inequalities Programme, which acts as the operational arm for the Birmingham and Lewisham African and Caribbean Health Inequalities Review (BLACHIR) Opportunities for Action, is set to be reviewed. The Public Health team will assess the programme's cumulative impact against current health needs to inform its future direction. This programme, running since 2022, aims to establish partnerships across health systems and communities to improve equitable access, experience, and outcomes for Lewisham residents, particularly those from Black and other racially minoritised communities. The report highlights progress in areas such as Health Equity Teams, community engagement, and improving data collection on ethnicity.

Health Equity Teams (HETs) Cycle Two

An update on Cycle Two of the Lewisham Health Equity Teams (HET) programme will be presented. This cycle focuses on reducing cardiovascular disease inequalities through community-based prevention and proactive case-finding within primary care. Between October 2025 and March 2026, the six Health Equity Teams engaged over 1,100 residents, delivered hundreds of cardiovascular checks, and identified numerous abnormal results requiring follow-up. The programme aims to embed community-centred prevention and proactive population health management within routine primary care systems.

Sickle Cell Disorder – Community and NHS Perspectives in Lewisham

The Board will receive presentations offering insights into Sickle Cell Disorder from both community and NHS perspectives in Lewisham. A presentation from the Sickle Cell Shine Initiative, a community-based organisation focused on awareness, empowerment, and advocacy for equitable healthcare, will be heard. This will be followed by a presentation from Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust, outlining the services they provide for residents with Sickle Cell Disorder. Sickle cell disorder is noted as the most common genetic condition in England, with South London having the highest number of people living with the condition.

Foster Care Recruitment, Retention and Sufficiency – Working Across Health

Lewisham Council is facing significant challenges in its foster carer recruitment and retention efforts, leading to a high dependence on external markets. A proposal to adopt a whole-Council approach to strengthening the foster carer offer has been approved, and this report seeks support from the wider health system. The Board will be asked to endorse local GP practices and other health services displaying posters and flyers for foster care recruitment and to consider opportunities within their organisations to support this initiative.

Lewisham Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) on Autism

Findings from the Lewisham JSNA on Autism will be presented to the Board. The report highlights that autistic people experience poorer physical and mental health outcomes and a lower life expectancy. The assessment aims to improve understanding of the physical and mental wellbeing needs of autistic people in Lewisham and how services can better support them. Key findings include issues with diagnosis waiting times, the need for improved post-diagnostic support, and challenges in data recording. The report also addresses the transition from children's to adult services, communication, training needs, mental health support, and employment for autistic individuals.

Lewisham Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA) 2026-2029

The Board is asked to acknowledge and approve the Lewisham Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA) for 2026-2029. This assessment evaluates the need for pharmaceutical services within Lewisham, outlines current provision, and considers future requirements. The PNA process involved forming a steering group, consulting with pharmacy contractors and service users, and a statutory 60-day consultation period. The assessment concludes that overall provision of essential pharmaceutical services is sufficient, though it identifies a potential gap in Sunday opening hours in Locality 4 and a need for more pharmacies offering smoking cessation support.

Better Care Fund

An update on the Better Care Fund (BCF) will be provided, focusing on the 2025-26 Quarter 3 submission and the upcoming 2026-27 plan. The Board will be asked to note the Quarter 3 return, which shows performance on track to meet goals for emergency admissions, discharge delays, and care home admissions. The Board is also requested to delegate authority to the Chair to approve the 2026-27 BCF plan, which will be presented at a future meeting. The BCF aims to support people in their own homes, minimise hospital admissions, and ensure safe hospital discharges.